Sunny Sunday
Today was a perfect day to do some bird watching and I was happy to locate 29 species of birds. Although most of the waterways were frozen over, there were 6 species that were first of the year sightings for me (which include the): Pied-billed Grebe, Woodduck, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Killdeer, and Song Sparrow. Other great sightings for the day included the Bald Eagle, Rough-legged Hawk, Wild Turkey, Hooded Merganser, Bufflehead and a Red-necked Grebe! I spent extensive time watching the Red-necked Grebe with hopes that I might be able to see a band on it. I even tried to shoot some video threw my spotting scope and this evening I reviewed all the video clips frame by frame. Here are two good clips of the Grebe that I captured through my spotting scope (most others were too wobbly):
I was only able to find one frame in that second clip that the Grebe could possibly have a band on it. (It reminds me of reviewing a bad video and trying to determine if it was an ivory-billed or pileated). After continuing to review that one frame the sparkle that I saw could possibly be a reflection of the sun in the water (because I also saw it on its other leg). Ugggg!! So, I am unsure if this is the rescued bird or if it is a different bird!! Your guess is as good as mine and it is probably best that I don’t know for sure!!! I will try to get some additional pictures from the day uploaded for tomorrows post. Had Turkey for dinner, so I am ready to head off to bed and not going to spend the night editing pictures.
While out searching for birds, I happened to travel through maple syrup country. I just love this time of the year!
EDITORS NOTE: Just wanted to let everyone know that I am giving the large video size a try and if anyone prefers the smaller size, please let me know! I also have been giving the more feature a try and this should help speed up the load time for anyone viewing my blog (including me who has dial up). I have also added a photo page for those who want to see a breakdown of my pictures.
Mon@rch's Nature Blog 
First, mmmmmm, Maple Syrup is the best, mmmmmmm. Yes, I’m a big *real* maple syrup fan, none of that fake stuff for me!
Cool bird sightings! Turkey at Mom’s?
11 March 2007 at 9:03 pm
Ya, then brought some leftovers home with me!
11 March 2007 at 9:53 pm
That list of birds you saw today is lengthy. I’ve seen less than half of these birds (that I know of). I like the video, maybe it is “your” grebe.
11 March 2007 at 9:55 pm
Barb – hard to say if it is it, but very possible! Only wish the water was open to have seen more!! It was great seeing the Woodducks, Gadwall and Wigeon!
11 March 2007 at 10:10 pm
I only buy REAL maple syrup. It’s so worth it! It was a beautiful sunny Sunday here too. And, I saw a lot of birds as well! Gorgeous!
12 March 2007 at 1:30 am
What a day! All of them would be lifers for me. Thanks for sharing that video clip – I sat here at the office and smiled. I like the large screen but anything you offer is good.
12 March 2007 at 7:21 am
What a great day. All those birds, even with the water still frozen. We haven’t seen any kildeer yet, but we know where they like to nest. We’ve been hearing new bird songs in the mornings. The great migration has begun, and our early spring arrivals are here. I wish I could identify them by song. I haven’t learned that trick yet! I’m so excited to be this close to spring.
The photo of the deer below is quite spectacular.
12 March 2007 at 6:56 pm
@ Liz – I agree, the best kind to get is the real stuff, thanks!
@ Mary – thanks was a good day! Glad you enjoyed and will try to continue to do the large screen but just takes me longer to upload! But, making you all happy is worth it!
@ Robin – thanks and ya things are still frozen over! Not sure if this ice age is ever leaving! How great that you have been hearing the birds!! If we are ready or not, spring is near!
12 March 2007 at 11:23 pm
Great list of birds, I saw my first Horned Lark on Saturday and then I saw a whole bunch more 😉
Your Sunday sounds like a great day glad you enjoyed it, I enjoyed the grebe too, but don’t know if it’s yours or not.
13 March 2007 at 7:49 am