Chirps and Cheeps

I was taken to lunch by a client today and found myself close to Amherst State Park on a gorgeous Friday afternoon.  How could I NOT???  I "just happened" to have packed all my gear, so - I unobtrusively changed from my nice clothes to my hiking clothes and headed over.  I was not disappointed!

I spent a good 3 hours in the park, greeted by 2 gorgeous Baltimore Orioles even before I opened the trunk to get out my "stuff".  Wow!  That was a treat and the first of the year sighting for me.

I found so many Yellow-rumped Warblers, I stopped counting!  There were loads of Palm Warblers too (I think that might be my favorite warbler). I saw Black and White warblers, a Great Blue Heron (never got his pic, sadly), and what I think was a Belted Kingfisher.  That bird was C O O L!!!  He dove past me following the creek bed and was out of sight before I could blink.  Another time he came around, he swirled around, hung momentarily upside-down from a branch hanging over the creek, then whipped off with a strange noise.  He came one last time - and I thought I was ready with my camera, but I totally missed him again.  He was mostly blue-gray and white - with a collar near his neck - if he was a Belted Kingfisher, I suspect that's where the belt comes in.  Super cool bird!

The warblers were so friendly, paying me hardly any never mind as I settled in to watch and photograph them.  It was an exceptionally birdy and delightful day; one I will remember forever.  Red Admirals still abound...  Oh Lord, how marvelous is the work of Your hands!