It was about as nice a morning in Estabrook Park as I could ask for, weather wise, with mild temps, still air, and clear skies, but the critters and I seem to be still adjusting to the new, post-migration, normal, because I really struggled to come up with pictures to reflect the pretty day.
One bright spot was this osprey, who put on an impressive show over the river just upstream of the two islands. It started with a nice flyby, …
and progressed to the impressive hovering maneuver they can do. Sadly, I didn’t get to see it try for anything, let alone land a fish, before it moved on to a new spot.
Closer to the water, there are still a couple of spotted sandpipers keeping the killdeer company, and here’s the one that let me sneak a picture.
At the pond, I was surprised to find no trace of the wood duck hen and her dozen ducklings, despite a couple of visits. I’m sure they’ll turn up, but until then, we’ll just have to make do with this green heron fishing at the edge of the west lawn.
In case you’ve forgotten, here’s a reminder of just how much neck they keep coiled up under those feathers.
Back at the southern soccer fields, I was happy to find a kingbird again, and even happier to find a pair of them. It’s a shame I couldn’t get them to pose together, but one kingbird is better than none, right?
Finally, I did hear a few indigo buntings throughout the park, but none would allow me the portrait this youngster let me have yesterday.
I see that the weather tomorrow is supposed to be a repeat of today, and possibly even nicer, so here’s hoping that I have better luck!
Signs of Life in Estabrook Park 