Most things were blown away today

The unrelenting wind continues today, and perhaps the critters are just exhausted by it, because I saw far fewer than even yesterday, let alone usual.

One critter that I really did not expect to see was this little phoebe, perched low over the riverbank, and who feeds by flitting from its perch to catch bugs out of the air. Well, good luck with that on a day like today.

Another unexpected sight was this merlin high over the northern island. We haven’t seen one in a couple of weeks, and I thought they might have finally moved on for the season.

Finally, my third unexpected sight this morning was this catbird, which we haven’t seen in a week, lurking in the bushes beside the pond.

And them’s the thin pickin’s for today, I’m afraid. I see the forecast now calls for continued wind, though maybe a little less fierce, but also rain for tomorrow morning, so don’t get your hopes up yet.

In other news, Donna and Katie at Milwaukee Birders have inspired me to try hosting regular wildlife walks in Estabrook Park, and to avoid conflicts with several other, already-scheduled walks, I’ve chosen Monday mornings at 8:00. If you’d like to join me, just look for me at the northern parking lot, by the beer garden, at 8 am this coming Monday, November 4. I’ll be the guy with a camera and binoculars. Dress for hiking along paved and unpaved trails through the woods and beside the river in the weather forecast for that day, and we’ll try to keep it to just 2 hours.

Also, in case hiking through the woods isn’t for you, don’t forget that I’m scheduled to present live on Tuesday, November 5 from 2:30 to 3:30 at North Shore School for Seniors, and you can go to their website at Nss4s.org to register.