It started snowing in Estabrook Park at around 7:45 this morning, and it is still drifting down now two and a half hours later. Despite the recent cold, the ground is still too warm for any accumulation except on the grass, bushes, and trees. I realize many folks are fewer than thrilled with this development, but it is a huge treat for me, even if it is a bit of a hassle to keep my camera dry. In any case, here are a few of the critters who continued going about their business despite the snow.
A belted kingfisher appears still to have a hope of catching a fish for breakfast.
As does this great blue heron.
These mallards seem totally unfazed.
Once I reach the northern island, I usually also scan the river all the way up to the bridge, about 1000 feet away, even if I’m not going to hike that far, just to see who else might be there, and today I hit the jackpot. I could just make out this little group of shore birds, but I couldn’t tell what they were exactly, so this time I did have to hike farther north for a better look.
Upon closer inspection, I believe I finally have a picture of greater yellowlegs in Estabrook, subject to expert approval from ebird.org, of course. We’ve seen lesser yellowlegs a few times before, and I spotted greaters in the Horicon marsh, but these five would be a first for me here. Keep your fingers crossed.
Back on shore, this dark-eyed junco foraged in the snowy grass.
Finally, back at the south end, beside the soccer fields, I spotted the phoebe again. Boy, I sure hope it can still accumulate enough calories, not only to stay warm, but also to fly a bit farther south to its winter range, which extends north just into Kentucky, about 400 miles away. “Hang in there, Kiddo! The forecast has us back into the 40s tomorrow and the 50s for the weekend.”
Signs of Life in Estabrook Park 