The Crows And I Are Patrolling The Yard

I've been taking a break from active birding so that I can catch up with the yardwork. There were giant hemlocks in the area you are looking at but the woolly adelgids destroyed them. I decided to plant a few smaller shrubs and flowers in their place.

I spend a lot of time doing yardwork but ironically, I don't spend much time just sitting and relaxing in the yard. I decided to take a coffee break and enjoy the view. I caught a quick glimpse of a hummingbird visiting some flowers.

Growing herbs and vegetables is another hobby. I tried to keep things simple and easy to maintain by making a homemade whiskey barrel raised garden. I don't think the woodchucks will be getting at these.

One bird that I have found to be surprisingly interesting is the Common American crow. They nested in the woods in back of my yard and they have provided non-stop action. They perch on roofs, raid the neighbors for food, and have a wide variety of colorful vocalizations as they interact with each other and the fledglings.

Watching them in the yard has come to make me appreciate the intelligence of a bird that a dismiss in 2 seconds when I am out birdwatching.

Another bird that has been all over the pace this season is the House Wren. I hear them all the time but only see them pop out in the open occasionally. 

It's been nice taking a summer break from biding and just spending more time in the backyard. I will gradually get back out  in the birding scene again but I'm not in any hurry!
 

Black-necked Stilt Has Distinct Markings

 A Black-necked Stilt which is considered a rare sighting in Connecticut showed up at Hammonasset State Park Last week. It was a reminder of why Hammonasset is considered one of the best birding spots in Connecticut. 

This is a bird that I thought was well worth taking a ride out to see. I was fortunate enough to be able to see it. This was my first time I have seen this species. It was very busy working back and forth picking food out of the water. The thing I liked most about this one was it had an elegant posture and long pink legs. The thing I liked most about it was that it had its own unique markings. There was no mistaking it for another species. I wish all birds were considerate enough to have their own unique markings. It makes identification so much easier!