On Sunday, my new gal and I went walking in the Toftrees state gamelands from about 4:30 to 6pm. We didn't see a whole lot, but it was a nice walk. Here's the list:
Eastern Towhee
Cedar Waxwing
Dark-eyed Junco (shouldn't they be in the hills and/or flying north now?)
Northern Flicker
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Song Sparrow
Tree Swallow
Northern Cardinal
American Crow
Common Grackle
Blue Jay
Eastern Bluebird
Canada Goose
Black-capped Chickadee
Mourning Dove
Mallard
Red-winged Blackbird
Red-bellied Woodpecker (heard)
The next day, someone reported seeing some Savannah Sparrows there, and I honestly think I saw one--but I just can't be sure that it wasn't a Song Sparrow. I didn't take enough time to really stare at him to make sure, so I'm not counting him. Also, the light was so crappy (overcast) that I didn't get any photos. I'm hoping to do some birding this weekend, when we're expecting some sun, so maybe I'll have some good pics next week.
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Every year, my workplace has a Kids to Work day, and they always focus on environmental themes, which is pretty cool. This year, though I'm unsure of the theme, I found out that they'll all get a bluebird box kit and will be putting them together! I kinda wish I could snag one of those myself, but I'm sure they're all counted out. Still, it's nice to work for a company that cares about the environment.
9 comments:
That's a pretty good list there Delia. (I don't have a Towhee) I've only seen Savannah Sparrows in South Dakota. They sure are pretty.
Have fun over the weekend.
That's a nice list. I still have a couple juncos at my backyard feeders. What's up with that?
Beth
Delia--there are so many good things in this post.
"my new gal and I"
"a nice walk"
a good list of birds
"nice to work for a company that cares about the environment"
Good things which you deserve!
Oh ya ..".. didn't see much, just about 47 bazillion kinds of birds!" what a walk! Good for the company and good for the kids and good for the birds!
I don't understand why the birding community in general does not seem to reach out to youth like many other groups.
Lynne--Now that I look at it, you're right--not a bad list! I think I'm always hoping for warblers and/or lifers.... spoiled.
Beth--yeah, I don't know!
KGMom--thanks!
Rabbits' Guy--you're right; like I said, I'm spoiled! Re kids, I know that some people and organizations are reaching out to them--like Bill Thompson III and Birdwatcher's Digest. Still, you're right--the local birding club is made up mostly of retired people.
And there are a few on that list that you won't be seeing on the west coast, so enjoy them now!
When we retire to the peninsula (Hey, I can dream!) I'll be building lots of bluebird boxes. And bat houses. Tons of bat houses.
Hey, try the woods now for some warblers.... I was out this morning with a friend and saw many small yellow and black flitty-aroundy-things I have never seen before!!!! It was a fabulous morning... I just wish I knew what I saw!! (My best guess is at least a couple different kinds of warblers, as well as some vireos...but not confident at all... and they were quite curious and some ventured quite close... However, I did not have my Peterson's guide with me, and my memory fails me all too frequently these days, too...)
I have gleaned from your posts (and reading you at other blogs) that you know Kevin Loughlin at Wildside? He mentioned the same trip that you blogged about seeing the snow geese by the thousands.... It certainly is a small bloggy world. I am, with my kids, joining his PA Young Birders group.... We've met twice now, but have hopes of eventually being a substantial group of enthusiast birders...but I honestly think I'm more excited than some of the kids!)
(I sure wish I had him with me this morning!)
Anyway, your list is quite impressive!!! Never be disatisfied with the usual suspects!!
Hola Delia,
That's a nice list! Quite a bit there :)
It's nice to know that a company cares and actually promotes something like that.
Earl--I know! I was really disappointed to find out that the West Coast doesn't have near the warblers that the East Coast does, and no wood thrush! But that Varied Thrush sure looks beautiful!
giggles--actually no, I've never met Kevin--I'll have to check out his blog! Good luck with getting the kids into birding--that's a noble pursuit!
Mel--Yeah--pretty cool.
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