Another busy morning in Estabrook Park

  • The pair of Canada geese were still there with one on the nest and the other chasing away interlopers.
  • The male Mallards are now up to four. Perhaps they’re starting a fraternity.
  • The two pairs of Wood ducks were still there and a little less skittish.
  • The single male Red-breasted Merganser was there and even rolling onto his side to preen his belly.
  • The single Pied-billed Grebe was there and caught a little fish for breakfast.
  • The Red-bellied Woodpecker, Chet, as nowhere to be found. Maybe he was out looking for breakfast, too.
  • I’ve started posting the best pictures on flickr at
    https://www.flickr.com/photos/andrewdressel/albums/72157713703616688
  • and here’s the Grebe with his fish.

Cold but busy morning in Estabrook Park

There was no sign of the Hooded Merganser this morning, maybe he continued north, but the male Red-breasted Merganser was back and busy fishing.

There are now two male and two female Wood ducks that kept themselves busy swimming and flying laps on and over the pond.

The little Pied-Billed Grebe was still there and seemed to spend nearly as much time underwater ason top.

This morning there were also three male Mallards, and the two Canada Geese are still there: one on the nest and the other warding off unwanted intruders. Someone’s dog came within a couple of feet of discovering just how aggressive a goose can be when defending its home turf.

Meanwhile, over by the river, our little buddy, Chet, was still hangin’ in his duplex. I could hear plenty of other Red-Bellied Woodpeckers calling away, but he’s just biding his time, I guess.

New guy at the Estabrook Pond

Besides the Canada Geese, including one who appears to be nesting on the island, mallards, and wood ducks, this morning I spotted a male Red-breasted Merganser who perhaps is taking a breather on his way north. Their breeding grounds are supposed to start just north of here, at least on the world map.

Also, the Red-bellied woodpecker I spotted yesterday or the day before is waiting out the rain in his new duplex this morning.