Okay I Lied-Evening Birding May 25th

In my previous post I said I was done birding until the weekend and I had every intention of holding myself to that promise until I started looking at pictures of the Double-crested Cormorant in my Smithsonian Field Guide (Awesome photos in that guide). Anyhow, thoughts of R&R before work seemed boring and figured I would get some rest while I birded since I would only have to walk a mile or so while doing it. Besides if I don't get out there now, who's to say the Cormorant would still be there this weekend and if it wasn't, then I would have to wait until fall when they all migrate back here from the North. That was it, my mind was settled and off I went in search of the DC!

My destinations where those places around the Blackstone River which unfortunately included the Millbury Bike Path. This place is great for dog walkers, baby stroller walkers, families on bikes, etc. but not so good for birders because all of these things usually scare off the birds. I decided I would check it out though and was able to get some pretty decent looks at a few birds including the Common Grackle in the picture above. This is my first halfway decent photo of the grackle. Check out the gorgeous colors in its plumage and the white of that eye!

The Baltimore Orioles seem to be everywhere I go lately which is such a treat for my eyes. One of the prettiest and colorful non-warbler birds out there in my opinion.

The Song Sparrows were out in full force too including the one below who looks as if it had a rough night.

Seriously, check out the look on its face. It looks as if its clinging to the toilet bowl and shaking off bed spins. Not that I would know anything about that of course.

And this bird who threw me for a loop. The sun was right in my eyes as I saw it land on a branch I squinted my eyes, took the picture and off it flew. A Catbird I think to myself but something doesn't feel right as I walk away. I blow the picture up on my screen and this is the face that stares at me. This is a juvenile Northern Mockingbird. The juvies look a lot like their parents but not as developed (notice the faint streaking on its breast). As if birding can't get anymore confusing at this point. Another plug for the Smithsonian Field Guide because it has actual pictures of the juveniles for most common species of birds.

Well after an hour of walking around the Blackstone I never did see the Double-crested Cormorant, but I did see the Spotted Sandpipers shown below. I decided to sit along the edge of the river and watch them as they chased each other around, sunned themselves on rocks and splashed in the water. I never knew the Blackstone had so many cool birds around it.

Now I am actually going to rest to get ready for the work week. My calander is crazy at this point so there will be no birding for me until at least Friday. Take care all.