Back at camp! This morning I got to visit with some young day campers who were quite prepared with their pre-made birdoculars! I was so pleased! Seeing that this was a new bird-loving crowd, we talked not only about the birds and their habitats, but also the habitats themselves, including the trees and the water and the bugs! We dug up a newly sprouting oak tree with the acorn mostly intact. We were treated to a remarkable visit from a VERY friendly blue dragonfly. S/he just seemed delighted to visit with us and turn the bird walk, into a bug visit for a few minutes (see photos below). These youngsters were just as excited as I was to spot the Gray Catbird balancing on the soccer field net fencing, pouncing down to the grass, then skillfully swooping right through the fencing to the protective greenery on the other side. We even got to see and hear a Pine Warbler! They are a common & beautifully musical warbler, but they move around SO fast most of the time, they can be difficult to plainly observe at the top of the pitch pine branches 30 feet over your head. Fortunately for us - the first group had great opportunities to see this species. Our second bunch of bird walkers were excited to hear and then SEE a friendly frog as well. So friendly, I was able to snap a photo of him/her too! Getting youngsters outside means you get outside, and that's something I feel all can benefit from. (double click photos to enlarge)
Our List (Walk 1):
Fish Crow
Gray Catbird
Red-winged Blackbird (female & male)
American Goldfinch (male)
Pine Warbler (male)
Spotted Wintergreen - outside the camp Health Center
Nest
Gray Catbird
Gray Catbird
Checking out the Gray Catbird in the bird guide
Pine Warbler - male
Our List (Walk 2):
Grey Catbird
Song Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
American Crow
Tufted Titmouse
Downy Woodpecker
Look near the edge of the backpack over the left zipper pull - blue dragonfly
Comparing oak leaves
Hello frog
HELLO!
Song Sparrow
Happy Birding Camp W*K campers!
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