The heat and humidity continue, and some poor running club had one of their long runs in the park this morning, so I was surprised to find a critter about at all, but find some I did.
The pond was pretty quiet again, with just five wood ducks, three mallards, and one green heron, and I’m sure you all know what the later looks like, but here’s a picture for good measure.
As I was walking back towards the bridge at the north end, I spotted a pair of catbirds, and they looked like an adult and a youngster hoping to be fed. As I tried to get their picture, the adult took off and left the young one looking like the proverbial deer in the headlights. You’re gonna have to be faster than that, kiddo, to stay out of the funny pages.
Meanwhile, just around the corning, here’s another catbird getting its sun bath in.
Just beyond that, in a seemingly continuous parade of birds, if only for a few minutes, this appears to be our first southbound warbler of the season, and that grey hood and yellow body suggest that it is a female or immature mourning warbler (Geothlypis philadelphia) female or immature Nashville warbler (Leiothlypis ruficapilla). Thanks to Greg O. for pointing out that Nashville warblers have dark legs and dainty beaks compared to mourning warblers. Either way, the warblers are back, Baby!
The birds weren’t the only ones “enjoying” the sun this morning, and here’s a bullfrog perhaps getting the best of both worlds.
I didn’t have time for the river this morning, but I did swing by the soccer fields on my way back home, and look who was hittin’ the thistle again.
Finally, the goldenrod is in full bloom throughout the park, and I almost caught a monarch on one, but its heart wasn’t in it, so I got this bee instead.
Here’s hoping we’ll see more warblers soon, eh?
Signs of Life in Estabrook Park 