Tag: Birding with Ginger

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.

That’s not Vermont Spanish moss but a resting porcupine — high up 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.

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.

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.

Much of the reservoir is still ice-covered but kayaks will be out there soon.
The hiking trails have many side trails and large boulders.

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.