A trip to southeastern Connecticut today for a Painted Bunting at Cove Island Park (the same park that held the Fork-Tailed Flycatcher last November) was unsuccessful as evidently the Bunting left yesterday. Although we did manage to see a Red-Necked Grebe...
Nearby Bill, Ahmet, and I had some more consolations in the male Eurasian Wigeon at Sherwood Island Park.
Afterwards we went up to Westport and were able to get fine looks at a Western Kingbird despite the nearby fog.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Saturday, November 19, 2011
November 19 - Cape May
A long drive today in search of the Ash-Throated Flycatcher failed to see the bird. Although we did get Grasshopper Sparrow, Purple Finch, and Eurasian Wigeon. A late Baltimore Oriole put in an appearance at the State Park.
Also I was finally able to see the Eurasian Collared-Doves after a few previous tries.
The highlight was getting nice views of Cave Swallows over Lighthouse Pond -- and being able to see these birds with friends Rob F. and Lisa M., and the best part is that it was a life-bird for Lisa !!
Also I was finally able to see the Eurasian Collared-Doves after a few previous tries.
The highlight was getting nice views of Cave Swallows over Lighthouse Pond -- and being able to see these birds with friends Rob F. and Lisa M., and the best part is that it was a life-bird for Lisa !!
Saturday, November 12, 2011
November 12 - South Padre Island blitz
My last morning of this Texas trip and I was able to squeeze in 2 hours of very productive birding at the South Padre Island Convention Center & the Valley Fund Lots.
The highlight has to be the Long-Eared Owl at the Convention Center. I understand it's one of the very few records of this species over the 18-year history of the Rio Grande Birding Festival !
Another treat, for this region, was a Fox Sparrow, which may be just the 2nd ever record for the entire Rio Grande Valley...Also a Winter Wren put in a brief appearance & a Magnolia Warbler showed well for everyone to see.
Over at Valley Fund lots, I had a Rufous Hummingbird which is quite uncommon. Also seen were sparrows of White-Crowned, White-Throated, Lincoln's, and Swamp.
The trip total is 180 birds seen this week with 4 life-birds (White-Tailed Hawk, Franklin's Gull, Sprague's Pipit, and the Ferruginous Owls. I wish I could come here every year!
The highlight has to be the Long-Eared Owl at the Convention Center. I understand it's one of the very few records of this species over the 18-year history of the Rio Grande Birding Festival !
Another treat, for this region, was a Fox Sparrow, which may be just the 2nd ever record for the entire Rio Grande Valley...Also a Winter Wren put in a brief appearance & a Magnolia Warbler showed well for everyone to see.
Over at Valley Fund lots, I had a Rufous Hummingbird which is quite uncommon. Also seen were sparrows of White-Crowned, White-Throated, Lincoln's, and Swamp.
The trip total is 180 birds seen this week with 4 life-birds (White-Tailed Hawk, Franklin's Gull, Sprague's Pipit, and the Ferruginous Owls. I wish I could come here every year!
Friday, November 11, 2011
November 11 - King Ranch Trip / South Padre Island
This morning I took a group trip to the private King Ranch, it's as big as the entire state of Rhode Island. the target was the Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl and right around 11:11 on 11/11 we were finally able to see it.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Wednesday, November 09, 2011
November 9 - Estero Llano Grande State Park
One of my favorite was the Green Kingfisher:
And later on I saw this sleeping Pauraque:
Tuesday, November 08, 2011
November 8 - Colley's Island Boat ride
Today my wife & I took a private boat ride with Scarlett Colley into the South Bay. The winds were quite strong which made the boating & birding a bit challenging but we managed to have a good time nevertheless.
Some of the highlights were flocks of Roseate Spoonbills flying overhead, along with both the White and Brown Pelican species, and many waders such as Tri-Colored and Little Blue herons.
The best bird of the day for me was the "Mangrove" Yellow Warbler, a subspecies that may one day be elevated to a full species. We had nice looks at two females, and the briefest view of a male.
Notables also seen today were a distant Snowy Plover, Long-Billed Curlews, Marbled Godwits, American Oystercatcher, Black Skimmers, and Red Knots.
Some of the highlights were flocks of Roseate Spoonbills flying overhead, along with both the White and Brown Pelican species, and many waders such as Tri-Colored and Little Blue herons.
The best bird of the day for me was the "Mangrove" Yellow Warbler, a subspecies that may one day be elevated to a full species. We had nice looks at two females, and the briefest view of a male.
Notables also seen today were a distant Snowy Plover, Long-Billed Curlews, Marbled Godwits, American Oystercatcher, Black Skimmers, and Red Knots.
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