Tag Archives: Vermont Birding

Mid-May Birding

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Every day, new birds are arriving – it’s a great time for birding. Yesterday, I drove into a parking spot at Ginger’s play group and rolled down the window to get this hummer.

This Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and his mate are driving our neighbors crazy with their constant drilling on the sheet metal shed roof.

Canada Geese are raising youngsters all along the river.

One of the delightful new arrivals are the Warbling Vireos, like the one I saw early this morning.

My birding companion is always up for an outing.

I have gathered a few warbler shots and will post them next time. It’s definitely a work in progress.

Productive Friday

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Ginger and I took an early 3 mile walk along the river and ended up seeing/hearing nearly forty bird species. I was trying to get some exercise so we didn’t stop too often for photos.

This beaver was out for a early swim.
And just up ahead, a female Wood Duck preened and dried off.
Canada Geese in the morning sun.

There’s a lot of courting and chasing going on – and this couple needed to “get a room.”

My next objective is to tackle the warblers. It’s fun to hear and see them this time of year but they are always moving, often hidden by branches, and they test my patience. Stay tuned.

Back Home

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A lot of birds arrived during our trip to North Carolina. On the first morning back, I had a wonderful outing.

My first Vermont Gray Catbird of the year
This Mallard was spectacular in the morning sun
A Solitary Sandpiper
A Red Trillium along the trail

Many birds were singing including warblers (Yellow, Black & White, Chestnut-sided, Yellow-rumped, and Common Yellowthroat) and at the end of the walk, this American Robin was singing its heart out. So it made it into the photos.

Outings

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While most of my outings involve birding – usually 1-3 miles on trails, roads, and city sidewalks, I also get out for the exercise, fresh air and nature, away from others.

The trails we walk have many trees with all sorts of growths and shapes, like these ones.

Last week, I spotted this different lump in a tree.

That’s not Vermont Spanish moss but a resting porcupine — high up in a tree.,

One of my favorite downed trees reminds me of a Green Heron hunting for food.

A backcountry beaver pond from which two shy Wood Ducks flushed.

And my birding buddy, muddy legs and all, is always ready for the next outing.

As we wait for the warblers to arrive, there’s always neat stuff to enjoy on our walks.

Another day, another eagle

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Early yesterday morning, while out with Ginger on our back path, I noticed this young eagle perched in a tree across the river. I’m sure it’s the same one I saw a week ago at the reservoir.

This morning, at the reservoir, I saw this eagle again, waiting right next to the parking area. I never get tired of seeing these birds.

Long-Tailed Ducks

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On a morning with new wet snow on the ground and a snow/rain mix falling, Ginger and I added a little in-the-car birding to our routine before we did some errands. It was a nice venture.

I’ve only seen Long-tailed Ducks a few times — they are relatively uncommon here – but we found this pair resting in the rain, probably after a long night flight.

It was a nice treat and I’m sure they’re already on their way.

Turf Wars

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At dog play group this week, while Ginger ran with her playmates, I watched Eastern Bluebirds and Tree Swallows compete for nesting sites. This rivalry is very common.

In one corner, we have a bluebird just getting ready to settle down.

Also wearing blue is a pair of tree swallows looking for a domicile.

There seemed to be a lot of trash-talking going on.

So, for about half an hour, I watched some aerial antics as the competitors went at it. My little camera caught some of the action.

We’ll see, later this month, who ends up where — it seems like the swallows often win out but this bluebird was feisty.

Turkey Trot

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The other day, I came upon a dozen turkeys having a little get-together. Normally super cautious, they sort of ignored me as they romped in the tall grass. Spring was in the air….

Just lookin’ for love in all the wrong places
This should impress them
I think she likes me

A Nice Monday Encounter

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Wrightsville Reservoir, just a few miles north, is a favorite spot for Ginger and I to hike and bird. We spent a couple of hours there early yesterday.

Much of the reservoir is still ice-covered but kayaks will be out there soon.
The hiking trails have many side trails and large boulders.

As we approached the beach area, we were surprised to find this Bald Eagle watching us.

I saw a juvenile here last April – this may be the same bird a year younger.

Of course, birding with a dog has its challenges and soon Ginger came trotting along and the bird launched.

Lazily, it soared away, slowly climbing on weak thermals. I watched it for a long time as we walked on, until it was just a speck in the April sky. It’s always a treat to see a Bald Eagle and a nice reminder that there are comeback stories in birding.

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