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.
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:
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.
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.
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 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..
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.
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.
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.
We have had a few magical days of nice weather and wonderful hiking and birding and in a surprise, I’ve added 8 new birds to my life list.
Last night I saw two Elf Owls, who have just shown up, in an old telephone pole where they have nested for seven years. Lots of waiting, some calls, a quick look, and they were off in the dark to forage. And I had life bird 477.
As we headed out for a morning hike, a birder shouted, “Have you seen the Trogon yet?” Just down the road, a gaggle of people with cameras and binoculars marked where the bird had been seen but it was gone. After a little looking, we crossed down to the trail and sure enough, Sally spotted the male Elegant Trogon just ahead.
The Lodge owner had told me that this bird has returned for three years and last year, found a mate. What a a delightful start to our walk.
We are staying at a lodge in Madera Canyon, a wonderful birding site known all over the world. There is a bird feeding station that attracts thousands of people, hundreds of birds, and a flock of Wild Turkeys who act like they own the place. It’s mating season so they are friskier than ever.
With brisk weather but bright skies, we spent a morning enjoying a lot of birds at the State Park.
It was nice to get back to Patagonia Lake State Park, a true birding hotspot. I even saw the relatively rare Clark’s Grebe who has been hanging out there. It was also nice to bird in sunshine, with more coming.
