Populations continue to ebb and flow…

We had fabulous weather this morning in Estabrook Park for our weekly wildlife walk and a good turnout, too. The first treat came early when a fawn, still in spots, came running diagonally across the parking lot right toward us all as we were catching up and planning our route. I just stood there and enjoyed the show along with everyone else, so I don’t have a picture for you, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it was this youngster, just based on its exuberance.

After that, we took the usual route, by the pond, along the river, and then back up onto the bluff. That’s were our one warbler finally decided to show its face, albeit briefly, and here’s the best picture I could muster of our shy little visitor, another female or immature male blackburnian warbler.

Nearly right below the warbler, the first brown-headed cowbird I’ve seen in Estabrook this month let me have a better look. We’re right at the northern edge of their year-round range, so they’re spotted around there through the winter, but much less frequently than in the warmer months.

It was only after we had returned to the parking lot and all went our separate ways, that this fierce looking red-tailed hawk glided over and perched high above the dog park. Ah well, you can’t win ’em all. Right?

The monarch butterflies are becoming a common sight, which I am thrilled to see, and I saw at least four at the pollinator garden, including these two doing their best to make more. I was a bit surprised to see this at such a late date, but I read that “those that emerge [from their chrysalis] before mid-August will lay eggs over the course of their month-long lifespan. So reproductive females (some that were born here and some from farther north) [are] laying eggs in Wisconsin until about mid-September.” Their offspring will “emerge as adults well into October.” How’s that for cutting it close, eh?

Finally, at the far south end I spotted the first crescent butterfly I’ve been able to show you since July.

Lastly, if some of you are thinking, “that’s weird. He’s been in town for two full weeks now. I wonder if everything’s alright.” Well, you don’t have to worry any longer, ’cause I leave for Connecticut first thing tomorrow morning to see my folks and siblings for a week. My folks will be celebrating their 66th anniversary on Thursday, so I figured “what the heck? I might as well go and wish them congratulations in person.” As usual, I’ll bring my gear with me, look around while I’m there, and show you what I find.