Everyday Spring migration draws nearer and nearer. Or so they tell me. While the last storm missed Connecticut, we got a good burst of cold wind and weather nonetheless. Of course, that doesn't keep the New England Birder at bay. Well, actually, it takes the New England Birder right to the Bay. I visited several parks that were near open water this past weekend with great success. I found an Eared Grebe that had been a winter resident near Greenwich Point Park. While I had seen the EAGB in Texas, it was nice to add this rare bird to my Connecticut List.
The 2 most exciting birds that I got this last outing were the Long Eared Owl and a Glaucous Gull! Both were great finds in the state of Connecticut. It was hard to snap photos of the better birds due to distance and folliage, but all 3 were great birds to find for different reasons. The Owl was just a great find. Its silence and almost magical flight around me made me truly feel special to share space with that bird. The Glaucous Gull was a bit more of a workhouse find. Visiting Southbury where hundreds of Gulls have been visiting and to find the Glaucous, I had to sort through the Gulls. Sitting out, against the wind, I had to sort through hundreds of Gulls and when I found the Glaucous, I felt like all those hours of reading and work finally paid off!
I can't wait til the next weekend comes. Until the next time, get outside and go birding!
A House Finch
Red-Bellied Woodpecker
Juvenile Eastern Bluebird
Downy Woodpecker
Long-Eared Owl
2014 Year Birds: 127
CT Year Birds: 120
Notable Additions:
Long-Eared Owl *Life and Goal Bird*
Eared Grebe
Glaucous Gull *Life Bird*
Good record shots.
ReplyDeleteThanks. Its not always easy!
DeleteMissing the house finches. Hope to see some soon.
ReplyDeletethey are cool birds. I enjoy the purple finches as well!
DeleteSounds like you had a peaceful, successful bird walk.
ReplyDelete