We are on a road trip to North Carolina for a week, visiting the Outer Banks. Here are a few shots from today:
NC Wildlife
Posted in National Wildlife Refuges
Tagged bird watching, Birding with Ginger, Black Bear, North Carolina Birding, Purple Martin, road trip
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Outings
While most of my outings involve birding – usually 1-3 miles on trails, roads, and city sidewalks, I also get out for the exercise, fresh air and nature, away from others.
The trails we walk have many trees with all sorts of growths and shapes, like these ones.
Last week, I spotted this different lump in a tree.
One of my favorite downed trees reminds me of a Green Heron hunting for food.
A backcountry beaver pond from which two shy Wood Ducks flushed.
And my birding buddy, muddy legs and all, is always ready for the next outing.
As we wait for the warblers to arrive, there’s always neat stuff to enjoy on our walks.
Posted in nature, Vermont Birding
Tagged Birding with Ginger, nature, porcupine, Vermont Birding, Washington County
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Another day, another eagle
Early yesterday morning, while out with Ginger on our back path, I noticed this young eagle perched in a tree across the river. I’m sure it’s the same one I saw a week ago at the reservoir.
This morning, at the reservoir, I saw this eagle again, waiting right next to the parking area. I never get tired of seeing these birds.
Posted in Local Birding, Vermont Birding
Tagged Bald_Eagle, Vermont Birding, Washington County
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Long-Tailed Ducks
On a morning with new wet snow on the ground and a snow/rain mix falling, Ginger and I added a little in-the-car birding to our routine before we did some errands. It was a nice venture.
I’ve only seen Long-tailed Ducks a few times — they are relatively uncommon here – but we found this pair resting in the rain, probably after a long night flight.
It was a nice treat and I’m sure they’re already on their way.
Posted in Vermont Birding, Washington County
Tagged Birding with Ginger, county bird, Long-Tailed Duck, Vermont Birding, Washington County, Wrightsville Reservoir
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Turf Wars
At dog play group this week, while Ginger ran with her playmates, I watched Eastern Bluebirds and Tree Swallows compete for nesting sites. This rivalry is very common.
In one corner, we have a bluebird just getting ready to settle down.
Also wearing blue is a pair of tree swallows looking for a domicile.
There seemed to be a lot of trash-talking going on.
So, for about half an hour, I watched some aerial antics as the competitors went at it. My little camera caught some of the action.
We’ll see, later this month, who ends up where — it seems like the swallows often win out but this bluebird was feisty.
Posted in Local Birding, Vermont Birding
Tagged bird watching, Eastern Bluebirds, Tree Swallows, Vermont Birding, Washington County
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Turkey Trot
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….
Posted in Local Birding, Vermont Birding
Tagged bird watching, local birding, Vermont Birding, Washington County, wild turkey
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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.
Posted in Local Birding, migration, Vermont Birding
Tagged airport birding, American Kestrel, county bird, Eastern Bluebird, Eastern Meadowlark, migration, Washington County
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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.
Posted in Local Birding, Vermont Birding
Tagged Bald_Eagle, birding, Birding with Ginger, Vermont Birding, Wrightsville Reservoir
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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.
Posted in Local Birding, Vermont Birding
Tagged birding, Birding with Ginger, Winooski River North Branch, Wood Ducks
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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.
Posted in Local Birding, U.S. Birding, Vermont Birding
Tagged Backyard birds, Song Sparrow, Vermont Birding
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