The last few days, Ginger and I have been exploring the trails along Wrightsville Reservoir. Today the rain stopped early and a beautiful Fall morning ensued.
The usually suspects were there: crows, geese, chickadees, blue jays, and goldfinches but then we came upon this Northern Shrike, a bird I only see once or twice a year.
It’s cold and windy with a dusting of snow – I just took a short walk on local streets with the dog and left the binoculars and camera at home. Of course, five minutes from the house, I came upon a dozen Pine Grosbeaks feeding in some fruit trees – a place I’ve seen them in years past. Return home for the camera – and risk missing them, or dig out the iPhone? I opted for the latter and with the dog straining on her leash and wind whipping, I took some shots. Here are two – poor lighting, branches, but better than nothing.
We walked the short loop and returning, I saw a low-flying adult Bald Eagle cross just about over us. A quick look – saw the bright white tail – and it was gone behind houses, heading for the forest.
It was a nice outing for exercise, fresh air, and a couple of nice sightings.
This morning, there were all sorts of birds out back at low tide. This group had Wood Storks (the ones with black on the back), American White Pelicans, Roseate Spoonbills, Great Egrets, Snowy Egrets, and White Ibises,
Groups of Roseate Spoonbills came and left.
Later we went downtown and found these groups of Double-crested Cormorants and Brown Pelicans hanging out in the sunshine.
We’ve seen 65-70 species here this week, more than half from our deck. We’ll head north in the morning after a nice stay in Cedar Key.
One of the most scenic sites locally is also a prime birding spot – and a fine mountain bike trail. Today Ginger, our pup, and I took a little hike, seeing and hearing a few birds, but also just enjoying a pretty September morning in Vermont.
The view to the west showing Camel’s Hump peak. A Broad-winged hawk was circling and calling to add a nice touch.
The trail is part of a major network built and maintained by community groups and the city.
Ginger, my birding companion, can get a bit impatient.
After a series of annoying problems with the Sprinter van, we decided that we would return home and rethink our travel options. So, after a leisurely trip northward with good weather all the way, we are back dealing with icy driveways and planning our next venture.
Just before we left Paynes Prairie State Park, I took a walk with just my iPhone.
Hearing a rustle in the leaves, I saw this cute armadillo who scurried off — sort of my last impression of Florida — a good one.
