Birds seemed hard to come by in the two CBC's that I participated in. Ducks were especially hard to find. I did get to count some Sandhill Cranes on one of the counts, an omen as to what was to come crane wise.
Some once common birds I remember from my childhood are now not as easy to find. One example is the American Kestrel. Used to love to see this bird hunt mice in the yard. Here is one of about 3 that I saw on the East Fork CBC. I remember seeing around 15 on this count not too long ago.
Today, the sun decided to make an appearance in the afternoon. I decided to take advantage of that by checking East Fork Lake.
Killdeer are usually hard to come by at this time of the year, but it seems that quite a few are deciding to tough it out. Here is a cold Killdeer from this morning. That is snow in the corner of the pic.
Today was the first day that I have not seen people out in boats on the main lake in a while. Thus, I finally seen some ducks. I was surprised to see this Red-breasted Merganser just off the beach. I think this bird has been missed on both CBC's that I participated in this year.
I heard Sandhill Cranes calling for much of the afternoon, but I couldn't spot them. Then, I spotted a flock coming over the tree line heading towards my direction. I was able to snap a couple pics and tried for the first time to shoot video with my camera.
Hi Donald, it is wonderful to get out and go biridng on these warm days. Very unusual for us to have in december and January. But I will not complain. Great series of birds, I have see the kestrels usually on the wires along the roads. Cool shots of the Sandhill Crane. They do sound nea tin your video. Happy Birding!
ReplyDeleteGreat birds. I usually don't see Kestrels, so great you see them so often.
ReplyDeleteI had not heard he cranes gurgling in flight since my childhood, thank you Donald.
ReplyDelete...I loved listening to the Sandhill Cranes on your video!
ReplyDeleteAlso M a good birder and I like your blog coz it increase my knowledge. Happy to see this blog in my pc.
ReplyDeleteNice post Don, definetly "A" list birds!
ReplyDeleteWeather unseasonably warm on East coast too..& sadly it dies seem that birds are fewer in numbers each year..Great video!
ReplyDeleteIt's always nice to see the American Kestrel Donald. Nice shot! I am lucky to see them nearly everyday on the way to work. My favorite sound on the planet is the sound of Sandhill Cranes! They fly over my house sometimes during migration. It's difficult to shoot video with a handheld DSLR isn't it? Thanks for participating in the CBC too.
ReplyDeleteI don't have a DSLR. I only have a Point n Shoot. Nikon Coolpix P500
ReplyDeleteI've found that the warm weathe has changed the pattern of when and where I usually find birds this time of year.Sandhill Cranes and kestrels-good stuff!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos, I agree they need to make camera motors a lot quieter especially when you're trying not be be noticed
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