A long Walk but a short addition...

So I took a long walk and only got one bird for 2012. But the Journey there was great fun. In the middle of winter, to talk over 3 miles and see all sorts of birds fly around reminded me that the migration is almost here. And boy does it look like it will be great. But I am getting ahead of myself. Today. American Robins, House Sparrows, Mute Swans nesting, Common Grackles, Common Mergansers, Hooded Mergansers, Northern Cardinals and the only new bird for 2012, the American Coot. Coot's aren't normally described as elusive, but this coot was awkwardly elusive. He was darting in and out of some reeds in a shallow lake. But then again, a couple of Bald Eagles had been spotted around the lake, so the Coot, also known as one of the Bald Eagle's favorite meals, was wise to be hiding. Well, I'll be rooting for you!

Outing #18
American Coot

2012 Total: 91

A Coot in the Fall

City Parks

I spent the other day birding all around my hometown, I learned a lot about the birds of my hometown. Lots of great birding to be had. In 3 parks I saw some amazing birds. While I only added 2 to my year total and got 0 life birds, I saw a great deal of birds that were new for me in Connecticut and new for me in here. Bald Eagles, Swamp and Field Sparrows, Ring-Necked Ducks, Buffleheads, House Finches and a Mallard drake with a purple head. I noticed the Bald Eagle in the park when every little bird that I had been following flew into brush or in between large rocks. Nothing is scarier to many creatures than the sight of a Bald Eagle. In fact I felt bad for the Red-Tailed Hawk patrolling the same area as he was virtually ignored. Of course, that probably meant he had better hunting opportunities.

Urban Parks provide great insights into the balance of nature and humanity. Once again, its just a matter of seeing. Sometimes you can see the power humans have on nature. Oil tankers, trash and roads cut through parks and make their marks on how animals, plants and all forms of life have to make their way. yet, nature, not just birds, seem to find a way. yet, when a park is cleaned, valued, and enjoyed, nature and humanity can flourish together and enjoy each other.

Outing #17
Common Grackle
Green-Winged Teal

2012 Total: 90

The Origin Story

So, a beginning, a very good place to start. For me, this journey began as a quaint fascination a few years ago. But I want to stick to the topic, what is birding and how did I get involved. I've always noticed the birds around me but rarely took the time to think about them and beyond basic recognition. So how did I go from that to someone who's interested in looking for specific birds and going on hikes to look for birds. As with most things, there are no simple beginnings and several things came together to really peak my interest in birds.

Well, since I have no easy answers, I will tell you what I saw today. 3 bald eagles over my house. And while pursuing them, i saw the most amazing thing, the courtship behavior. For those unfamiliar with this behavior, take a moment and google it or look in Arkive.org for a good video of the behavior. Nonetheless, seeing this behavior, while sitting stuck between a busy road and a lake, i was struck with how beautiful birds and nature can be. Often, when I've gone out, I've felt conscious of the people wondering what I've been doing, but today, I felt like stopping all of them and asking them to look and see the eagles soaring and flying. Maybe next time...