In spite of wintry weather in December, our visiting Great Blue Heron hung in there until mid-month. Here are the last photos I got before it departed just before Christmas.
See You Next Spring
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Tag Archives: local birding
November Hangers-On
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.
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.
Hangers-On — Part A
As most of the warblers, hummers, and flycatchers have left for warmer climes, I’ve been looking for birds that are packed but not quite ready to go. Here are some from last week.
Ducks, except for a few hardy Mallards, will likely be migrating next month, just in time for hunting season. There are a lot of young Common Mergansers still around.
Likewise, Wood Ducks are out and about.
Most flycatchers are gone but the ones remaining are silent and still confusing.
While the avian departure is bittersweet, it’s time to recall past winter birding and the prospect of Hawk Owls, Snowy Owls, finches, grosbeaks, crossbills ……
Last Encounter
Ginger and I went for a paddle the other morning and along with a noisy Belted Kingfisher and a few remaining Eastern Kingbirds and Gray Catbirds, I saw this cooperative Green Heron. I don’t expect to meet him again until springtime but he gave me some nice last looks from the kayak.
An Afternoon Surprise
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
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
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.
Invasives Trail
Just a short walk from our house is a short trail along the river, part of the city trails system, named the Invasives Trail. Along with Japanese Knotweed and other invasives, it host a lot of birds. Many people help whack back the knotweed, repair the foot bridges, and clear the trail. I go there several times a week, including today. Here are a few birds Ginger and I saw during a warm summer morning walk this morning.
What a wonderful resource to have in our neighborhood, and a launching point for hours-long hikes on the trail network.
A Morning Surprise
Ginger and I usually take a short walk every morning – same route, same routine. Yesterday, we came across these two Great Blue Herons, birds we haven’t seen for a month or so on the river. After a short photo session, we left them undisturbed to continue their morning feeding.
Chestnut-sided Warblers
The “pleased to-pleased to-meet you” song of the the Chestnut-sided Warbler is for me, one of the easiest calls to remember. On the other hand, the warblers, always on the move and usually partly hidden by branches and foliage, are some of the toughest to photograph. This group of photos from the last few weeks will prove it.
It’s a treat to see and hear these colorful visitors and they are indeed, pleasing to meet.