Today's biweekly Sunday bird walk saw an improvement in sightings over the last one two weeks ago. We're still in the birding doldrums, but things are starting to liven up. We saw and heard lots of Carolina Wrens, Cardinals, Song Sparrows, and White-throated Sparrows. But the stars of the day were a couple of Brown Creepers and a trio of Cedar Waxwings. I didn't get a good shot of the Creepers, as those little things blend into the background too well and just never stop moving. But the Cedar Waxwings were so intent on eating that they pretty much ignored out presence, so I got some good shots.
One of my favorite birds is the Mockingbird. Yeah, they dive-bomb and mob you if you hang around too close to their nests and are the terror of the neighbor hood cats, but... They have such attitude! Birders often refer to the "Mocker glare", that Clint Eastwood stare that says "Go ahead, punk. Make my day!" And I got just such a Mocker glare yesterday when I came upon one when checking out Green End Pond for any Mergansers (6 Red-breasted and 4 Hooded, but alas! no Commons). It made my day, that's for sure!
One of my favorite birds is the Mockingbird. Yeah, they dive-bomb and mob you if you hang around too close to their nests and are the terror of the neighbor hood cats, but... They have such attitude! Birders often refer to the "Mocker glare", that Clint Eastwood stare that says "Go ahead, punk. Make my day!" And I got just such a Mocker glare yesterday when I came upon one when checking out Green End Pond for any Mergansers (6 Red-breasted and 4 Hooded, but alas! no Commons). It made my day, that's for sure!
© 2010 by A. Roy Hilbinger
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I nearly got pecked by one of these last year when I was out bird watching. Hopefully I can get over whatever it is I have and get out very soon. The weather is changing(!) and I am seeing birds around again--spotted a cardinal this morning!
ReplyDeleteGreat C. Waxwing pix! That's my favorite bird.
ReplyDeleteCranky looking little dudes! Here' it's magpies that get spring fever! Nothing a plastic ice cream container on your head can't deflect!
ReplyDeleteGosh, I don't think I've ever seen a mockingbird. That is some wicked stare! Great shots, Roy.
ReplyDeleteI love mockingbirds too - They are so resourceful! Last summer they built a nest in the receiver of my old satellite dish. Finally I have a reason to keep it. It's kinda like yard art anyhow.
ReplyDeleteAnd Mockingbirds often sing well into the night, as if they are mocking nightingales.
The waxwings are lovely. I don't see them this far south...