The only birds I found in the forest were some of the more common woodpeckers and woodland birds but every one counts in January.
After checking some power lines where I was able to add Field Sparrow and Golden-crowned Kinglet to the list I moved on to Wangunk Meadows. The fields looked cold and barren compared to what I see in the summer but I found several interesting species in the area. If you look out at that mound in the middle of the field you can see one of two Northern Harriers that were present. What you can't see in this photo is the flock of American Pipits which would take flight every so often and resettle to different areas.
After spotting the harriers I saw a smaller bird of prey streak across the field. It looked falconish so I searched the area carefully to relocate it. I was rewarded by finding a Merlin perched on a dead tree near the river. If I was at a premier birding spot like Hammonasset then finding Northern Harriers, a Merlin, and American Pipits would just be a typical day. Finding birds like that right in town is much more of a thrill.
I'm at 54 species so far but I'm hopeful that I'll be able to increase that number quite a bit this coming weekend if the weather holds up.
7 comments:
It still fun to be out birding winter or not. We will be going "up north" to visit the Sax Zim bog. Its an irruption year and so far in my southeast Mn backyard there have been flock of pine siskins, repolls and even a few crossbills.
Hi,
I'm a CT birded -- I've been enjoying your blog for some time, but this is my first comment. I agree that "patch birding" is very rewarding. It's a thrill to get to know your own "patch" AND its avian denizens. There certainly is a thrill to spotting rare or special or just plain beautiful birds in your own town or yard. I've written about it alot on my own blog, too.
And I appreciate your not revealing the location of the eagle nest. It's enough to know that it exists!
That is, I'm a CT birder, not a "birded"! :-)
troutbirder-There's something about that name-Sax Zim Bog that gets my attention (as well as the birds there),I would like to visit it some day.
Quodlibet-Thanks for your thoughtful comment.I took a look at your blog and see you cover more than just birds so I added you to my Connecticut blogs list.I'd like to find some of the articles dealing with the topic you mentioned when I have a chance.
Nice job! Love the Merlin. That's quite a find. It sound so cold though!
Wow, sweet shot of the Merlin! I've never actually seen one in good light like that. As for the eagle nest- I feel like they are everywhere here and never heard of one being disturbed- is that a problem out there? I usually hear that sort of thing more with owl nests.
kathie-thanks-I'm not going to get numbers like you're getting out your way but I added quite a few since the time I wrote this post. I'll update soon.
Jen-I've received a couple of anonymous e-mails in the past informing me that there is a law that you're supposed to stay a certain distance away from their nests here in Connecticut. I've always tired not to disturb any birds that are nesting.
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