Yesterday was basically rained out. I did make a brief afternoon trip to Truxtun Park, but there was nary a bird in sight, and I didn’t spend much time there.
I went to Possum Point and the Nature Center this morning. It was more promising, cooler and slightly overcast, but, later, it cleared up a bit and got warmer. I’m looking or signs of the Fall migration, and I found some. I also met a beginning birder and was able to show her a first, a Cedar Waxwing. I know very few birders in any case, so it was nice to meet a young one who will carry on the adventure. Hi, Alexa!
There were far more Double Crested Cormorant s than usual at Possum Point, and these two were fishing successfully.
Seagulls, like this Black Backed Seagull always look remarkably graceful when flying.
This Osprey, and all his mates will be heading to South America soon. I’ve grown so used to them that I often pass them by, and I suspect I’ll miss them.
These are the first Purple Martins I’ve seen at Possum Point. They are gathering to migrate. Do they plan to stay on the sailboat?
There are is always a Chipping Sparrow to be found at t he Nature Center.
Eastern Kingbirds are easy to find, but I like the way this one posed.
There are many juvenile Bluebirds at the Nature Center.
This House Finch seems to be enjoying a break.
I was surprised to see that the Blue Gray Gnatcatcher chicks had flown and gone. This nest is less than 1.5″ in diameter.
From Cornell LAbs:
“Nest Description
Open cup with high walls, made of spider webbing or caterpillar silk, covered with lichens or bark flakes. Lined with grass stems, bark strips, plant down, hair, feathers, or other fine fibers. Placed far out from trunk on tree limbs.”
This nest is obviously an exception.
This male Monarch Butterfly was tough to track down.
It’s been several weeks since I’ve seen a Cedar Waxwing .
The Catbirds will be heading South soon.