White-faced Ibis! or maybe not?

Tweet When seeing that two White-faced Ibises were being seen at Fernald Preserve in northern Hamilton County, Ohio, I had to go.  I have missed this bird before, and didn't want to pass up a chance to see one.  When I had the opportunity to get off work early, I took it and headed up that way.

The reports stated that two ibises were at the first pond as you drive into the preserve.  Seeing pics and knowing the area, the birds were not that far from the trail.  When I arrived, there were a few birders taking pics so I knew I was in the right spot.  Walking up to the spot where they were, I could see Blackpoll, Pine, Palm and Yellow-rumped Warblers in the pines that line the road.

White-faced Ibis! Lifer!  When I first spotted the birds, they were very close to the closest shore.  Very cool looking birds!  Looked very out of place.

The lighting was terrible, but you could see a little detail in the face and the cool iridescent colors of the feathers.

I was fascinated by the way that they fed.  They would probe in the mud under the water and then when they found something, they would pick it up and then throw it back and catch it.  Very cool!

Since the lighting was so poor, it was hard to get much detail on the face.  After looking at some of the better photos taken by other birders, it was brought up by a few very experienced birders that both these birds are hybrids - White-faced X Glossy.  I do not have any experience with these species, as Glossy would also be a lifer.  The details of the color of the soft parts of the face seem to be at issue.  I personally believe that it would be hard to call them hybrids from just that observation alone.  I wonder if this means that I can count both species on my life list?  ;-)

The low light did make for some cool profile shots though.  I really like this one.

Such a out of place looking bird.  Whatever species they are, they were cool looking birds.  I even heard them vocalize.  Very weird sound.

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Just can't get enough!

Tweet The weather still can't make up its mind as to whether it is Spring or not, one day it is near 80° and the next highs in the lower 50°s.  But that hasn't stopped the birds from migrating.  So, when one of those warm days happened to fall on one of my off days, I spent that whole day outside birding.

I could hear all kinds of new birds singing as soon as I entered the woods.  For those wanting to see warblers, the best way is to learn your songs.  I could hear Cerulean Warblers, Yellow Warbler, Prairie Warblers and Blue-winged Warblers.  I was just inside the deeper woods, with edge habitat just up from me.  I went back to the edge of the woods and field.

I could see two Prairie Warblers in my vicinity.  They were very active feeding and singing.

Aren't I cute?

I could watch and listen to them all day!  Hearing Blue-winged Warblers nearby - bee-bzzzzzzzzz.  Love that sound.  They tend to be a little more shy than the Prairie Warblers.  I was able to catch a quick look at one.

Up it flew, then gone.

               

Time to go deep into the woods to see what I can see.  I heard and then seen a Louisiana Waterthrush singing down by the creek.  

While not all colorful and flashy, I love their song and tail bobbing.  

While I was watching the waterthrush, I could see some bright red in a buckeye tree across the creek.  It is the kind of red that is more vibrant than a cardinal.  It must be a tanager.  My FOY Scarlet Tanager male!

It flew down and took a quick bath in the creek before vanishing in the canopy.

At about 3-4pm, the birds quit singing and became less active.  I could stay out all day.  

The new arrivals aren't just deep in the woods.  The Eastern Kingbirds have been back for a few days now as well.  Love them.

Wild Turkeys are also gobbling.  I have heard them about every stop while out during the early mornings.  Here is a tom that I spotted chasing some hens on the side of the road.  Taken out the car window.

Now all I have to do is find some more time to get outside during my favorite time of year.  As the weather gets warmer, it seems harder to find time to get out birding. Get outside!

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It's Spring, or is it?

Tweet The weather can't really make up its mind, for as I write this it is a chilly 40° here.  I have had to scrape ice off the windshield for the last couple of days.  Just three days ago however, it was near 80°.  But since the birds don't wait for the weather, neither am I going to wait to see what has arrived!

It feels as if migration is slow this year compared with last year at this time.  Many ducks are still around in large numbers.  Big flocks of Lesser Scaup and Ring-necked Ducks at almost every large body of water I have come to.  But, I see them all winter, I want to see some SPRING birds.

              

Also been seeing large numbers of Swamp Sparrows at almost every wet field I have come to.  They have been around in good numbers all winter this season.  As they are moving, I have seen them all winter as well.   I want to see SPRING birds.  

One warm day a couple of weeks ago, I walked under some Black Vultures that were roosting right above the trail.  They were curious of me and gave me the eye.  One bird started to spread its wings and make a light hissing sound.  Then it started moving its head up and down.  Since vultures projectile vomit at perceived threats, I thought that I better move on.

Then, as the bird turned around, I thought, "I don't want to get that end either", so I best leave.  But I see them year round here.

Where are the real signs of Spring?  I want warblers!

I decided to take my girlfriend to see a local Great Horned Owl nest that is in a local park.  I am glad I did.  The two chicks were seen peering out of the nest can, watching the children play on the playground below them. Spring is here, but taking its time!

So cute!  Won't be long and they will be out exploring their world.  

Still looking for more signs of spring, birds that I can't see in winter here.  Shorebirds are one of my favorites, as I don't get much of an opportunity to see them near me due to a lack of real habitat for them.  I could travel far and wide chasing rarities to the west of me, but I prefer to stay local.  Recent rains have kept waters high in the impoundments.  So, I was very happy to find this bird...

A Solitary Sandpiper!  A SPRING bird.  It is finally here!  The early warblers must be here.  I should take to the woods to find me some little colorful warbley things.

On my entrance to the local state park, I hear Prairie Warblers.  Tried to find them, but they are not to be seen yet.  I shall take to the woods.  Ah, I hear Blue-Gray Gnatcatchers, it is spring.  Wait, I hear another warbler singing.  A WARBLER!

              

Oh yeah, Yellow-throated Warbler!

SPRING is here! Time to get out and see some birds. Make sure you try to make time to get out and see nature.  Take along young people if you can.

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