It was another rainy morning in Estabrook Park, but not as rainy as the big green blob on the radar suggested, so I gave it a try after about an hour delay. By then the precipitation had stopped, the air was nearly still, and I just about had the park to myself, people-wise, that is.
Things were quiet at the pond when I arrived. The gaggle of photographers that have been camping on the west lawn lately had not yet arrived, the wood ducks were down for their naps, and so was the little pied-billed grebe.
At the river, on the other hand, the cry of an osprey grabbed my attention, and I found the source high above the downstream island, where it was just getting started on its breakfast.
Just a bit upstream, and high over the next island, another bird was calling for attention. This time it was another migrating rusty blackbird.
A pair of kingfishers were flitting about, and while I was down near the water trying to get a decent killdeer picture, some leaves hid me enough for this female to perch nearby.
Back on shore, the hermit thrushes have just about replaced all the Swainson’s thrushes, who have continued their journey south, and here’s our first good look at the former and its cinnamony tail.
As I made my way back downstream, I spotted a bird perched right at the top of a bare tree, but all I could see was its back, and my first thought was “kestrel!” Before I could move to the side enough for a better look, however, it took off, but I’m thrilled to report that it didn’t go far, and I was able to get in front of it this time. So, here’s a look at our first merlin of the season.
On my second swing by the pond, the wood ducks were still parked, but at least these two were awake.
Back at the south end, I finally managed to get a first picture of the season of one of the swamp sparrows I’ve been seeing around the park for a week or two.
Lastly, as I crossed the parkway to make my exit, I spotted this pair on the lawn opposite the building attached to the TV tower. I can’t quite tell if the smaller one has the start of antlers on the top of its head, so I’m not sure if this is the same pair we’ve been seeing lately or a second pair. The building in the background is “Ciel of Shorewood”, formerly “HarborChase”, on the south side of Capitol Drive.
Signs of Life in Estabrook Park 
Andrew: you are remarkable. These pictures are astonishing. You make it seem like all creatures are just out there posing on branches waiting for you to come by with your camera. I imagine there’s more to the searching than that, but your sheer delight in finding, capturing and sharing the photos is palpable. Thank you.
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