Birding WNY | Chirps and Cheeps

Mother Son Hike Down 18 Mile Creek Published: August 02, 2012 Tags: General Observations, 18 Mile Creek, Evans, Lake Erie, Belted Kingfisher, Baltimore Oriole, Gray Catbird, Rock Pigeon, American Goldfinch, Cedar Waxwing, Cliff Swallow Today my son, Tom, and I took a hike down 18 Mile Creek starting at its end in Evans at Lake Erie. It was a beautiful day and it warranted getting out of my office to enjoy my son's company and the beauty of nature. We saw several Belted Kingfishers, mostly flying by. Only once, did I find one resting! It's funny: I'm seeing this bird everywhere this spring and summer, but it was only this spring that I saw him for the first time and was able to add him to my life life. It's right up there on my list of favorites now and oh, I just love to hear his rattle! In addition to the Belted Kingfishers, Tom and I saw a Baltimore Oriole, several American Goldfinches, many, many Rock Pigeons and Cliff Swallows, a Gray Catbird, a Song Sparrow, Cedar Waxwing, Red-winged Blackbirds, and a Red-tailed Hawk. There was a large construction crew doing some major repairs to the bridge that crosses over Rte. 5, so I imagine we would have seen more if it was quieter. On our return, one of the workmen asked us if we spotted the Bald Eagle - so that gives incentive to get back there! Apparently one nests somewhere in that area. It would be great joy to see them! Rock Pigeons were everywhere I believe this is a Tiger Swallowtail A beautiful flower! A Silver-spotted Skipper. Thanks for the ID, Carl! A couple of mallards enjoying the cool of the creek A Belted Kingfisher flying by us Tom returning from a hunt for my lost reading glasses Such a beautiful creek! Add a Comment » Reply from: Carl Carbone on 8/5/2012 5:56 PM Hi Sue, I think that butterfly is a Silver-spotted Skipper. -Carl Reply from: Sue on 8/5/2012 6:42 PM Thanks, Carl; you were right on. I changed my caption from a Red Admiral to the Silver-spotted Skipper (say THAT fast 5 times!)

Mother Son Hike Down 18 Mile Creek

Published: August 02, 2012
Tags: General Observations, 18 Mile Creek, Evans, Lake Erie, Belted Kingfisher, Baltimore Oriole, Gray Catbird, Rock Pigeon, American Goldfinch, Cedar Waxwing, Cliff Swallow

Today my son, Tom, and I took a hike down 18 Mile Creek starting at its end in Evans at Lake Erie. It was a beautiful day and it warranted getting out of my office to enjoy my son's company and the beauty of nature.

We saw several Belted Kingfishers, mostly flying by. Only once, did I find one resting! It's funny: I'm seeing this bird everywhere this spring and summer, but it was only this spring that I saw him for the first time and was able to add him to my life life. It's right up there on my list of favorites now and oh, I just love to hear his rattle!

In addition to the Belted Kingfishers, Tom and I saw a Baltimore Oriole, several American Goldfinches, many, many Rock Pigeons and Cliff Swallows, a Gray Catbird, a Song Sparrow, Cedar Waxwing, Red-winged Blackbirds, and a Red-tailed Hawk.

There was a large construction crew doing some major repairs to the bridge that crosses over Rte. 5, so I imagine we would have seen more if it was quieter. On our return, one of the workmen asked us if we spotted the Bald Eagle - so that gives incentive to get back there! Apparently one nests somewhere in that area. It would be great joy to see them!