I now know what people mean by July birding. Sure they are out there, but much tougher to find. I was spoiled in April through May and then June started to slow down some, but July is notably less active with birds.
My birding friend Alan and I spent the morning birding Grafton and while we were able to get 44 species of birds, many were heard and not seen.
That's not to say it wasn't eventful as I saw my first Double-crested Cormorant in Central MA in over a month now. It was soaring high up into the sky we assume to gain altitude to venture elsewhere and I wish I were headed wherever he was because I bet there were more birds there. ;o)
Of course, there are other things to look at when you bird, like insects, butterflies and wildflowers like this Ebony Jewelwing, but they just don't have the same appeal to me as birds do.
One thing we did notice where feather loss in many birds including this ragged looking Turkey Vulture below. It didn't seem to interfere with its flying at all as it was as graceful as usual, but it was very noticeable.
And then there was this handsome little fellow the Green Frog. He sat there so patiently while I took his photo. My new favorite frog for the month of July!
And just for old times sake, a photo of a bird stalking a hawk. I believe it is a Blue Jay
Despite the inactivity this morning, I decided to venture off this afternoon after some dreaded chores. It was as quiet as this morning but even worse. I decided to make the best of it and just hike and enjoy the sunshine and warmth that has been lacking so much this summer.
I had to LOL when I saw this Song Sparrow. I had never seen one before teed up on a powerline and making its call. Such funny birds.
The Eastern Towhees were visible as well and they don't seem to quiet down in July whatsoever. At times it was the only bird song I heard besides the usual suspects (the various blackbirds, etc.)
And lastly a Juvie European Starling on my mulberry tree this morning. Ironic that this would be the first bird I saw!Have a great 4th everyone!
6 comments:
The birding may have slowed down but it looks like you had a crystal clear day to be out and about. I've noticed a few Towhee's here lately. Enjoy your evening Kim.
Hi Kim, You still manage to get great pictures even when the birds are not around as much. I always enjoy your posts.
Have a great weekend.
Hugs,
Betsy
...lovely photos...even though a little slow, you still saw a lot!! A great 4th of July birding day!
These are nice shots, Kim. I like them all, as usual. I seem to have a shower of birds here now. Most are bringing along fledglings or immature birds...I say to show them off since their mommas and poppas came here to get stuff to feed them. LOL
Nice series of pics - and not ironic that EUST is first bird you saw - more unusual if it had been the last :(
With the heavy foilage of summer comes the nearly impossible task of finding birds. Add the millions of bugs who want to suck you dry. But the birds are out there, albeit hard to find.
Nice series Kim!
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