Brewster, MA
Day TWO! I was very much looking forward to hearing about bird sightings and stories from my new friends, and they did not disappoint! I heard about House Sparrows finding interest in some scraps at Captain Frosty's (I highly recommend their fried clams as well as their ice cream sodas! Cape Cod necessities!) I also got to hear about woodpeckers who'd left severe damage in Grandma's house. There was another European Starling flock sighting, similar to the one we saw on our first bird walk together yesterday, and one lucky bird nerd even got to observe a Baltimore Oriole (female I was told!) take a leisurely bath in a bird bath! This weather, hot humid and sunny, happens to be my favorite, but it sure can be dangerous when it comes to dehydration. The birds feel that pressure as well and we didn't see too many birds over the marsh for probably that very reason. It's easier to be sheltered and safe in this summer weather during the middle of the day when temperatures spike.
We did still see birds on our bird walk and today, the KidSummer Kids got a surprise - a new set of binoculars to call their own. They got to test them out this morning, and we had some interesting sightings, particularly of a Northern Mockingbird who was acting particularly territorial on the cedars of the dunes. We also had another beautiful Osprey sighting before we headed out. Thanks also to Marjorie who allowed our group into the new Butterfly House at the museum before it opened to the public for the day. I also got to teach them the Bird Nerd Salute! (double click photos to enlarge)
Our List:
American Goldfinch
Osprey
House Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Black-capped Chickadee
Northern Cardinal
Barn Swallow
Song Sparrow
American Crow
Northern Mockingbird
House Sparrow - male
Bird Nerds and their new binoculars
Checking wingspans
Osprey on the nest
I think they're liking their new binoculars!
We heard an Eastern Towhee in the distance &
I wanted everyone to know what the bird
who was making that beautiful song looks like!
Hiking the John Wing Trail
This Black-capped Chickadee had been quite
curious about us for a moment
Birdwatching can be tough on your neck!
It's worth it though...
Evidence of a bird that didn't make it to Wednesday...
Notice the charred background. There was a controlled burn about 3
weeks ago to keep a section of the meadow under control.
Finally! The Bird Nerd Salute!
Song Sparrow
Northern Mockingbird
Not the greatest photo of the mockingbird, but I inadvertently caught a dragonfly
in this photo as well! (top right of the frame)
Northern Mockingbird
Song Sparrow
Happy Birding Bird Nerds!
It's wonderful that the participants in this summer camp are having such great experiences and as doting grandparents (and wanna be birders) we love reading about what birds they see and how much they are learning. Great job!
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