Tag Archives: Common Grackle

Happy Fourth

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We are staying at a lakeside camp not far from home for this month. The birding is good although most species are buried in the dense tall fir trees that surround us. In the early mornings, there’s no boat activity and lots of bird calls and songs. Good luck with bird shots.

We have a summer resident Common Loon, seemingly unfazed by the party boats. This morning, I watched it doing its bathing, not far from our deck.

The Canada Geese gaggle takes shelter from boaters later on but twenty-four paraded by one the placid pond about six-thirty.

It’s a great time of year in Vermont to get out and enjoy the natural beauty and critters. Diving on a back road yesterday, I came upon a mama bear and two raccoon-sized cubs, smallest I’d ever seen. Between grabbing the camera and controlling a crazy dog, she was long-gone pronto. But, it’s an image I’ll remember – a Happy Fourth of July surprise.

Early Morning Backyard Birds

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Nearly every morning this summer, I walk Ginger early. We often start by going down our path the the river and then on to nearby trails. It’s not unusual to see and hear many birds right in our backyard.

Two days ago, this Common Merganser was just cruising down the river.

Yesterday, about six-thirty, we came upon this little Wood Duck family. They gently eased away from us and I wondered if the youngsters were to young to fly.

In a summer of chaos, it’s calming to start the day with a taste of the natural life right around us. Get out and enjoy July.

Local Talent

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During weeks of gray days with drizzle and chilly, we walk most every day waiting for warmth and migrants. Here are some birds that hang out locally and brighten the dismal mornings. This Song Sparrow was singing non-stop and still at it an hour later.

Common Mergansers cruise on the icy river.

We see a few Mallards – this guy was a “puddle duck” on a nearby recreation field.

American Robins are showing up more often, often in traveling groups.

Snow is again the forecast tomorrow but the days are longer, more birds are on the way here. Ginger and I are ready to get out there and see them. Good April birding to you all.

Early Spring Birds

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The snow is melting, back roads are muddy, and every week new birds show up. Downy Woodpeckers, here in our backyard all year, are some of our favorites – and we get to see their fledglings in a few months.

American Crows are very active, hassling hawks like this Red-tailed, and often gathering in groups, known as “murders.”

Likewise, Red-winged Blackbirds and Common Grackles, recent arrivals, forage together.

Turkey Vultures arrived about two weeks ago. Note the wing dihedral and wingtip feathers.

Another year-round bird which is fun to watch and hear is the Tufted Titmouse. This one was in a tree out back.

And sometimes, nothing is out and about — but this guy popped up in the only hole in the pond. It looks like he saw his shadow.