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.