The air temperature might have been a smidge warmer at dawn, but the air was a bit stiller, and the sky was just as clear, so there was even more frost this morning in Estabrook Park than yesterday.
I saw four deer in three locations, but it wasn’t until this buck paused in the river between the islands and in a bit of sun that I was finally able to get a nice picture. I wonder if that’s the young buck from Tuesday who has now been informed, or otherwise discovered, that the island just isn’t big enough for him and his muscly elder. Either way, it appears that he is off to visit the Westabrook MATC Trail. “Best of luck, Buddy! The last time I saw a bunch of does, they were at the southern soccer fields.”
Speaking of the last time we saw someone, we haven’t seen an owl since Saturday, so I was thrilled to find one back with us again this morning.
I also found the rusty blackbird again, and it was foraging within 20 yards of where we saw it Sunday.
Just a few steps on shore, this song sparrow was preening in the sun, perhaps after a recent dip.
Between those two birds, this swamp sparrow was really earning its name.
A bit farther inland of the song sparrow, this tree sparrow gave me another chance at a decent tree sparrow picture, and I think this is a step in the right direction, but I hope I still get more chances.
The winter wrens continue to be as elusive as ever, and this little stinker seemed to be making a game of it.
While the golden-crowned kinglets seem to have resorted to foraging on the grass to make things easier for me.
Finally, at the far south end, river conditions must be just right to cause an accumulation of salmon carcasses, and that has been attracting a flock of herring gulls to feast on them.
Lastly, this clouded sulphur perched so nicely in the sun on this sow thistle blossom, that I just couldn’t help myself. Oh, and for the eagle-eyes, I believe that is a spotted cucumber beetle (Diabrotica undecimpunctata) sharing the blossom.
Signs of Life in Estabrook Park 