Author: Richard

An Afternoon Surprise

Yesterday afternoon, I was sitting out back near the river reading in the shade, with Ginger on my lap. I was missing seeing the inquisitive Common Yellowthroats and aerobatic Eastern Kingbirds, and many others — it was bittersweet to realize that most of our summer birds are suddenly gone.

Movement caught my eye and two large birds languidly flew upstream, right in front of me. A Great Blue Heron and what — a Great Egret, passed by side by side, circled to fly back down stream leaving me surprised to say the least. While I see Great Egrets elsewhere, I’ve never seen one here — and especially accompanied by a heron who decided to peel of and perch in a big White Pine. The egret landed just upstream.

I had no camera with me but I gathered the dog, jogged up to the house, grabbed my Canon and returned — and took a few photos. I suspect both birds are on their way south today but that last look was very special.

Morning Paddle

This morning, Ginger and I spent an hour or so on the river, launching from our backyard with leash, paddle, and camera. Just upstream, this little Painted Turtle watched us but stayed put on his sunny spot.

There were dozens of Eastern Kingbirds chattering and feeding as we moved upriver. I love to watch their aerial antics — many were youngsters.

It’s interesting sitting in a moving stream handling the boat, the camera, and of course, the dog. I miss a lot of shots but it’s fun. Every so often, Ginger is antsy to move on.

I spotted this Green Heron, which I’ve seen before, up ahead and quietly tried to move towards it.

The current was challenging and the paddle spooked it and it flew off into the underbrush.

There were any groups of young kids around the playfields and wading in the river so while Ginger wanted to join them, we cruised back. It was a nice end of July outing.

Common Yellowthroats

The other afternoon, I was sitting in the shade down by the river, reading a book with Ginger in my lap. Several Common Yellowthroats were feeding in the bushes around us and having my camera, I quietly took some photos. I need to revisit these photos next February when it’s cold and grey – to remember how beautiful Vermont can be in July.

Invasives Trail

Just a short walk from our house is a short trail along the river, part of the city trails system, named the Invasives Trail. Along with Japanese Knotweed and other invasives, it host a lot of birds. Many people help whack back the knotweed, repair the foot bridges, and clear the trail. I go there several times a week, including today. Here are a few birds Ginger and I saw during a warm summer morning walk this morning.

Montpelier trails are multi-use and well marked.
This Alder Flycatcher was singing steadily and thus identifiable.
We have had a large crop of Gray Catbirds – the youngsters are practicing their singing.
A Hairy Woodpecker hard a work.
A young Eastern Kingbird. We have a number of families living along the river – great fun to watch.
Song Sparrow – perhaps our most numerous summer bird.
I watched this bird preen itself for five minutes but can’t identify it. Ideas?
Here, on the other hand, is a young Veery. There were several calling.

What a wonderful resource to have in our neighborhood, and a launching point for hours-long hikes on the trail network.

A Morning Surprise

Ginger and I usually take a short walk every morning – same route, same routine. Yesterday, we came across these two Great Blue Herons, birds we haven’t seen for a month or so on the river. After a short photo session, we left them undisturbed to continue their morning feeding.

Some Local Birds

Over the past weeks, in spite of the challenges of foliage, I’ve managed to see a number of birds who are easy-to-hear but hard-to-see. The best example is the Red-eyed Vireo, who persistently calls from high in trees, rarely moving.

This Veery was another, “usually heard but not seen” bird.
Alder Flycatchers are sort of the opposite – unless you hear them you can’t tell the from their Least/Willow cousins.
Goldfinches, on the other hand, are pretty easy to spot and to hear — just great birds to put some pizzaz in your birding day.

The other day, this bird was out back and lit in such a way that to me, it looked like an Orchard Oriole, which are rather uncommon here. Based on its song, I labeled it a Baltimore Oriole – still a nice summer bird.

Lastly, I’ll leave you with a shot from yesterday which captures the reason we love getting out in Vermont on nice summer mornings. This in East Montpelier off Center Road.

Some NC Shorebirds

When you only get to the beach a few times a year, it’s always (for me) a challenge to sort out the shorebirds. Plovers, sandpipers, peeps, all moving all the time. This year we saw many Black-bellied Plovers in various phases of plumage.

Hanging with some Sanderlings

Easier for me are the bigger guys, like this Whimbrel and his Willet companion.

No one can mistake these Laughing Gulls when they hear and/or see them.

I’ll leave you with an image of a crab that we found while walking — it’s an Atlantic Ghost Crab. Thanks, iNaturalist

Count Them?

On our recent trip to North Carolina, we spent nearly every day at the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Mild weather, expansive beaches, and lots of sea birds – what’s not to like? Here’s the scene we saw the first morning there:

Double-crested Cormorants and Brown Pelicans

The next morning we came upon this gaggle of cormorants on the beach, slowly sliding into the water as we approached.

As a pilot, I have always loved to watch pelicans fly, either in formation, or riding the “ground effect” of the waves.

I’ll leave you with one of the pretty sand dunes, with its streaks of dark sand and topping of beach grass.

Chestnut-sided Warblers

The “pleased to-pleased to-meet you” song of the the Chestnut-sided Warbler is for me, one of the easiest calls to remember. On the other hand, the warblers, always on the move and usually partly hidden by branches and foliage, are some of the toughest to photograph. This group of photos from the last few weeks will prove it.

It’s a treat to see and hear these colorful visitors and they are indeed, pleasing to meet.

Redstarts Rock!

One of the easier warblers to spot and hear, American Redstarts are great to encounter. They sing loudly, flash their tail-feathers to attract suitors or surprise insects, and add a splash of color to our woods.

Female – courtesy of Jeff Bryant