Nothing like your birding trip getting started before you even get out of the yard. The list of what you will see can sometime begin before you put your car into drive. First on my list was the female American Redstart that landed on a pine bough before I even backed out of the driveway. Her brilliant yellow against the black tail was quite the contrast...The weather on … [Read more...] about Starting off the List with an American Redstart!
Jane Whitten
Camouflage…it Works Great for Immature White Ibises!
They say camouflage offers protection by blending an animal or bird in with their surroundings. Well, camouflage definitely works for immature White Ibises! Walking along a trail, I had no idea they were even there until my presence spooked them and they took to flight. By the way, the Ibises spooked me, too! There were about 20 in the flock as they circled in the air … [Read more...] about Camouflage…it Works Great for Immature White Ibises!
Getting Complacent Yields the Blue Grosbeak!
I'm truly ashamed...seems we in North Carolina hear and see some of our birds so much that we hardly give them the attention that we do other birds. Today was no different. Walking along the trail was what seemed to be Cardinals or sparrows making their sounds. But quickly, things took a turn...a "Blue" turn...when the sounds didn't match what I was looking at making them, I … [Read more...] about Getting Complacent Yields the Blue Grosbeak!
Inviting a “Non-birding Friend” to Go Birding with You!
What do you do when a "non-birding friend" comes to visit and you want to go birding? You take them...ahumm...birding...I mean kayaking! In my particular situation, we could surely accommodate both, still have a great time paddling AND birdwatch, too! We loaded up the kayaks (see below ordeal about me deciding NOW was the time to install new seat covers) and went down to my … [Read more...] about Inviting a “Non-birding Friend” to Go Birding with You!
Spotting the White Forehead of the Least Tern
Sometimes your birding plans can change on a dime. While photographing a Prothonotary Warbler by the pond, a small white bird flew swiftly through the viewfinder. Naturally, I was distracted from the warbler and lowered the camera to see what it was that dared photobomb my photo. Suddenly, the warbler became a thing of the past. Altogether, there were three white birds diving … [Read more...] about Spotting the White Forehead of the Least Tern