Ross's Goose Was A First For Me

It's not often I add a new species to my life list these days. I try not to follow the reports because I don't want to be obsessed with chasing birds. I don't like burning the gas and I have to be careful with my free time right now. I had another birder tip me off that there was a Ross's Goose being reported and even offered to give me a ride to see it. That was an offer I couldn't refuse and I'm glad I took him up on it. 

A Ross's Goose is very similar looking to a Snow Goose. It is smaller than a Snow Goose, has a smaller bill and it has an all white head. A Snow Goose usually has a little bit of rust color on the head.

It was mixed in with a flock of a couple of hundred Canada Geese but being all white made it easy to pick out. It even put on a show by flying circles around us a few times!

Bridges, Birds, And Bumblebees

I've been trying to make use of my bike lately and to keep my birdwatching local. I took a ride down to this bridge and walked along both sides of the road.

My bird of the morning was this Hermit Thrush. Being without your car tends to make me a little more patient because I'm not going to be tempted to chase rare birds around the state on my bike.

 I found this Hermit quietly perched on a branch hidden behind a tree. I might have overlooked it if I had been in a rush but on this particular day, I was taking time to stop and smell the flowers.I noticed something encouraging this year. I have seen more bumblebees than I have in the past few years. I counted over 20 of them on one mum plants. It has been reported that the population has decreased by as much as 90 percent over the last 20 years so I'm hoping that they are on the increase again. Pollinators are important! 

Foliage, Flowers, And Sparrows

I haven't heard much about fall color this year in the news. I was happy to see there's some around.  

I liked the way this flower looked when I was out looking for fall sparrows. I don't know what kind it is but I remember seeing a picture of Cosmos and wondered if that's what this might be?

I've seen plenty of sparrows but not really the ones I've been looking for. Mostly Savannah Sparrows so far. Still, they look nice, especially viewed through a spotting scope.

A Camping Firepit Backyard Birding Sit!

Lately, nights have been to busy to find the time to enjoy sitting by the firepit. So why not make one in the morning? I got this one started before sunrise.

The moon was still visible while I was sipping on coffee and sitting next to the warmth of the fire. I heard an owl calling in the dark.

Eventually the sun came up and I didn't want to miss my birding time. Instead of extinguishing the fire so I could run out birding somewhere I decided to stay right where I was. After all, there's always going to be birds to see in your own yard! This Red-shouldered Hawk was one of many I was able to see. Sitting in one place while birding and birding in my own yard are 2 things I always intend to do but don't always have the patience to follow through. I was able to knock both of those off my baby bucket list.

There are many ways that I to enjoy nature. Sitting by a fire with a moonlit sky, birding, and camping are 3 of my favorites. With a little creativity and imagination I was able to get a taste of all 3. The first 2 speak for themselves and camping is a frame of mind. you just have to convince yourself that your backyard is a campground!