Troutbirder II

Troutbirder II
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Monday, August 4, 2008

Summer Birding






It's been slow. Really slow. The Oak Hill Gang went birding yesterday. Well, actually The Baron went swimming but he contributes by racing around in the prairie, stirring up birds tucked down in the grass. I, with my new binoculars, am anxious to spot something new and interesting but no luck. As a neophyte birder it has taken a while for me to really comprehend that spring and fall migrations are the best time to get out there. Patience is not my virtue.
We did see, however, a few birds. The most common by far were Eastern Kingbirds. They make themselves easy to identify, even for a novice, by showing their white tail band. Another helpful characteristic seemed to be their penchant for being in small groups and perching on exposed places, like the ends of branches, dead shrubs and power lines. We saw dozens of them. I wonder if they are flocking as they get ready to migrate?



There are Red Winged Blackbirds everywhere. Anyplace where there is water they are nearby. To me they seem to be the most common bird here in Minnesota. I wonder if this is actually true.



Another interesting sighting this week, oddly enough, has been female Rose-Breasted Grosbeaks. Several were seen in the Goethite WMA and also at home on the feeders. At first I always think sparrow but then realize that its WAY too big. The chunky beak also is a giveaway.



Finally I did spot a Yellow Throated Warbler perched on twig in the grassland. I guess there called "Common" because, well actually it was the only warbler I've seen in weeks.




8 comments:

  1. Birding is slow here as well. Unseasonably hot and humid so the birds are not terribly active.

    I love the picture of The Baron. What a great companion.

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  2. For mid-summer, I'd say you did very well!

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  3. My favorite is the one with the big pointy ears...

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  4. I am having the same trouble with patience. Heard something outside and looked. Was the neighbor mowing (after he had said he was on mowing strike) and boy the birds were flying. Went running out there with my camera in hand. Could not catch a single one with the camera. There were at least 20 Barn and Tree Swallows swooping at all the insects he was stirring up.

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  5. I feel like the female grosbeaks have increased too! Redwings and chickadees still plentiful in northern mich.
    (Love your dog!)

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  6. Great photos troutbirder! The bird activity has slowed to a crawl here too. Think it's just too danged hot.

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  7. I really enjoyed your bird photos. Your did really well. We used to have a family of King birds living here but I haven't seen them in a couple years. A very interesting and apparently fearless bird.
    Marnie

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