...when you least expect it or don't even realize it. I'm not sure Tom realizes how much of an impact he makes on us. When I found out that Tom and Young Naturalist 'J' were going to be in Erie for the Eastern Bird Banding Conference I got in touch with him on the off chance that perhaps we could meet up even if it was just to say 'Hi'. They had a full schedule so the window of opportunity was small. I gave Tom my number just in case they got a break. Around 3:30 we got the call and Don and I dropped everything and ran to the car. We met up with Tom and J at the first vista on Presque Isle and found them spotting and photographing some of our many waterfowl on the bay. The next one and a half hours was a delight to be birding with these two awesome guys.
The highlight for me and Don was when we saw a Ruby Crowned Kinglet and Tom was able to call it out near the path. It flashed its red for us as J and I tried our best to get photographs. Mine did not turn out so great but well enough for me to do this sketch. I know J got better pictures. The kinglets are fast becoming my favorite little bird and my painting 'All Puffed Up' is a female Ruby Crowned Kinglet.
Tom and J followed us around the peninsula stopping at various locations including the spot where you can see the eagles nest. No this is not a photo of the eagles nest, I just like photographing nests.
They kept track of the birds that were spotted and hoped to get 40 different species before dinner. By the time we left them the count was up to 36. Don and I are still in awe because we never see that many or perhaps we do and just don't realize it. We are so grateful for their time and yes Tom and J you make a difference. Thanks.
This is my niece Michele taken last fall when we helped Sarah band birds at Presque Isle. We had so much fun together and never realized how much it meant to volunteer. After the banding season was over Sarah asked the volunteers to write a short quote about what it meant to us to help out. She especially wanted something from my niece. Sarah was writing for grant money to keep the banding station open and felt the quotes would be helpful. I found out on Friday she got the grant money and the PA Audubon is now featuring Michele and me in their newsletter as volunteers of the month.
Strawberries!
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Toni, thanks for such kind words and it was a pleasure to spend some time with you and your husband!~ I only wish we had more time but that time we had was most pleasureable! You were a great guide in showing us many great birds!~ BTW: we ended up with 38 (forgot to add Crow and we saw a Bluejay)! We decided to use Rock Pigeon, Euro Starling and Red-tailed Hawk that we saw on our way into the Isle for the go ahead to eat dinner! So, 41 species isn't that bad for the day! I only wish we were able to really id that hawk species and been able to make that Mourning Dove into a sharpy! Also, my many attempts of finding a Red Headed Woodpecker!
What a great post-I wish I could have met up with you and stayed longer-but it was kindof last minute and I couldn't get tomorrow off :(
Love that first shot!
Tom we had so much fun. Thanks again.
I know there are red headed woodpeckers on PI. I've seen them and have had them here near my house.
Perhaps on one of my walks there I'll get a photo.
Marg sure wish we could have met. I know Toronto is quite a drive home in one trip. I have done it before gone up and back in one day. Perhaps the next time we can meet. Hope you enjoyed our area.
Wow, we were out at the peninsula about 3:30 to 7PM. We saw a lot of birders out and about but I didn't see anyone that looked like you guys or I would have stopped to say hi. It was beautiful in the late afternoon sun after the snowy morning we had. Beautiful sketch!
Toni - I am aware that they are there and plan on looking for them in may when I return in May.
Linda that would have been fantastic if we had seen you. And Tom asked about you also. We are going to have to get together.
Oh my gosh, what a fabulous opportunity and day you had! Love your drawing too.
Toni, you have such a deep attachment to that place! THanks for a rich post.
Oh, what a wonderful day...to be in Presque Isle, to meet up with friends, to bird together! We have the ruby-crowned kinglet at our place here in Texas each winter. Isn't it amazing how far a tiny thing like that can fly each fall and spring. I love your drawing. Raf said to tell you how much you captured its personality!
I also wanted to say what a wonderful sketch of the Kinglet-you have caught the details wonderfully!
And great news about the banding station-I'm sure I'll be back there sometime it's a beautiful area.
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