Didn't Expect Rain Or A Beaver At The Beach

I was planning on doing a little birding down at the shore this morning. Unfortunately, it was raining when I got there. I didn't see much bird activity and when I saw a beaver swimming in salt water I decided to call it a day. Time for breakfast-over and out.

Spring Frenzy From Turkeys To Waterthrush

 This time of the year gets crazy for birders. You feel like you want to be out every chance you can get looking for birds because they are suddenly everywhere you look. From Tom turkeys displaying their fans...

 to Snowy Egrets showing off their yellow feet. There is so much to see it is overwhelming.

We wanted to move on from the fairgrounds to search the forest for new arriving warblers but we can't ignore a female bluebird that seem to be posing for us.

Then a male bluebird shows up and you just can't resist stopping to admire his brilliant blue and orange plumage.

 We finally made it out to the forest where a Louisiana Waterthrush sang his song from a branch above us.

The fun and frenzy of Spring migration has just begun!

Checking In On The Heron Rookery

 We are very fortunate to have a large heronry or heron rookery as it's more commonly called. There are dozens of Great Blue Heron nests and often in excess of 100 herons at its peak. The location used to be a secret only known by a few but now all the local birders and photographers know about it. Fortunately, the nests are well protected by a body of water surrounding by a strip of land. It is a good distance away from the viewing area and chock full of nests.

The herons are all over the areas gathering food and nesting material. Even my point and shoot can catch an occasional flight shot. 

I Avoid Wind Most Of The Time...But

 I'm still waiting for that warm spring morning for that ultimate birding experience. I've been contending with the wind the last couple of weekends. I'm not a big fan of wind while birding so I've tried to stay in protected areas like ravines or dense forest.

 Fortunately, there are plenty of birds like this Song Sparrow that like to stay out of the wind too.

 Cedar Waxwings sometimes get so intoxicated on berries that the wind blows them into the woods. 

A male bluebird deep in the woods can brighten up even the cloudiest day!

As a rule I don't like wind but there are some exceptions:

• I like wind if I'm going to fly a kite. I haven't flown a kite since I was about 12 but if I were going to fly one then I would probably welcome a little wind.
• I like watching the wind blow leaves around on a mild fall day.
• Naturally, I like a breeze on a very hot summer day.
• I enjoy the look and feel of the wind that kicks up during a thunderstorm.
• I know that strong winds can sometimes drive new birds towards the ocean shoreline.

I think that just about covers it but if you an think of more examples feel free to share,