Chirps and Cheeps

Cold and rain were both headed our way, with temps predicted to drop significantly during the night. Not birding on this sunny and almost 80 degree day (Friday) was simply not an option. I worked hard for a few hours and got things in good order - then I grabbed my backpack and camera - and out I flew some time shortly before noon.  I headed to Tifft Nature Preserve hoping for a few more birds than the paltry few I found at Spraguebrook State Park late Thursday afternoon.

The day turned out to be a great day: full of birds and two lifers!

Right by the entrance, I saw TWO Belted Kingfishers: a male and female. They were touring the pond area, much to my delight!  I didn't think I'd see a kingfisher again until spring, so I stopped to watch, always enamored by this species.

After that, inside the preserve, I saw a Song Sparrow chirping sweetly in a tree by the creek. The couple of photos I got were too badly backlit to post, but I felt encouraged having seen a nice little sparrow early on.  Right after that, I heard a Carolina Wren. I swear, I hear them way more than I see them! I searched for awhile, his very loud song getting louder - and I DID see a bird flush as I broke into a little clearing - but I never did definitely ID it as the wren. I love those guys; I wish they weren't so elusive.

Just standing still in the clearing brought a LOT into view: Yellow-rumped Warblers, Golden-crowned Kinglets, White-breasted Nuthatches, Downy and Red-bellied Woodpeckers, American Robins, Black-capped Chickadees, and Northern Cardinals. The chickadees were literally flying right up to me, fluttering in the air, maybe looking for seed. I can't believe I forgot seeds for the chickadees again!

I hiked all around the preserve, ending at Lisa Pond, where I saw the two lifers: a Northern Mockingbird and a Hooded Merganser. I've been looking for a mockingbird for a long time now. Birders' posts to the list serve mention them often and I've been frustrated for a long time, wondering why I've never seen one!  Today was joy! The Hooded Mergansers were also a great sighting. Those are very cool looking ducks.

Other sightings in addition to what I've mentioned: Brown Creeper, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, White-throated Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, American Crow, Blue Jay, Red-tailed Hawk, Great Blue Heron (I was thrilled to sing one fly over!), Pied-billed Grebe, Canada Goose, Mallard.