Thursday, December 24, 2009

Christmas Eve Morning Birding-Horned Lark

Alan and I did a little early morning Christmas Eve birding today with the goal of getting a Horned Lark as it was needed on my 2009 list.
We went to the Worcester Airport where there were about a dozen of them with some Snow Buntings mixed in. Besides their nice color and funny walk, another thing that stood out to me was their call which was really nice on the ears. Great birds to get and not that far away either so it was a great way to start off my Christmas vacation.
One flying past us. They would even do their call while flying overhead.
Next, it was back to Millbury where we saw the Great Black-backed Gull from last year on its favorite perching post which is a street lamp overlooking Route 146.
Don't understand why it likes it there so much, but I am guessing being a gull can be rather boring at times so it goes there to watch cars go by for some mindless entertainment.
We decided to do a brief walk along the Millbury Bike Path where we saw Black-capped Chickadees, Golden-crowned Kinglets, White-breasted Nuthatches, a Great-blue Heron and this male Downy Woodpecker above.
We could also hear the chatter of a Belted Kingfisher and I was able to get a lousy flight shot of one flying past but the fence got in the way as you can see.
There was also on lone drake Northern Pintail mixed in with some Black Ducks and Mallards.
And some Hooded Mergansers like the one above.
Yesterday I had my first official yard sighting of a Carolina Wren who decided to have a snack of suet which was a welcome site indeed.
Last but by no means the least, I want to wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas. Take care everyone!

11 comments:

A Scattering said...

I'm convinced Kingfishers are here to test our patience as photographers. Beautiful birds but not very cooperative. Delighted to see you hit 200+ on your bird list for the year! Wishing you a joy and peace for the holidays. Elaine

FAB said...

A Merry Christmas to you Kim and best wishes to all those around you. Have fun. FAB.

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

The Horned Larks are always a welcome sight around here,as their arrival signals the start of spring.
Hope your Christmas is filled with love and joy.
Blessings,Ruth

Kelly said...

...I love Horned Larks....lovely shots. A Merry Christmas to you and your family, Kim!

Marvin said...

A nice variety of birds on your Christmas Eve birding outing. Merry Christmas to you and your family, Kim.

Hilke Breder said...

Nice shots of the Horned Larks. I have been looking for them but so far no luck. Merry Christmas, Kim, to you and your family, and may you have a fruitful New Year for your birding. I always enjoy reading your posts.

Coy Hill said...

Merry Christmas Kim, may the new year bring you even more wonder birding encounters.

Rich said...

Merry Christmas Kim!!!!

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Unknown said...

Merry Christmas Kim!!!

Robin Robinson said...

Love the Horned larks, esp. the second shot of them running on the sand. Interestingly, the last time I saw Horned Larks was on a beach here in Phippsburg, Me. They are pretty cool.

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