Chirps and Cheeps

I headed down to Cattaraugus County today to try and add some county birds to my list.  As I wandered, I came upon a pair of Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers who must have had new hatchlings in their nest. I watched them for quite a while, using my car as a blind. They each took turns going out to find insects to feed their young. It was pretty cool to watch.  When the hunter returned with its prey, it made a little sound that alerted the other parent to come to the nest hole. It perched there, ready to fly out, but not until the one with the food got itself into position to go into the nest. It was amazing to watch!

Before I left for Cattaraugus, I did a short walk through an area of Chestnut Ridge Park looking for an Acadian Flycatcher. I was happy to find them at the same spot I've found them the last few years. The male was singing continuously, making it easy to find him. He even posed for a couple of photos for me!