Yesterday, while I was enjoying my mother-in-law’s deviled eggs (thanks again, Joanne!) I got a hot tip from Estabrook about an extraordinary sighting, and when Anne and I got home, I waited till dusk before venturing back into the park. I could not believe my luck when I found the target of my quest seemingly waiting for me to arrive. Here’s a red morph eastern screech-owl, just like the one we saw in Cambridge Woods last month but finally in Estabrook for the first time that I’ve ever seen. Woo Hoo!
Since I was already in the park, I checked in on the great horned owl at the river, and I found it beautifully out in the open for a change. It must have been dinner time.
This morning, we awoke to snow on the lawn, but the radar suggested there would be a gap in the precipitation. Well, the seals must be going on those clouds, because they just kept leaking. Luckily, most of the critters are built for this, and here’s our intrepid robin keeping her nest dry. On a subsequent pass, she was away, so I got a peek inside, and I couldn’t see any eggs yet, but watch this space.
There were at least 5 wood ducks on the pond, and here’s a male checking to see if I brought anything. Sorry, Buddy. I’m not that guy.
Back at the river, I was stunned to see a pair of common mergansers for the first time since the start of spring back in March. Here’s the hen,
And here’s the drake. I wonder what brings them to Estabrook at this late date.
On my way back south, a male belted kingfisher stopped by and uncharacteristically allowed me to sneak this picture. Thanks, Pal!
Just beyond the kingfisher, this pair of blue-winged teals were foraging for breakfast under the snow.
Finally, this female northern flicker was on break from digging in the dirt for bugs.
Signs of Life in Estabrook Park 