Great Backyard Bird Count-Birding on the Run Day One

That's right everyone, just when you thought things couldn't get anymore stimulating this winter, I proudly present to you The Great Backyard Bird Count-Birding on the Run series starring moi. As some may know, I never do things quite the way most folks do and have proven it again this weekend as I plan on doing the entire Backyard Bird count on foot while trail running. You see, the sun doesn't come out early enough yet, for me to get in an early morning trail run, so I have to wait to do it during prime birding time to get it in so I am essentially killing two birds with one stone (pun intended). Of course, I could hit the pavement in the dark in the morning to get my running fix, but I do that during the week and really miss my trail running so I have to find a balance between running and birding and this will have to do for now. Plus, I wouldn't be at all surprised if I am the only one in Great Backyard Bird Count history to attempt such a thing so consider yourselves lucky to be able to experience it first hand. :-p.
I set off late this morning to Martha Deering because I was interested in investigating it more after I googled some maps of the area which shows trails from here that meet with trails of the Grafton Land Trust so I was hoping to get in some extra miles and find new places to explore.

I was rather surprised at the amount of snow that still remained on the trail and kicked myself for not bringing my snow shoes, but such is life so off I went with microspikes on my feet as I trudged through snow that made running rather difficult and tough on the legs. I now have a new appreciation for those who snow shoe race as running in the snow is as difficult as running in soft sand and can really slow you down.
Anyhow, except for a Hairy and Downy Woodpecker, all was fairly quiet bird wise as I made my way through narrow trails covered in snow and lined by trees. It was very nice out so I was in my zone at this point and was just enjoying a fantastic winters day until I came upon an open area of land in Grafton. I made my way to the center and scanned the skies for a Red-tailed as it just seemed natural to see one in such an area, but no such luck I'm afraid.
I was finally lucky enough to come across a pocket of birds back at Martha Deering near the old foundation of the house that once stood there. None were going to do me the honors of posing so I took what I could get including this picture of a White-breasted Nuthatch above chucking me the moon.
As well as a couple of Golden-crowned Kinglets who wouldn't sit still for a photo.
And of course a Black-capped Chickadee mixed in with their old side kick the Tufted Titmouse.
And a picture of the old foundation at Martha Deering. This land was donated to the town and there once stood a house that went with it. Anyhow, someone decided to burn it down and this is all the remains sadly. Such a beautiful fireplace though none the less. They just don't make things like that anymore that's for sure. Talk about attention to detail.

I decided to hit Brierly after that and inhaled a couple of Cliff Bars and an entire bottle of water while in my car to the next destination as all that running had me famished! My legs were still in shock from the trauma at Deering and proceeded to cry in protest as I attempted a gentle run up the trail but soon enough, they accepted their fate and off we went. Sadly enough, there were even less birds here than at the other place, but it was awesome to be there none the less as it was quiet and peaceful which is what I yearned for.
Finally I see a pocket of birds near some brush so I stop and watch them. The flock consisted mostly of Juncos like the female above. Here she is peeking at a small body of running water that looks mighty tempting to her as evidenced by her sweet little face.
Anyhow, she decides to dive right in and take a nice brisk bath while I watched. Totally awesome!!! One of my favorite things to do is watch a bird bathe because they enjoy it so much, so I sat there for a few minutes staring at her and smiled. Highlight of my day. :-p. I made my way home after that, starving again and I felt good running five miles through the snow (of which maybe 1 mile in total was hiked as it was mighty tough, just to get in the 4!)
And the other Juncos too. Love these birds and will be sad to see them go in a couple of months. Well......Not really, as that will mean spring is another day closer, but I can still enjoy them while they're here!
Lastly a shot of a Cooper's Hawk taken by my son via an IPhone. He had called me while I was at work to tell me a Red-tailed Hawk was in my yard so of course I got excited. What's it doing? I ask. Eating a Starling. HA!! I then try and explain to him why it is most likely a Cooper's Hawk vs. a Red-tailed, etc, but have to hang up as my boss is calling and low and behold, my son's first bird picture ever! Not too bad for an Iphone! I came home after work and it was still there so it should be interesting to see if the coops is a regular in my yard. Funny I see her in the neighborhood all the time and she flies by my house, but this is the fist time I have seen her directly in my yard all winter. The European Starlings discovered my suet for the first time last week so I am guessing the starling is the food of choice for the Coops. Will make sure suet is out at feeders all times going forward. ;-)

Take care all

Peregrine Falcon Update: February 2010

It's been a while since I have given a Peregrine Falcon update and that's mostly because there hasn't been much to report on with it being winter and all. Things are starting to get interesting lately as I have seen what I am almost certain is the female over near her nest box on the Unum building the past week or so and today she was actually in it which I am taking as a possible good sign!

The male on the other hand still likes to perch and look at downtown Worcester from a couple of his favorite locations including the one above which is on top of the Commerce Bank Building. Notice how lunch is flying by as he stares out into the horizon! ;-)
And that's not all that is downtown as you can see from the picture above which is of a Cooper's Hawk taken today as I was getting up from my desk to grab a PB&J from my bag. I could see a raptor of some sort flying very fast and powerful so I grabbed my camera for a couple of record shots and then my bins and proceeded to follow it while it flew.
I had often heard how powerful accipiters can be while flying and have seen it somewhat when I am hawk watching, but today it was different and threw me off guard at first because it was not characteristic in how I think a Cooper's Hawk normally flies. Perhaps it's because it was in such open sky, that I had an unobstructed view so could really appreciate it. Regardless, I just hope this Coopers' decides to fly the coop before the Peregrines start nesting after what happened to the poor Cooper's Hawk from last year who decided to hang around downtown and he would up at Tufts.

Will start keeping you all posted more now that things appear to be picking up some. Take care all.

Sunday: Running, a Red-tailed, Reflections and Ravens

I decided to get in a run this morning and bundled up to hit one of the local power lines to get in a longer run than usual because I can't do them during the week with work and have been trying to increase my millage some to get ready for a race I will be entering this spring.

I started off slowly being mindful of my feet because I had some shin splints and hamstring problems this past week but soon enough the aches and pains ceased as I got into my groove and started up one of the many hills.
About half way up my eyes instinctively scan the sky above and see my familiar friend the local Red-tailed Hawk who always seems to be there and serves as a perfect motivator as there are times I chase it and this bird can be fast when it wants to. ;-)
It flew to a branch and perched for a moment while I took a break to watch it some and have some water. I have been trying to focus more on running and making less stops unless it is something I have to stop for no matter what, and a raptor is one of those no matter whats. Its strange how I usually see a hawk whenever I am running the trails as I was first introduced to trail running by a Northern Goshawk at Wachusett Meadows this past summer. I was birding alone when suddenly I could hear the call of a hawk I was not at all familiar with, but my ear told me it was in an open location, so I ran through the trails to find it and the rest is history. Finding a raptor during a trail run I consider a good omen indeed.
In an attempt to increase my miles, I decided to do a couple more trails I am not at all familiar with and was rewarded with endless landscapes and blue skies that caused me to stop for a quick picture as I drank my water. This is an area that was totally open that I had never noticed before. The wind was strong at this point, but felt good against my skin and could have stayed there longer, but knew that wasn't possible so off I went to explore some more.
Another trail I found that doesn't appear to have been touched by a human in quite some time. Just a dog or a coyote I suppose. One of the things I like most about running trails and woods is the sense of adventure it brings as you never quite know what could be around the corner so it makes it exciting every time I head out there.

And for those of you curious on what a trail run is like, a video of moi, killing herself as she runs up a hill. The things I do for my audience. :-p. On a serious note, I belong to another site where I have gotten a couple of notes of concern and hints of my lack of sanity but for those of you who know me well, know that I can be a little crazy at times but what's wrong with that as it's a much better alternative to being dull! ;-). I want to remind you all that I have been running trails like this since summer and am mind full of my feet of all times so it's not half as dangerous as it looks.

I guess it does take a bit of a dare devil to run trails such as this but I have found my spirit of adventure increase as I head into middle age. It's funny in that I was reckless in my 20's, overly cautious in my 30's and afraid of everything to finding a happy medium in my 40's. There is something empowering about letting go of some of the fears in life and doing things you have often thought about doing, but never did due to fear. I guess that's why we adults enjoy watching kids play so much as they haven't developed that fear yet as they are too young to experience the bumps and bruises in life that causes us adults to settle into the ordinary and not attempt the extraordinary. There is no other way I can see me living the second half of my life than the way I am living it now. Give me fresh air, rugged terrain and raptors and I am in my element. I guess it's true what they say about "with age comes wisdom" as I finally know who I am, it just took 40 years to find it that's all.

Oh, and the big bonus of the day was when I was headed back to my car and heard the call of both Common Ravens here in town!!! One of my favorite calls of all and it caused chills to rush down my spine as I was elated to see they are back at their old breeding grounds. Yes life is good, wind chill, ice and all.

Take care everyone!

Forbush Bird Club-Cape Ann Brrrrrding Festival

I decided to go on the Forbush Bird Club field trip today that Alan lead at Cape Ann as birding locally has been rather dull to say the least so I did what many people did today which was head to Cape Ann in attempt to defy the winter birding boredom and brave the cold in hopes of seeing a rarity or two. The weather was downright frigid as buses of birders joined in with scopes in hand to scan the rough seas for a couple of first of the year birds.
The air was brisk as birders met at the pier where there were the usual regulars like the Common Eiders, Herring Gulls, etc, but one of the highlights were these magnificent Gadwalls above. I have come to the conclusion that one of the positives of winter birding is to really appreciate birds you may over look at times due to too much for the eyes to see. Sure I had seen these birds before at Plum Island and other places, but I will sheepishly admit, I never gave them the attention they deserved because there were so many other fine birds to look at, so settled with a glimpse and was happy to check them off my list. Today, I really looked at them and was struck by how beautiful they are and wondered why I hadn't noticed it before. Will not overlook them anymore that's for sure!
There were also a couple of Iceland Gulls like the one above who did Dan and I the honors of a flyby so we could get some photos. Was happy just to get it in flight and in focus!
And another shot. This gull is now my new favorite gull for the month of February! A graceful flyer and kind of cute. You can't get much better than that, especially with the wind chill today!
Another handsome bird these drake Red-breasted Mergansers. They were everywhere today just like they usually are whenever I'm in Gloucester.
And a picture of a rather sad looking Herring Gull, contemplating the day and kicking himself for not heading off with Frank and Hal to Miami Beach this past fall when he had the chance I'm sure. ;-).
Next it was onto Rockport where we saw the always gorgeous Harlequin ducks. I got out of the truck for a quick look and photo as I was freezing at this point. It's funny that I can handle winter birding when I am hiking, trail running or snow shoeing and the frigid air doesn't get to me. Put me in a car where I go from destination to destination and I can't stay warm for some reason. I had noticed it during the Christmas Bird Counts and again today. I guess I am just one who needs to be moving in winter which is alright by me! ;-)
One of my favorite places in Rockport which is Andrews Point. So much beauty for the eyes to take in regardless of the season.
Check out those seas all. They were as fierce as the wind!
The skeletal remains of a juvenile Great Black-backed Gull that a fellow birder had spotted. Another reminder of the harshness of winter and how lucky we humans have it compared to our avian friends.
The beauty of what once was clung to the grass and appeared to have escaped the carnage of what was below.
Some micro photography here as I just can't seem to help myself!
And another.
While the cold was unforgiving at times, and had dampened our resolve some, one could find subtle hints that yes there will be a spring this year, like the picture above. Yes folks, those are buds, just promising to spring to life in another couple of months.

For more info, pictures, etc on the Cape Ann Birding Festival, be sure to visit Steve from Shooting my Universe as not only does he have some fabulous photos of the Iceland Gulls, but many others. He will also be brave enough to venture out in the cold tomorrow for a Pelagic Trip and knowing Steve and his camera, he will be sure to come back with a bunch of really cool pictures and a good case of frost bite. ;-)
On the way home Alan and I spotted two adult Bald Eagles in Weston near the Mass Pike. First of the year bird for me and was delighted to get them driving home no less! Best of all they were in a pair which may mean these two are thinking of shacking up soon. Yes folks, spring is another day closer, you just have to keep your eyes open for it that's all.

Take care!

Sunday Run, Birds and Brrrrrrrr

I woke up this morning to the sound of the heater blaring and black skies that has been getting rather old lately and thoughts of April seem to happen on a daily basis now as I put on my many layers to venture outside which is where I go for peace of mind whether it be 90 degrees or 10 degrees, but prefer a happy medium of 70 or so but I suppose beggars can't be choosers.

I dressed myself in my running layers and decided to do another trail run as the only time I can get them in is during the weekends due to work. The snow was a little tougher today for running but it suit my mood as I have been in a funk lately and chasing many demons that battle my mind and the only way I can rid myself of them it seems is outdoors where I run from them whether on the streets, the trails or snow ladden paths in snow shoes. The bitter temperatures did not opress me, but rather invigorated me as I ran up the trails almost defying the snow, the harsh wind and the inner voice that told me I was crazy for running in such an environment under such conditions, but its just the therapy that works as everytime I am done, the demons are gone and life is good again.
After the run, I met up with Alan and we headed off to Lancaster to see if we could spot the leucistic Red-tailed Hawk that folks have spotted there for the past few weeks. We looked around for a while and didnt' see anything until a local birder walking his dog had spotted him earlier and sure enough, there it was. It teased us some as it flew from branch to branch, but I was able to get a half way decent look at the hawk as well as a couple of lousy pictures like the one above. Is this a cool bird or what!!!! Wish it would have ventured closer to us, but happy I got it just the same.
A photo of the area in which the hawk seems to spend a lot of its time.
After that it was back in the car to warm up some and try and figure out where to go next so we did what was natural when in Lancaster and head over to Bolton Flats which is one of my favorite places to bird in Central Mass but of course we didn't even bother getting out of the car as there is nothing there yet, but it was nice to see it just for old times sake. ;-)
We went to another section of Bolton Flats that I had never seen before so Alan decided to show it to me and we were lucky enough to see another Red-tailed Hawk land on the ground to grab some prey and the bird proceeded to fly to a branch to eat its breakfast which was rodent mole', or rather a mole that was in the wrong place at the wrong time as you can see! I took this from the car window so it didn't come out clear, but didn't want to disturb the hawk while it was eating as he has enough problems surviving the winter without me harassing it for a better photo.
After that it was onto the Pond the Never Freezes where we saw some Mallards and Black Ducks and then onto Wachusett Reservoir, gate 6 to look for Eagles. While walking down the path, I could hear the call of a Common Raven and sure enough one came into view which was great as it wasn't on my list this year. We met up with other birders who were there for eagles too, but low and behold there weren't any. In fact, the only bird we would see while there was one lone Mute Swan (joy!). Grrrrrrrrrr, and one wonders why I think of spring so much. Oh well, on the bright side January is oficially over with and the days are getting longer. I am typing this at 5:20 PM and guess what, I can still see light! Take care all.

Hitting the Icy Trails

I decided to thumb my nose at the January cold today and headed to one of my favorite local powerlines to attempt my first official trail run under snow and ice as I am getting very tired of running the streets and miss the trails. The snow we received a couple of days ago was just enough to leave a thin layer of snow and ice which could prove to be dangerous if one isn't equipped with proper traction devices for their shoes, which I had so off I went for exercise and solitude after the hectic week this week. I made my way through woods and out to the powerlines and throughout the 1/4 mile or so I didn't see or hear one bird until I got to some clearing and who is it that I see?
Why the Great Black-backed Gull of course, who did you expect? HA, of course I had to stop my run for a picture as I have never seen any gulls at the powerlines before as it just isn't their habitat really, or so I thought until now. ;-)
So up I ran through the snow and the sun shone bright as the local Red-tailed Hawk decided to fly by which was indeed a welcome site as I hadn't seen it for well over a month now so it's nice to see that its still around and will hopefully nest in the same area this year so I can keep my eye on them again.
One thing I have to say about trail running in the snow is that its a lot more challenging than regular trail running so I spent about 1/3rd of my time either hiking up hills or stopping to check out a bird or two, but all in all, it was a lot of fun and something I am looking forward to again when there isn't enough snow on the ground to snow shoe it. The best thing about this particular area is the fact that I went 3.2 miles and didn't see a soul which is nice for a change.
Oh and for those of you wondering what it is I had on my feet to avoid slipping, here they are and they are called Microspikes. One of the best winter investments I made this year as they work incredibly well and I would suggest those of you who hike or even bird outdoors to consider buying to avoid slipping on ice. I actually carry them in my bird bag should I ever need them while birding, though I have been lucky thus far and haven't had to pull them out yet, but you never know!
And of course, I did one of my favorite things to do while trail running which is birding by ear, and I could hear many American Robins like the one above who was part of a flock of at least 70.
And my ear perked up immediately when I heard the much missed call of the Northern Mockingbird which made me stop in the midst of a run to try and locate which I was able to do eventually. This was one of two I would see on my run today who was mixed in with the robins.

Take care all!

A Lot of Snow Shoeing, A Little Birding on a Sunday

I went off in search for solitude this morning with my snow shoes, binoculars and camera to take advantage of the snow as it will most likely be gone tomorrow with all of the rain we are foretasted to get this evening into Monday. I decided to stay local with my first stop being Martha Deerling in Millbury. The first thing I heard when I got out of my car was a Hairy Woodpecker so I took it as a good sign.
There were pockets of birds here and there including a Red-bellied Woodpecker, the usual Blacked-capped Chickadees, White-breasted Nuthatches, Golden-crowned Kinglets and of course the Tufted Titmouse, but was very happy to get this Brown Creeper above that I crept up on which is hard to do with snow shoes believe me! ;-)
After that it was one of my favorite places for birding in town which is Brierly. The first thing I noticed was how devoid of bird song it was. Usually the area is alive with song, today the only sound that could be heard was the crunching of snow being made from my snow shoes.
The picture above is one of my favorite places of all here as it is full of warblers in the spring including Chestnut-sided, American Redstart and Common Yellowthoat, also good for various vireos and one of my favorites the Veery. Today, I was lucky to get an American Robin taking advantage of the bittersweet that is mixed in with the wild vegetation.
One of the best things about the snow is the fact that it's a lot harder to get lost which allowed me to explore various paths here that I was reluctant to do before. It was obvious others have been there recently with the snow mobile tracks and cross country tracks so took my time exploring every nook and cranny of the place. Of course these nifty new arrows the mountain bikers have put up recently did indeed help as well as my own snow shoe tracks should I lose my way.

I got a new phone a couple of weeks ago and I absolutely love it. It's the new Droid and has a lot of cool features including this device called ITracks which is a navigation device of sorts you can use while hiking, running, etc. It basically maps and tracks your route which is awesome for a data dweeb such as myself.
As you can see, I took my sweet old time wondering about and plus it's much harder to be fast when trudging through snow with snow shoes on. Hard for me though as I am used to doing a 3 mile run in a half an hour, but I keep reminding myself I am out there for nature not exercise.

Will probably not blog much this week as with work and all but be sure I will be out there next weekend. Take care all!