Early this morning on a dog walk/birding outing, I came across this merganser family out for a cruise. For once, the dog was not moving, the sun was behind me, and there was no foliage in the way. I count ten or eleven youngsters – including the two getting a ride.
New migrants are arriving daily and the trees are just budding — it’s a great time to get out an check things out. Here are a few recent sightings.
Eastern Kingbirds showed up last week, as did Common Loons.
And I’m still sorting out sandpipers — this one, which I saw just up from the house, I’m calling a Solitary Sandpiper, not a Spotted.
Warblers are here but their movement and the dog’s leash make them difficult to photograph. But all the Yellow Warblers and American Goldfinches add lollipops of color to enjoy.
I seldom watch birds without our dog, Ginger, along on a leash. It adds a challenge of stabilizing dog and camera when photographing but we often log 15-20 miles a week together. With mud season in full bloom here, most of our walks are on the great network of sidewalks throughout Montpelier. Here are some recent shots, a couple from today.
Yesterday, I came across this Pileated Woodpecker in a close-by neighborhood. I’ve heard them this year but this is the first I’ve seen.
Then, this morning, just as we were heading out, this Wood Duck pair, recently arrived, were riding the river current downstream. They are very shy, unlike our Mallards, but just wonderful to see.
Female (this is the year I master manual focusing.)
Life sort of got in the way of blogging but I’ve been back lugging my camera with me the last few days. But first, here’s an iPhone shot – an American Tree Sparrow – through the kitchen window.
Several days ago, I came across this Cooper’s Hawk – at the limit of my SX70 Canon’s range.
Backyard birds like these Mourning Doves continue to delight us.
These Mallards are taking advantage of the still-open river out back.
This morning, I came across these Hoodies who were heading upstream. The morning light resulted in some interesting images.
Season’s Greetings and hopes for a more sane, more peaceful world in 2024.
After a wonderful trip to Spain with a stopover in Lisbon, we are back in Vermont at the start of stick season. The leaves are gone and many of the birds but many of our favorites are around. Here are some:
The cooler temperatures remind me of what’s ahead but also makes me think of Snowy Owls and the redpolls, crossbills, and waxwings that may show up. Good birding.
We’re leaving for Spain in a few days and I’m planning to blog with my new iPad, but testing things while I still have computer backup. Here area few images from the last couple of days.
A month ago, I would have been in waist-deep flood water shooting this group. They are enjoying feeding at normal river level. It makes me wonder, where did the ride the storm out?
We’ve had several Great Egrets in the area since the storm, and seeing this heron and egret, couldn’t help but wonder if they were comparing migration plans.
We took a three mile walk around town this morning — here are a few shots from our jaunt.
These are days when Vermont is great — nice air, sun, and a breeze — and some last looks at birds who’ll be heading out in the weeks ahead.
I have combined dog walks and birding for years and here are a few shots from recent outings. Here’s my companion, resting halfway through a three mile hike.
A few minutes earlier we had encountered several Northern Flickers.
Most of the woodlands birds aren’t singing now so you have to spot them. This Veery was very accommodating.
Walking along the river, I’m seeing the Great Egret, Great Blue Heron, and Belted Kingfishers nearly every day. Here are a Wood Duck, a Green Heron, and a Common Merganser.
It’s been a good birding summer and we look forward to fall walks — with fewer birds but also, fewer bugs.
We are fortunate to have a nice birdwatching venue behind our house, located less than a mile from the center of the city. Here are a few visitors in the last week or two:
Our path to the river is still pretty muddy since the flood but this Gray Catbird is enjoying the lawn chair which survived the disaster.
The dead trees across the river are favorite perches for crows, kingbirds, and the occasional hawk or eagle. This Osprey, while not unusual to the area, is one of the first I’ve seen out back.
Checking eBird just now, I find that I’ve submitted 950 checklists and observed 136 species at this backyard patch. Nice spot for a birder to live.
Today, walking with Ginger, I was using my iPhone to capture some images for a Spanish lesson. This garden of coneflowers (Echinacea) just down the street, caught my eye.
You might notice the butterfly – I did as it moved from plant to plant. I got my regular camera ready and as it settled, got a nice shot of it.
In spite of floods, warming, smoke from Canada, and all, moments like this give me hope. Getting outside is a good way to stay healthy, physically and mentally.