"Take-A-Ticket" To Pittsburg New Hampshire

How do you know when you've reached "God's Country"? Just wait until you see the sign! I don't know exactly why I've always been so drawn to the north country. Year after year I find myself traveling beyond the 45th parallel into the northern regions of New England. It's almost as if I have an internal magnet that is pulling me towards the north pole-(maybe that's why my watches never work). I love the cool fresh air, clear flowing streams, scenic mountains, and the smell of the pine forests. There is also something appealing about the low population density and the acres of unspoiled land. Other people can have their beach resorts but I'll take the good old north woods every time. The top picture shows the entrance to the Indian Stream Valley which has a rather interesting history. The cabin we rented sat on the banks of a river surrounded by woods. It was surrounded by the sound of birds, especially Black-throated Green Warblers and Winter Wrens. The Belted Kingfishers and Common Mergansers could be seen as they traveled up and down the river. Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers seem to be regular nesters in this yard . They squeaked and squawked their way up the trees near our porch. We couldn't help but be impressed by the dedication of the Eastern Phoebes as they hunted for food to bring to their nestlings all day long.

One day, I looked high up into a tree on the edge of the driveway and saw this hummingbird sitting on the edge of a branch. What are you looking at little hummingbird?

Red Squirrels may look cute but boy can the make a lot of noise! They would come on to the porch and rummage though all of our stuff. They might have had their eyes on the phoebe nest so I tried to keep them at a distance.

This was officially a fishing trip. I did enjoy plenty of trout fishing. I especially enjoyed following the tracks left behind by moose through tiny streams that twisted and turned through the dense woods. I remember staring into the eyes of an American Redstart that was perched on a branch just a few feet from my face. I can only imagine what that bird was thinking. As we traveled further up Route 3 to access different parts of the forest, we would often encounter moose in the boggy areas. They actually call a certain portion of Route 3 "Moose Alley". People drive up there every night at dusk to see how many moose they can find. You always have to be cautious when driving on the northern part of Route 3. Hitting a moose with your car would be a losing proposition for both the moose and the car, as well as the people inside.

While were were out in the East Inlet area, I spotted a Canada Goose with her young. I couldn't resist taking a picture. If they just travel 10 miles up the road, they'll actually be in Canada.

What can you say about scenes like this? I sat on the edge of the wooden bridge for a few minutes and finished my cup of coffee. As much as I enjoy birding, I realize that not everyone shares my passion. If you try to push this hobby onto someone else, you may come off the same way that an unwanted pushy salesman does. My cousin said he wanted to join me for a hike through East Inlet. I made it clear that I was going for the sole purpose of looking for birds. He decided to borrow a pair of my binoculars and came along. His best views were of a Common Yellowthroat, Gray Jay, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, and an American Redstart. Not a bad start for a beginner. I thought it was a good sign when he wandered off by himself desperately trying to find a bird which was repeatedly singing its song. I knew it was a Red-eyed Vireo, but he wanted to find it for himself. Something tells me that my cousin Bob might be adding some more birds to his life list over the next few years. On another day, I arranged to be dropped off in the woods at 6am and be picked up at noon. I wish that I had said pick me up at dusk. Six hours of birding out here was just a tease. The sound of the Bay-breasted Warblers were a little reminiscent of a Black and White Warbler. Swainson's Thrush is a common species in this area and its song is often heard echoing from within the woods. The only warbler photos I was able to get were from underneath looking up. I did have great views of nesting Blackburnian and Black-throated Blue Warblers but the photos didn't match my views. The Kaufman Field Guide came in real handy in helping me to determine that the call I was hearing in the woods was that of a Broad-winged Hawk. I was later able to get a closer view of it. This Gray Jay had no problems posing for a photo. They'll literally eat out of your hand. Too bad I had finished eating all of my bread by the time this one showed up.

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Noon time came too quick. Before we left, someone asked me what kind of bird was making that sound out in the woods. It had a very deliberate song that seemed so familiar" "took-a-ticket took-a-ticket took-a-ticket" it seemed to sing. It's song was bold and deliberate like a Carolina Wren or Common Yellowthroat but with a rhythm and song all its own. As we headed back to the cabin I thumbed through a field guide. Then the light bulb went off- Connecticut Warbler! Kaufman's Guide noted that they are found in northern bogs which would fit. I know that is what I heard but, unfortunately, I didn't follow up on it. Not good enough to make a life list. If only I had taken the time to at least record its song I would have felt better. Sometimes we miss out on opportunities that are right under our noses. Oh well, there's always next year.