Definitely one of the most mildest winters I can remember, as we have only really had one snow that amounted to anything, and that was just a dusting. Hoping for good birds, I set out that day to see what I could see.
Surprise, the best birds found were "Spring" birds. A couple of Eastern Phoebes were hanging out in a mixed species flock at Stonelick State Park. I was lucky to catch this one in the brief little sun available.
As I looked again, I noticed a second phoebe behind this one on the sidewalk. This would make three total Eastern Phoebes I have seen this January. This is strange, since this bird was missed totally on the Cincinnati Christmas Bird Count this winter.
I think the second phoebe must have seen its shadow, as it didn't stay long.
And, here is a bird find for you. See if you can find the bird in the pic below:
I think the second phoebe must have seen its shadow, as it didn't stay long.
And, here is a bird find for you. See if you can find the bird in the pic below:
What camouflage!
And here is the bird close up.
Ducks have been hard to find this winter, as the water up north hasn't really stayed frozen for any length of time. I have found a few, but none close enough for a pic. Here is a far away Ruddy Duck from a few days ago at East Fork State Park. I like Ruddy Ducks, they are so sassy looking.
And here is the bird close up.
American Pipit! Found three of them at East Fork a couple weeks ago.
Ducks have been hard to find this winter, as the water up north hasn't really stayed frozen for any length of time. I have found a few, but none close enough for a pic. Here is a far away Ruddy Duck from a few days ago at East Fork State Park. I like Ruddy Ducks, they are so sassy looking.
It's been a super mild winter in Arizona too (granted, they're always mild by comparison). The birds are being fooled too. A lot of them are pairing off and starting their nest building already, though I haven't seen the migrants leave/return yet either.
ReplyDeleteA very curious season.
Nice Pipit photo. I saw my first winter Pipits a few weeks ago in a similarly dreary setting (which, needless to say, made it perfect).
The weather has been weird. I love the shot of the little Phoebe on the sidewalk.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shot of the Phoebe in the snow Donald! Weird weather is an understatement. I don't think anyone or any animal knows what's going on. I'm just hoping for enough rain to make it through the summer.
ReplyDelete