Botanical Trails of Yarmouth
This was the third year in a row I was asked to lead a walk through the beautiful botanical trails of Yarmouthport. The weather was a concern, as rain was expected in the area for most of the day, and yet... somehow, we were able to fit our bird walk in. It was a nice gift for a sweet bunch of bird-loving folks as we ambled on the trail. One of the troubles with a storm approaching is that the birds are inherently aware, meaning... many of them are already seeking shelter before the bad weather arrives. This does not make for great bird photography, but I was able to get a few photos.
These trails are well-marked and oh so woodsy. Traveling at birdwatching speed, it typically takes a bit over an hour to hike around Miller Pond. It is an ideal habitat for so many species of bird due to the wetlands surrounded by dense thickets and areas of rhododendrons, some of them just about ready to pop with color. We were teased by an Ovenbird, who sang loud and clear, yet camouflaged perfectly. I just could not get sight of him in my binoculars, but that is very often the case with Ovenbirds. You can't believe how loud they are near you and yet... you can't SEE them. It can be hilariously frustrating. An Eastern Towhee male gave us quite a vocal show shortly after our Ovenbird search though, making up for the "watching" part of our walk.
Catbirds were seemingly at every turn and we did get to enjoy a bit of a Great-crested Flycatchers dance at the top of some Oaks near the end of our walk. Much to our surprise...we even got to see a Common Yellowthroat, before he quickly vanished into the dense shrubs. He did not allow for photographs... bummer. As usual, it was a delightful way to begin a weekend morning, surrounded by Nature, joined by a bunch of Yarmouth Bird Nerds and enjoying a simple walk through the woods. Thank you Historical Society of Old Yarmouth! (double click photos to enlarge)
Our List:
Gray Catbird
American Robin
Osprey
Blue Jay
Northern Cardinal
Eastern Towhee
Ovenbird
Ring-billed Gull
American Goldfinch
Mourning Dove
Red-winged Blackbird
Tufted Titmouse
Common Yellowthroat
Great-crested Flycatcher
 |
| Gray Catbird |
 |
| Eastern Towhee - male |
 |
| Eastern Towhee - male |
 |
| Mourning Dove |
 |
| Black-capped Chickadee |
 |
| Lily of the Valley in bloom I wish you could smell this photo... |
 |
| Silhouette of a Red-winged Blackbird - male |
 |
| Great-crested Flycatcher |
 |
| Fancy nest |
 |
| Happy flock of Bird Nerds |
 |
| Northern Cardinal - male |
 |
| Northern Cardinal - male |
 |
| American Robin - male |
No comments:
Post a Comment