The warbler migrations have seemed thick this year. It's made for some enjoyable mornings in the woods. I rarely carry a camera in the woods unless I'm planning on spending at least a couple days outside. I occasionally consider changing that, but disconnecting from technology is sorta the point for me.
I can see how that works. I can do either, sometimes I like the lone walk with the camera, just to see what the light brings at that time of day.
Saw a female Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) on my Sunday morning run. The male is usually around, not too far off.
Was attacked by Mr. & Mrs. Sparrow when I walked by a tree outside of work. Persistently chased me for about 20 feet. First time in ages that's happened. There was a cool bald eagle doc on PBS the other night. Can't believe how HUUGE the nests are and they can be very territorial. Reminded me of this video of a NJ bald eagle doing a tapdance on some dumbass hawk that flew too close to its nest at Duke Farms: http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/video/#!/news/local/VIDEO--Bald-Eagle-Takes-on-Hawk/200598941
On my run today I saw a: Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) Chestnut-sided Warbler (Dendroica pensylvanica) White-eyed Vireo (Vireo griseus)
Saw a bald eagle for the 1st time just chillin on a tall branch like this one. Really awesome to see one in person.
Forgot to post the link... http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way...eagle-site-picks-the-best-aerial-drone-photos
When I lived in Central America I came across the Common Pootoo (Nyctibius griseus) several times. Here they are. Amazing birds.
I have seen one of those as well. It took a guide pointing at it for several seconds before I was able to make it out.
First time I ran into one was in the middle of the night. We were on a patrol and out of the darkness call an amazingly scary sound. This video doesn't do it justice. Those and common nightjars used ot scare the bejeezus out of me. Night-jars don't move unless you are right on top of them...and then they fly right up from under you..
I worked at a backcountry site in New Mexico for a bit, and did a good deal of night solo backpacking. I'd come upon magpies that'd flap off next to my head. Each time I was pretty sure I was about to be pithed by a mountain lion tooth.
Saw a black vulture chomping on the neighbor's garbage. Which makes you wonder...is my neighbor a hitman?
It must be spring around here. The "Wood Ducks" are back. Incredibly shy and quick to take off, I shot these from my window slowly moving into the frame and got this...Then they were gone. Double pane glass for my excuse for the fuzziness.. Last years shot. I had to slide on my belly on the deck to get them.
If you build a bird feeder they will come. And so will the hawks. A photo from my backyard yesterday.