Long overdue--i was able to get out to allaire today for a few hours of late-day birding. Didn't turn out too bad, either. Nothing spectacular, but I was pretty happy considering I haven't been out in so long . . .
Here's what we saw:
They're so common but so underappreciated.
Carolina Chickadee
Of course we all love the state bird. I'd like to get a shot in summer plumage, though. They're so much prettier.
Nothing much spectacular about this hermit thrush, but its the first I've correctly identified in the wild . .
White-breasted nuthatches seem easier and easier to find, but I still love the way they scamper up and down trees like a woodpecker.
Speaking of woodpeckers---we saw this red-bellied woodpecker in the exact same area as the red-headed from last year, hairys, downys, and a POSSIBLE (but not very likely) pileated woodpecker. Its such a good spot for them.
This was my finale (despite the crappy picture). I know eastern bluebirds are supposedly common . . . but in the last 7 or so years I've seen exactly two--and they whizzed right by before I could get a good look. This day, however . . . there were 5 or so just pittering around the whole area. I love these birds, they're so much more beautiful in real life. I can't wait to get my new camera.
Its not herping, but it is fun . . . and any excuse to tromp through the woods and learn about native wildlife is all the excuse I need.
-Bob
Here's what we saw:
They're so common but so underappreciated.
Carolina Chickadee
Of course we all love the state bird. I'd like to get a shot in summer plumage, though. They're so much prettier.
Nothing much spectacular about this hermit thrush, but its the first I've correctly identified in the wild . .
White-breasted nuthatches seem easier and easier to find, but I still love the way they scamper up and down trees like a woodpecker.
Speaking of woodpeckers---we saw this red-bellied woodpecker in the exact same area as the red-headed from last year, hairys, downys, and a POSSIBLE (but not very likely) pileated woodpecker. Its such a good spot for them.
This was my finale (despite the crappy picture). I know eastern bluebirds are supposedly common . . . but in the last 7 or so years I've seen exactly two--and they whizzed right by before I could get a good look. This day, however . . . there were 5 or so just pittering around the whole area. I love these birds, they're so much more beautiful in real life. I can't wait to get my new camera.
Its not herping, but it is fun . . . and any excuse to tromp through the woods and learn about native wildlife is all the excuse I need.
-Bob
