Hoopoe Happy

Posted on September 21, 2019 by Richard

The bird I most wanted to see this Spain trip is the Eurasian Hoopoe, one of the most striking and distinctive birds of the region. Last year, I missed a couple that were beside the road – and while our birding this week has been limited, today we went to a favorite site nearby, Charca de Suarez.

Today, after an hour of seeing a nice variety of species, many of which I couldn’t identify, a splashy bird with lot of color flushed. I thought it was a Kestrel but Sally felt otherwise, and spotted it up ahead where it perched in foliage. Sure enough, it was a Hoopoe. I had trouble getting a decent shot but we were happy, even as it flew off.

After more birding including some nice looks at a White Stork and Grey Heron, we stumbled on to a Hoopoe, perhaps the same one, in the middle of the road. Quick camera shots and off it went.

I want to see these guys again, it’s just a very cool bird. They winter in Africa but there’s a chance we’ll see more in the next week. In the meantime, we are Hoopoe Happy.

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Pushing the camera

Posted on September 11, 2019 by Richard

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.

This is one of the three American Kestrels hanging out at the airport.
This Merlin (?) was being mobbed by jays, crows, and a Belted Kingfisher.
Lots of juvenile Cedar Waxwings around.
Common Yellowthroats are still around.
The Great Blue Herons will head out soon.
This Bald Eagle, surveying Berlin Pond, may hang around this winter.
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The Sparrow Farm Trail

Posted on September 3, 2019 by Richard

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.

Here’s a view from the trail showing the farm and one of the many Monarchs out and about.
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Birding With Ginger

Posted on July 18, 2019 by Richard

We have a new dog, a nine-week old Labradoodle named Ginger Ale, who I took birding for the first time this morning. I promised not to pepper the blog with puppy pictures but let me introduce her.

5.3 pounds of energy

I wanted to go up to the local airport in search of Eastern Meadowlarks, since few have been seen in the state this year, but what I found was a beehive of activity with seven Civil Air Patrol planes giving rides and towing q glider – and very little bird activity.

We walked the ramp area, watching planes and getting some exercise — it’s a place I’ve had several planes stored so it’s a little stroll down memory lane. Ginger found a nice spot to catch a rest.

After an hour or so, we loaded up and were heading down the road with the windows opened when sure enough, I heard a Meadowlark. After shedding the car behind me, turning around on the busy road, I was able to take a few shots. The cameral wasn’t set right and I had to rush things but it was a successful end to the outing.

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San Elijo Lagoon Birds

Posted on June 17, 2019 by Richard

Broad-tailed Hummingbird

Two Snowy Egrets, a Great Egret, and a Grest Blue Heron

Great Egret

Great Blue Heron

Killdeer perched on busy AmTrak rail

Forster’s Tern

Black-crowned Night Heron

Black-necked Stilt

Another Black-necked Stilt

Greater Yellowlegs

American Avocet

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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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