As we walked a couple of miles alongside the reservoir, there was a quite a mix of birds. Here are more — some of the images are poor because of the grey skies. The first was this American Kestrel which we flushed walking in but was perched again of the same branch an hour later.
This Red-breasted Merganser was moving away from us.
My “helper” who like me, enjoys our birding outings.
When I visit my daughter in Massachusetts, I often try to go birding with Ginger at Cherry Hill Reservoir. We spent a few good hours on a chilly morning last Thursday. Here are a few of the waterfowl we saw.
There were also a number of Scaup – I’m calling them Lesser due to the rounded head.
Ruddy Ducks are often here, in large rafts, resting. They are delightful to watch as they dive and re-appear, usually farther away.
We had a great hike and saw 33 species. I’ll include more in the next post. Happy migration birding.
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.)
We’ve had a long stretch of gray days and with icy trails and muddy back roads, one can long for warmer climes. Then, out on a chilly walk, you get a look at a neat bird, it could be a Chickadee or Blue Jay, and your attitude is adjusted. Such it was this morning when this Hooded Merganser, just tooling down our river, brightened my day.
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.
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.
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.
After yesterday’s encounter with the Great Egret, I vowed to carry my camera every jaunt. Here are a few shots from this morning, when mosquitos seem to outnumber birds.
One of today’s objectives was to relearn how to blog and handle photos on my iPad in preparation for traveling without the laptop. The last time was from Spain in 2021. We’re planning to head back in six weeks.
Just up the street from our house, there’s a little bridge that I cross nearly every day on walks with Ginger. Over the years, I’ve seen all sorts of wildlife on the river from it – here are a few from the last few days.
This morning, I spotted these mergansers just as they saw me, and after a warning command, they turned and cruised easily back upstream.
Several days ago, I encountered this Snapping Turtle laying eggs beside the bridge.
The next morning I saw this family cruising downstream to the bridge, watching me warily.
Returning about ten minutes later, I saw momma turtle just down from where the geese had entered.
It’s all part of nature but I am hoping the goslings made it ok.