Ridgeway’s Rail

Posted on June 16, 2019 by Richard

Saturday morning, I visited the San Elijo lagoon, where the extensive construction projects that block access were shut down for the weekend. I saw lots of wonderful birds which I’ll post about later – and saw my first Ridgeway’s Rail, an endangered species.

There were three juveniles who showed themselves for just a moment

Like most rails, these were furtive and hiding in the reeds most of the time. It was a nice treat to see them and grab a couple of photos. It’s also nice to know that their riparian home here is being preserved and protected as part of the massive rail and highway projects underway.

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A SoCal Morning

Posted on June 15, 2019 by Richard

Out in San Diego County for a high school graduation and an 8th grade promotion, I grabbed an hour before a heavy day of events and checked out Torrey Pines beach.

I suspect this is a first-year California Gull.

Some Royal Terns at long distance.

There were ten Long-billed Curlews including some juveniles.

Same gull.

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A June Morning

Posted on June 10, 2019 by Richard

I took a drive in the van, perhaps one of the last, up to a local tourist highlight – The Morse Farm – which is known for maple syrup and all sorts of items, but also has some good birds. I was looking for Cliff Swallows and Wilson’s Snipe and saw/heard them along with my first American Bittern of the year. A great spot, a lovely morning, and several hours well-spent.

Mourning Dove

A Cliff Swallow gathering mud.
The shape, long tail, streaking, says Song Sparrow brfore it even sings.
What’s not to like about a Red-winged Blackbird against a blue June sky?
One of the Wilson’s Snipes calling and foraging
Purple Finch
Eastern Bluebird
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Goslings

Posted on May 16, 2019 by Richard

After a stint of damp grey weather, we got a nice treat of our first crop of goslings this morning. I noticed the adult out back and was surprised to see she had a baby poking out from underneath her.

As I watched the youngsters quietly, a couple of braver ones headed out, and were soon joined by four others.
Mom/or Dad joined them on the grass, keeping an eye on me.
Pretty soon, all were foraging and I left snuck away, with plans to watch them in the days ahead. I hope they avoid the local cats and other predators – it is a tough environment in which to survive.

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Mid-Week Birds

Posted on May 11, 2019 by Richard

Local birding is great these days with lots of bird song to hear, new arrivals to identify and watch, and striking breeding plumage to admire – and hardly any leaves, yet.

Yellow Warblers are are easy to spot but hard to photograph.
American Goldfinches will at least pause for a moment.
Warbling Vireos are lovely to hear but always on the move.
Tree, Barn, and Bank Swallows coming and going
Song Sparrow thinking it is hidden.
Mallard in the shade.
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Fish for Breakfast

Posted on May 10, 2019 by Richard

On one of the first sunny days we’ve had in ages, I took the van (which by the way is for sale) out for some birding and at Berlin Pond, after seeing my first Baltimore Oriole of the year, too high and bouncy to photograph, came across this Osprey perched over the pond. It was windy and at the far range of my little camera and it was not until I got home that I realized it had a big fish breakfast.

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Some Spring Songsters

Posted on April 4, 2019 by Richard

These mornings, it seems like every bird is showing its singing prowess.. Yesterday I heard four Downy Woodpeckers calling back and forth and just further ahead, was serenaded by a flock of eager Chickadees. Here are some of the others:

Northern Cardinals are very vocal – both of these were singing in the crisp morning air.
Robins were flocking and vocalizing
Even Common Grackles were more musical than usual
Song Sparrows were the singing stars but were very camera-shy.
House Finches were in full voice as well.

Shortly after returning home from the long walk, we got our first look at the Great Blue Heron, spotted by Sally, and hopefully a bird we’ll have out back on the river all summer. A true sign of spring.

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They’re Back

Posted on March 31, 2019 by Richard

In spite of several feet of snow on the ground and chilly temperatures, we have had a lot of new avian arrivals in the last few days.

While crows have been around all winter, the recent surge in numbers is a nice sign of Spring.

The ice in the North Branch of the Winooski out back just is disappearing and we saw Hooded Mergansers for the first time yesterday.

The first two Canada Geese splashed in this morning.

This Ring-necked Duck is .the first we’ve ever seen on the North Branch
A Mallard cruses downstream as a female hoodie goes by.

This afternoon, while watching the river, I watched an Eastern Phoebe alight on the deck railing, pump its tail and probably wonder where Spring is — I certainly am..

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Patagonia Area

Posted on March 24, 2019 by Richard

Patagonia is an interesting mix of small town, art, history, birding, and funkiness. Perhaps the municipal restrooms as you enter town set the tone.

Walking the streets offers some unusual backyards.

There are many old trailers which are being renovated for reuse.
A backyard display
A mural across the border in Nogales
A view on the way into Patagonia Lake State Park,

Back here in Vermont, as we wait impatiently for the snowpack to melt, it is fun to remember where we were last week and savor that experience.

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Yellow-Eyed Junco

Posted on March 23, 2019 by Richard

I spent quite some time, on several days, sorting out Juncos at the Santa Rita Lodge feeders. Most of the birds were the Grey-headed version of the Dark-eyed Junco — like this guy.

I was looking for one of the few Yellow-Eyed Juncos that sometimes frequented the place but they were elusive, even though others had spotted them. (You should have been here ten minutes ago…”} Finally I spotted one and the next day, both Sally and I saw this one. A nice life bird, especially after the search.

“OK, you can stop looking.”
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