Tag Archives: Backyard birds

November Hangers-On

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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.

Hangars-On–Part B

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As we transition to Fall with hints of color in the foliage, there are fewer birds and most are silent. There are migrants moving through and some locals who have yet to leave. Here’s a few shots from the last couple of days.

A few Mallards hang around, but most will leave soon.

I got to finish molting before I’m going out in public.

Hawks have been on the move for a while but I came upon a pair of Sharp-shinned Hawks yesterday. They had a major hassle going on with six or seven Northern Flickers, which I watched for about ten minutes. The lighting was poor but the action was cool.

Same tree, waiting for a rematch

The flycatchers are gone but some Eastern Phoebes are still here, wearing their yellowish fall plumage.

These young European Starlings will head out soon.

One of the fun parts of this season is to watch the youngsters grow up, learning their calls and songs, how to forage, and in general, how to be noisy teenagers. Gray Catbirds have been prime examples the last few days and this one just dared me to take his photo.

An Afternoon Surprise

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Yesterday afternoon, I was sitting out back near the river reading in the shade, with Ginger on my lap. I was missing seeing the inquisitive Common Yellowthroats and aerobatic Eastern Kingbirds, and many others — it was bittersweet to realize that most of our summer birds are suddenly gone.

Movement caught my eye and two large birds languidly flew upstream, right in front of me. A Great Blue Heron and what — a Great Egret, passed by side by side, circled to fly back down stream leaving me surprised to say the least. While I see Great Egrets elsewhere, I’ve never seen one here — and especially accompanied by a heron who decided to peel of and perch in a big White Pine. The egret landed just upstream.

I had no camera with me but I gathered the dog, jogged up to the house, grabbed my Canon and returned — and took a few photos. I suspect both birds are on their way south today but that last look was very special.

Morning Paddle

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This morning, Ginger and I spent an hour or so on the river, launching from our backyard with leash, paddle, and camera. Just upstream, this little Painted Turtle watched us but stayed put on his sunny spot.

There were dozens of Eastern Kingbirds chattering and feeding as we moved upriver. I love to watch their aerial antics — many were youngsters.

It’s interesting sitting in a moving stream handling the boat, the camera, and of course, the dog. I miss a lot of shots but it’s fun. Every so often, Ginger is antsy to move on.

I spotted this Green Heron, which I’ve seen before, up ahead and quietly tried to move towards it.

The current was challenging and the paddle spooked it and it flew off into the underbrush.

There were any groups of young kids around the playfields and wading in the river so while Ginger wanted to join them, we cruised back. It was a nice end of July outing.

Common Yellowthroats

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The other afternoon, I was sitting in the shade down by the river, reading a book with Ginger in my lap. Several Common Yellowthroats were feeding in the bushes around us and having my camera, I quietly took some photos. I need to revisit these photos next February when it’s cold and grey – to remember how beautiful Vermont can be in July.

Yellow Warblers

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Another challenging bird to photograph, Yellow Warblers are easy to spot, often at eye level, and have an easy to recognize song. (“sweet sweet sweet I’m so sweet”) If they’d only stop moving, never pausing to catch a breath. We are lucky to have some great habitat right around us to see them. Here is one feeding the other morning.

Here is a shot from our backyard last year.

It’s great to see and hear these bouncy birds in our neighborhood.

Song Sparrows – 1

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For the last week, in spite of drizzle and grey skies, Song Sparrows are singing. It’s such a great boost to morale to welcome them back.

They do have a way of perching with branches in the way.
Or perch on the backside of a branch.
This banded bird is back from southern climes.

I know that warmer days are ahead and with that in mind, looked up this image from last year. Yes, better days are ahead.

https://wp.me/p2Neyr-1I1

March Backyard Birds – 2

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As the snow slowly recedes, it’s fun to recall the birds who rode out the last big storm. Mourning Doves are here every day regardless of weather.

We have had many more American Tree Sparrow than we normally do.

This, I believe, is a Song Sparrow feeding in the back yard. They now are singing – last week they were thinking more about food.

Northern Cardinals are always handsome, but this guy was spectacular in the new snow.

Lastly, my birding companion loves to romp in new powder – last time for her this winter.

March Backyard Birds – 1

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Less than a week ago, we waded through a foot of new powder snow to get out to the river.

White-breasted Nuthatches show up every day
As do Blue Jay’s
Red-winged Blackbirds just arrived
This Carolina Wren has been here all winter

Lots of melting and new arrivals on the river this week – and it’s a great time to anticipate warmer and better days ahead.

Backyard Birds 1

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Living next to a river is great — we paddle on it, ski on it some winters, and have an ever-delightful array of wildlife to watch. On perhaps my last paddle of the year, I flushed these mallards just upstream of the house.

We’ve had a summer-long affair with a Great Blue Heron who shows up for a while, is gone for weeks, and returns and day after day is right out back.

“Snow in the forecast, think it’s time to get out of Dodge.’