Snow Geese are relatively uncommon in this part of the state so it’s sort of a big deal when some show up, which they did late last week. Reports ran as high as 60 birds with a mix of blue morphs and after a couple of days, I was able to swing by and check them out. The photos are not great but you can get the mix of young and adult birds, perhaps see a blue morph in one photo, and see why these birds, often found in flocks of thousands, are fun to have locally in small groups.
Over the weekend, the dog and I took several nice walks through the neighborhoods of Montpelier. I had my camera along so we had pee stops (her) and photo stops (me.)
We are fortunate, in this time of limited contact, to have a lot of birds that we can see from the house or on a short jaunt to the river. Here are a few from the weekend.
During these challenging times, one of the safe things we can do right now is bird, and with migration starting, we can see a many new arrivals out back on the river. Yesterday, Ginger and I took a drive to check out some nearby farm fields and we saw hundreds of Canada Geese. I was looking for something like a Snow Goose or Cackling Goose while sorting them out from the roads.
Stay safe and be glad that we have our avian friends (and sometimes a canine buddy) to enjoy as we navigate the months ahead. Good birding
Early this morning, while walking Ginger, I heard the distinctive chatter of a Belted Kingfisher. The river, which has been frozen over, had opened up after the recent rains but I expected this guy to be in some place warmer. Mid-day, I heard him and was able to get a couple of photos, with the help of a puppy tugging at her leash. We have some real cold weather ahead this week – hope he’s catching a northerly wind and getting out of here.
One of my favorite places to exercise Ginger is off-hours at the local airport. The parking areas and taxiways are clear of snow and dog-attracting debris and tennis balls roll forever. It was freezing fog this morning but we got a good workout – but also got chilled – so it was back to the car for a little birding.
Just a quarter-mile away is a parking lot for a number of medical groups and more importantly, a good view of birds. Today, I was looking for a species I’ve seen there before — Northern Shrike, and today as I drove in I spotted one in its top of the tree spot. The photo conditions were awful but I rolled down the window, and with warmed-up hands, grabbed a shot. I suspect it will hang around so we’ll return in better lighting. The “butcher-bird” is always a nice winter find.
One of the perks of having a puppy is that it gets you out the door numerous times a day. We live on the North Branch of the Winooski River so part of most of our outings is to stroll through the slush down to see what’s up. My first venture was early and aside from chickadees and a titmouse, not much else was awake.
Later, I spotted two Common Mergansers (likely waiting out the storm to head south) and surprisingly, a Belted Kingfisher. A bit later, I flushed a Great Blue Heron and saw another one stealthily watching us through the freezing drizzle.
Just now, on another trip, I spotted a Bald Eagle patiently perched over the river and I went back, grabbed my camera, and with the dog’s help – straining on a leash – documented this November visitor. Perhaps he’ll stick around.
Ginger and I had a birding venture the other morning which was delightful – there were dozens of young sparrows, many practicing their songs, and the lifting fog, changing colors, and warming temperature just added to the trip.
Most of these birds will head out but the woodpeckers, chickadees, nuthatches, blue jays, crows, and others will be around when we bird this winter here on snowshoes. But let’s not push it.
There are times where it seems like the combination of lousy light and long distance really push the capability of my Canon SX60, as some of these photos taken on walks this week demonstrate. Still, the document some neat birds.
One of the most scenic sites locally is also a prime birding spot – and a fine mountain bike trail. Today Ginger, our pup, and I took a little hike, seeing and hearing a few birds, but also just enjoying a pretty September morning in Vermont.
The view to the west showing Camel’s Hump peak. A Broad-winged hawk was circling and calling to add a nice touch.
The trail is part of a major network built and maintained by community groups and the city.
Ginger, my birding companion, can get a bit impatient.
