The weather in Estabrook Park this morning was a lot nicer than I expected. Sure, it started out around freezing, and the breeze was stiff in places, but the sun was out a lot, and the river valley provided a lot of protection from that wind, so I didn’t even wear my gloves much.
It appears that the wood ducks and the pied-billed grebe have all finally headed south, and the pond was almost empty this morning. Things picked up, however, when I got back to the river, and when I checked the far side for turkeys, I found a pair of coyotes instead. They were on a mission, so they did not pause for me to get a nice picture. I didn’t even realize that there were two of them until I got home and got a good look at the images I captured.
I was relieved to see that the wigeon and gadwalls were still here, and here’s a look at the wigeon from yesterday, when it was allowing better looks.
Similarly, here’s the pair of gadwalls, also from yesterday.
I didn’t see much else worth sharing until I was on my way back to the pond for a second look. Along that nice trail through the woods between the dog park and picnic area 6, this sweetheart waited patiently for me to walk by.
Finally, I didn’t see any waxwings at the pond today, and I just showed you a chickadee yesterday, so your passerine picture of the day will have to be this male northern cardinal munching on some dark berry.
Upcoming Events:
- Estabrook Park Fall Park Cleanup, Saturday, November 14, from 10 am to Noon, starting in the Beer Garden Parking Lot. If you’ve been itching for a chance to get your hands dirty in Estabrook Park, but removing buckthorn just isn’t your thing, then this could be your next best opportunity. Plus, the email announcement includes a tidbit the website left out, “free beer and soda for participants following the cleanup,” so there’s that. Much of the easy-to-reach stuff has already been picked up, so bring the longest grabber you’ve got to help us get the rest.
- Signs of Life in Estabrook Park, hosted by Sierra Club Great Waters Group, and presented by yours truly, on Thursday, November 19, from 6:00 to 7:30 pm in St. Rita Square. I hear that this will be open to the public, and registration is encouraged, but won’t be strictly required, though you may have to listen to a Sierra Club member go on and on about nature and wildlife. Maybe bring a wingman or arrange for your spouse to call you at a specific time.
