Wow--so many birds already, and the weekend has barely begun! I came along on two kayaking trips led by Steve Hoecker today--what fun! Great looks at some shorebirds and other cool things, and a bunch of American Redstarts singing along our afternoon kayaking route. I didn't bring my good camera along, so this isn't one of "our" birds today, but who knows if any migrants passing through Ohio on May 6 are in northern Wisconsin today. We may get the kind of weather systems that bring in a huge migration this weekend--based on today's species, I'm thrilled about the possibilities tomorrow, when I'll be co-leading a field trip at Big Bay State Park.
Friday, May 21, 2010
I wonder...
...if this American Avocet that I saw at Wisconsin Point on May 2 is the same one hanging out in Ashland, Wisconsin? Steve Hoecker and I led a kayaking group in the bay today and had great looks at one. I do not trust myself enough in a kayak to have brought my good camera along, though, so no photos.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Biggest Week in American Birding!
This year I got to spend a paltry 5 days in the Magee Marsh in Ohio, during the beginning of the Biggest Week in American Birding. Next year I plan to stay for the entire 2-weekend 10-day event. I can't believe how close the warblers were, though not one person I encountered used recordings or even pished. I was there before the peak, so a handful of people were complaining that it wasn't "good" yet, but every moment was sheer joy for me.
There are a huge number of people filling the boardwalk, so it does get a little overwhelming. But I loved how the people were held to the boardwalk while the birds roamed about, and the way I figure, the more people who love warblers, the better the future for humans and warblers both.
There are a huge number of people filling the boardwalk, so it does get a little overwhelming. But I loved how the people were held to the boardwalk while the birds roamed about, and the way I figure, the more people who love warblers, the better the future for humans and warblers both.
Gee but it's great to be back home!
I haven't seen much of an actual migration wave since I've been home, but lots of warblers are back on territory in Port Wing and Duluth. My mother-in-law's neighborhood bears are still making an appearance despite her going out on her porch and yelling at them, and even firing bird shot at particularly persistent ones. I took a short walk along the Western Waterfront Trail Saturday morning, and a nice long walk with Photon in Port Wing yesterday, and everything feels so right.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
WOW!
People who spend a lot of time here at the Black Swamp Bird Observatory are complaining that the birds aren't as good as most years. But they're amazing! This Black-throated Green Warbler came in so close a guy got a decent photo with his cell phone!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Oh, wow!
The "Biggest Week in American Birding" really lives up to its name! So far it's better than I imagined!
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Biggest Week in Birding!
I'm headed to Ohio's the Biggest Week In Birding today--well, getting as far as Chicago. Tomorrow I'll make it (FINALLY!!) to the Magee Marsh, where I've never been before, and will spend 5 days taking photos of birds. I don't care if it rains--those conditions are often amazing for warbler-watching. I'll have to figure out how to protect my camera, but if I don't get good photos, I'll be a blue-nosed gopher.
My camera, by the way, is named Annie, after Annie Sullivan, Helen Keller's teacher. I named her this because she's helping me to show the world how I perceive it.
My camera, by the way, is named Annie, after Annie Sullivan, Helen Keller's teacher. I named her this because she's helping me to show the world how I perceive it.
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