The precipitation yesterday did eventually peter out, and I was able to get outside to take a couple of pictures of the birds by my folks’ house. Here’s a dark-eyed junco finding seeds in the little strip of grass beside a building where the snow didn’t land.
There is an abandoned driving range nearby, which is now covered with tall grasses and low bushes. This provides great habitat for all kinds of little rodents, which in turn reliably attracts birds of prey, and here’s a red-tailed hawk looking for lunch.
Finally, I also spotted another mockingbird yesterday afternoon, but there was still no sun to light up its pretty eyes.
Overnight, there was a huge change in the weather out here, and the temperature was all the way up to 51°F this morning, so the snow was already almost completely gone. There was also a low and thick cloud cover, so not much light, but at least I never felt a drop as I strolled along the Farmington Canal Trail.
I couldn’t find the otters nor the ring-necked ducks on the pond this morning, but we had a pair of hooded mergansers instead, and here’s the drake keeping his distance.
I didn’t see any red-tails or owls this morning, but here’s one of the two red-shouldered hawks that like to hunt beside the trail.
Finally, my sister and I started hearing yellow-bellied sapsuckers yesterday, and this morning I was finally able to capture an image of this male. I see that we are just inside their winter range out here, so I guess I shouldn’t be too surprised.
With any luck, our flights this afternoon will go smoothly, and Anne and I will be back in Wisconsin this evening. I look forward to seeing who’s come or gone in Estabrook Park tomorrow.
Signs of Life in Estabrook Park 