New Arrivals

It was a terrific morning for walking in the wetlands. The sunrise was spectacular, and I loved watching the coots eagerly flying across the path and diving into the open water.

Sunrise
American coot in flight

I had it mostly to myself and got to see my first of the spring little green herons and an American bittern. The bittern pic is not great, but it’s so good to see them again. There have been so many times I have been standing right next to one and didn’t realize it until they flew away. Such good camouflage!

Little green herons in tree
American bittern

A great blue heron made some geese very unhappy by standing on their muskrat lodge, but eventually left them to it. I see geese nesting on top of the lodges fairly often. That seems like prime real estate! I’m hoping I will get to see some goslings soon!

Heron standing on muskrat lodge
Geese on muskrat lodge

I’m still stalking the same area looking for river otters. I didn’t have any luck today, but I did get to see a super cute muskrat having breakfast.

Muskrat eating

Good times for birdwatching

If you love birds, you know this is one of the most exciting (and fun!) times of the year. Residents are courting and singing, and a variety of species are stopping by on their way to their northern homes. Click on pictures to enlarge.

white faced ibis

© Chris Taylor

Greater yellowlegs

© Chris Taylor

Savannah sparrow

© Chris Taylor

Caspian tern

© Chris Taylor

American bittern

© Chris Taylor

Egrets in fog

© Chris Taylor

Sora

© Chris Taylor

Wilson's Phalarope

© Chris Taylor