The other day, I came upon a dozen turkeys having a little get-together. Normally super cautious, they sort of ignored me as they romped in the tall grass. Spring was in the air….
Turkey Trot
Category: Vermont Birding
Some April Arrivals
This is a nice time to bird in Vermont as migration continues and almost every day, you can see new arrivals. Here are a few from this week.
The following day, I went up to the local airport looking for American Kestrels spotted this bird flying along the road. The photo is difficult because I had to stop on a busy road, watching for traffic as I shot.
Warblers should be here soon and with temperatures warming, we are looking forward to the return of many more migrants.
A Nice Monday Encounter
Wrightsville Reservoir, just a few miles north, is a favorite spot for Ginger and I to hike and bird. We spent a couple of hours there early yesterday.
As we approached the beach area, we were surprised to find this Bald Eagle watching us.
I saw a juvenile here last April – this may be the same bird a year younger.
Of course, birding with a dog has its challenges and soon Ginger came trotting along and the bird launched.
Lazily, it soared away, slowly climbing on weak thermals. I watched it for a long time as we walked on, until it was just a speck in the April sky. It’s always a treat to see a Bald Eagle and a nice reminder that there are comeback stories in birding.
A Morning Surprise
Another grey morning, just below freezing, and Ginger and I are on an exercise/birding outing. Just minutes into the walk, I heard a splash below me and then saw this wonderful Wood Duck easing down the river.
He hopped up on a limb, just about out of range of my camera, and posed.
It’s nice to get out and walk every day but even better when you have birds to lighten up your mood. This guy did the trick.
Song Sparrows – 1
For the last week, in spite of drizzle and grey skies, Song Sparrows are singing. It’s such a great boost to morale to welcome them back.
I know that warmer days are ahead and with that in mind, looked up this image from last year. Yes, better days are ahead.
Wastewater Birding
Some of the best places to visit for birds around the world are wastewater treatment facilities. The lagoons and wetlands provide a rich environment and in arid areas, a handy source of water. While security issues have restricted access to many such places, they still, as I found out this week, a handy place to visit.
First, on this chilly day, let’s virtually visit a couple of my favorite sites. The Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center at the Port Aransas Wastewater Treatment Facility is one of the hotspots along the Texas coast. Not only are the birds plentiful, they are accustomed to visitors and allow pretty close access.
In California, The San Elijo Lagoon just north of San Diego is an innovative reclamation site for treated wastewater with great trails and a wide variety of birds.
The facilities in the Northeast tend to have few lagoons or wetlands but some, like the operation in nearby Waterbury, have aerated cells which stay open all winter. There were several young Herring Gulls and a few dozen Ringed-bill Gulls gathered on a cold day earlier this week.
March Backyard Birds – 2
As the snow slowly recedes, it’s fun to recall the birds who rode out the last big storm. Mourning Doves are here every day regardless of weather.
We have had many more American Tree Sparrow than we normally do.
This, I believe, is a Song Sparrow feeding in the back yard. They now are singing – last week they were thinking more about food.
Northern Cardinals are always handsome, but this guy was spectacular in the new snow.
Lastly, my birding companion loves to romp in new powder – last time for her this winter.
March Backyard Birds – 1
Less than a week ago, we waded through a foot of new powder snow to get out to the river.
Lots of melting and new arrivals on the river this week – and it’s a great time to anticipate warmer and better days ahead.
Hoodies in the sun
After a foot or more of new snow, the Hooded Mergansers, that were in the midst of the storm last post, were cruising under blue skies the next day, right at the end of our path. Looks like they’re in the mood for a spring fling.
Note: I am having trouble having photos show on the email posts. If you click on the url, they show. Working on it ……
Hoodies in the Snow
Midst a major snowstorm, hopefully the last of the season, we’ve had a lot of activity in the backyard including the resident Carolina Wren, dozens of goldfinches, and even a mink and a beaver. Today, a pair of Hooded Mergansers showed up on the open river, so I donned boots and went out to see them. Unfazed by the snow, they foraged away, and cruised like it was July.
Perhaps we’ll see them with chicks in a few months. They’re a nice sight on a snowy afternoon.
Note: I am having trouble having photos show on the email posts. If you click on the url, they show. Working on it ……