Tag Archives: local birds

November Hangers-On

We’ve had a warm fall, as witnessed by the number of ticks on Ginger and the number of birds hanging around. Most migrating birds have left but I still hear a Carolina Wren every morning. Several days ago, I was on an early walk with the dog and saw a bird upstream, and returning a bit later with my camera, found this pretty male Hooded Merganser, hiding amongst the branches of a fallen tree. I suspect he’s headed out.

Today, I saw this Great Blue Heron right out back of the house. He was wary and flushed right after a few shots.

Camera auto-focus thrown off by the reeds — but you get the picture.

Later, on another dog walk, three Common Mergansers were hanging out just upstream from the house. Access because of brush was challenging but here they are.

It’s nice to use binoculars and the camera without gloves but I’m ready for some change. Snow tires are going on tomorrow. Stay tuned.

August Juveniles

We’ve enjoyed seeing a lot of bird youngster activity in our yard this summer including a brood or two of House Wrens as well as young Blue Jays and Common Grackles begging their parents for food from the suet feeder. On the river, we’ve had geese, mergansers, and ducks all raising kids. 

Here are some youngsters that I’ve seen nearby the last couple of days.

A young Hairy Woodpecker showing off his new crown.
Gray Catbirds have been everywhere, often with five or six juveniles. This was one of several out back.
This Common Yellowthroat was in an early brood out back.
This one, with his siblings, are new and very inquisitive.

Song Sparrows are everywhere, but we know they’ll be gone soon. It’s fun to hear them work on their calls.

Yesterday, I was surprised to see this juvenile Herring Gull on the river. Quite unusual but I suspect he hooked up with his cousins at one of compost facilities nearby.