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| Savannah Sparrow |
I woke up this morning....very early...with the idea of walking way back in the fields.
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| Feeding a chick |
It was still too dark, but as soon as it was light enough to see the birds...around 6...I started up the hill. I hoped to confirm breeding in some of the grassland birds that we know nest on our land.
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| Female Bobolink |
It was a great walk, although the grass was over my head in many places, hence my concern about ticks. I didn't finish birding until around ten, and then, just as I submitted what would have been my final list, I spotted a male Downy Woodpecker feeding a male juvenile at the suet feeder. They seem to bring their young in every year to introduce them to the wonders of bird feeders and are absurdly tame.
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| Male Bobolink |
Up in the fields I found Bobolinks carrying food, which confirms breeding, and Savannah Sparrows actually feeding chicks. I don't think I have ever managed to confirm them before so that was really cool.
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Willow Flycatcher...Fitz bew! There was an Alder Flycatcher too, and I tried really hard to record his Free Beer but he was too far away |
If you would like to see what I saw, I think you can by clicking the links to my lists below.
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| Song Sparrow, gleaning bits of hay from the disc bine for a nest |
List one, the walk from the house to the top of the hill.
List two, the 30-acre Lot
List three, the Old Spreader Field.
List four, the walk back down the hill.
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| Eastern Phoebe |
I made a couple of lists at the house as well. The poor boss is sick with a honey badger of a cold, so I am on my own for bird chasing, but I still had a terrific time. I sure hope he feels better soon though...No ticks on me so far, after a couple of tick checks...hopefully that trend continues.
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| Papa Downy Woodpecker feeding his chick |
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| Another Savannah Sparrow |
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5 comments:
Oh Marianne!!!! Beyond lovely and full of wonder! Thank you for sharing your song-filled dream world!
The bobolink male is quite interesting compared to the female. I would never have guessed them to be mates. Loved the video- so much song!
Wonderful bird photos! My eyesight is so poor I never get a good view of them, so your clear photos are just about my only form of birding. Although I can bird a bit by ear, if not by eyes. I never realized a bobolink looked so purely black and white. Regarding ticks, I have sprayed most of my outdoor clothes with Permethrin and haven't found any on me if I wear those clothes. I finally had to wash them, smelly and muddy as they were, and ventured out without treated garments. I bet you know what happened. Four tick bites in two days while the clothes were in the wash, not a one when wearing the treated clothes. That stuff really works!
Jacqueline, thank you. And thanks for the tip about the clothing. I actually have some of that spray but have been hesitant to use it. Maybe I will give it a try. Ticks are horrible.
Cathy, thanks for your kind words!
Shirley, thanks! The Bobolinks were so loud I had a hard time recording other birds
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