I have been out birding this past week. The weather has been very unpleasant walking as it has been cold and very windy at times. We've had overcast and some sunny days. It has been very slippery on pathways. I haven't seen any Spring arrivals until today.
Today, I walked along the Thames River in Greenway Park. There is always Canada Geese and Mallards around. The river is high so the little islands in the river are pretty much covered in water. There was a nice group of Ring-necked Ducks....most of them sleeping. I counted 13. I also saw 4 Buffleheads.
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| Mallards |
A Carolina Wren started singing which caught my attention. I was able to get a few photos.
I finally saw my first Red-winged Blackbirds today. The earliest I've seen a Red-winged Blackbird is February 22. This is a real late first this year. They were singing. I was here a couple a days ago and didn't see or hear any. I didn't get any great photos of them through all the branches, twigs and overcast sky.
I was taking some photos of the Downy Woodpecker and a small bird below caught my eye. I couldn't believe it, a Yellow-rumped Warbler! I have been looking for this bird for a long time. It's been around all winter. I just keep missing it.
This is the only photo I got before it flew off.
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| Yellow-rumped Warbler |
I also saw Cardinals, Blue Jays, Common Crows and Rock Doves.
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The Coves
I thought I would go to the Coves. I looked at the first pond only and it was still frozen. I saw Cardinals, White-breasted Nuthatch and the Great Blue Heron standing on a large branch over hanging the frozen pond.
