The Orioles are back and I couldn't be happier. Michele emailed me Sunday morning with a photo of the first Grosbeaks at her feeder so I knew it would not be long before my beloved Orioles would be back. And they did not disappoint. I was raking my back yard when I heard a different bird call and thought that sounds like....I turned around and sure enough he flew into the yard. Bold and beautiful. Makes you fall in love with the color orange. Even my neighbors get excited when they first appear. There must have been a good migration night on Saturday because several people reported first sightings on Sunday. Like everyone else I love this time of year.
For my Sunday walk Don and I went to Frontier Park to see if the Palm Warbler was still there. He didn't believe me when I told him what it was we saw on Friday there. So as we walked around the Arboretum that surrounds part of Cascade Creek we tried to identify most of the birds. There was one we just are not sure of and Don got to see a new one for him which was a Field Sparrow. We had just about given up and was heading back to the car when I spotted it. Up flew the binoculars and sure enough it was the Palm Warbler.
Ha, it feels good to be right as I grinned at Don. Inside I'm thinking I told you so.
Frontier is a beautiful park full of activities and events. In 1998 the idea for an arboretum was born and the first tree for the museum was planted in this established park. Today there are over 200 different tree varieties gracing the park perimeter and near the creek. The creek is stocked with trout every year for the little ones to go fishing. In the summer there are concerts and our well known Jazz Festival along with free movies on Friday nights during the summer.
In the winter it is a hot spot for sledding. When we cannot make it to the peninsula this is where we will be heading this summer for walks.
This Mallard was all by his lonely along the creek. As I was photographing him a woman was walking her dog and stopped to chat. She said the duck has been there for nearly two weeks all by himself. There was no mate nearby or any other ducks. Don and I plan on going back to check up on him.
So what awesome birds have migrated through your feeders?
Strawberries!
2 hours ago
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9 Spattering of comments:
You've spoken of several birds I don't know, but old Mallard and his harem is always available for viewing at our lake. We are having lots of birds in our feeders...cardinals, tits, jays, chickadees, white winged doves, and hummers (now ruby=throat, later dark-chined). Love the butterfly painting. I am such a fan of your work!
I had a Baltimore Oriole come to my Oriole feeder only once several years ago but not since. I've given up on them coming into the city proper. I love seeing them at Presque Isle, though. They are so gorgeous and they do have such a pretty song. We walk Frontier Park, too. I'll have to look for the Palm Warbler. We are taking our bird book with us everywhere now. Binoculars, too. We had a good bird day Sunday with new birds on our list. Your sketch is very pretty. The Cabbage White butterflies are really starting to fly everywhere. I saw some small lavender ones flying the other day, too.
Sioux since I've been helping with the banding I have learned about birds I have never heard or seen before.
Linda I think I just got lucky one year when I put out the Oriole feeder. they have been coming back every year. Don and I keep forgetting our books.
it is amazing what you learn when you see things up close like that! Congrats on the Oriole and I love that new species are returning daily!
I haven't heard or seen any orioles here yet... Re: Mr. Orange Feet... Maybe his "wife" is (wives are?) nearby sitting eggs, so camouflaged you can't see her (them?). That is the case with a couple at Audubon.
I always love reading about the birds you come across. I can read the excitement in your text. Also I must add that your photo's are wonderful.
What a great post. I love the photo beneath the butterfly. I wish I could transport myself there now!
RCKinglet shot is awesome.
And is that a new header there?
Lovely!
V
Forgot: right now what we have mostly is eagles.... and an over abundance of squirrels.
Also: I have given you an award.. the rules are on my blog. If you are too busy to follow through please do not feel obligated.
How awesome! I love birds and always enjoy seeing ones that I wouldn't see where I live. Beautiful post Toni, your life is filled with so much beauty!
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