Still some pretty sights to see…

The beautiful weather continues in Estabrook today, and more asters continue to open throughout the park, so I hope you get a chance to visit.

When I arrived this morning, things were a little quieter than last time at the pond, with 7-8 wood ducks, one green heron, one young night heron, but no blue herons, mallards, or fancy wood duck drakes.

Here’s the green heron showing off what a strong grip it has.

Here’s the young night-heron with its eyes almost wide open for a change.

And here’s the green heron again sporting a completely different look.

I didn’t see anyone else around, so I headed to the river and found out why there were no blue herons on the pond. I counted at least four on the river this morning, and here’s a young one trying its luck at the falls.

Here’s a mature one taking a break on a sandbar at the north end.

While I was looking for a third one that I had seen from afar, this little wren caught my attention with its distinctive raspy call.

I never did get a better look at that third blue heron, but on my way south, I caught a glimpse of this pretty little warbler, and the white eye ring, light yellow belly, grayish back, and lack of wing bars make me think it’s a female or immature Nashville warbler.

By the time I got back to the falls, our young blue heron had come across to the east side, which gives us a chance to take a closer look at that big bill it has.

And finally use the falls as a nice background.

I spooked the fourth blue heron of the morning, who was also fishing on the east side, as I wandered down the river path and didn’t see it until it took off. Sorry.

Instead, I spotted this male belted kingfisher across the river just parked there for a while with its beak open and looking a little warm in the morning sun.

Oh, before I go, let me put an item on your calendar. The Shorewood Fish & Feather Festival will be in Hubbard Park from 11 to 3 on Saturday, October 2. I’ll be there at the Friends of Estabrook Park booth, and I’d love a chance to say hi in person, so I hope I’ll see you there.