I went walking through the Dykeman Wetlands Park this morning, and it surely was lively! The birds were certainly about and singing, although they were out of camera range. I heard plenty of Song Sparrows, Cardinals, Red-winged Blackbirds, and Robins. I heard (and saw) an Eastern Phoebe who would fly to the next tree as soon as I got too close. I heard several Red-bellied Woodpeckers and at least one Northern Flicker. Oh yeah, and one Carolina Wren (all the rest are hanging out where I work, in the garden center of the local Lowe's. Seriously!).
But the main drama of the morning was a very noisy juvenile Red-shouldered Hawk, who was yelling away and creating a fuss amongst the local Crows. I saw it fly back and forth over the swamp several times, trying to get away from the Crows, but I never had a chance to get a good shot, even in flight. The hawk was making such a ruckus (Red-shouldereds are notorious for being particularly obnoxious with their yelling) that it woke up a Great Horned Owl, who hooted in protest several times - the owlish version of "Hey, pipe down! Can't a fella get a decent day's sleep?"
The only photos I got that passed muster were these of the emerging Spring wildflowers. The banks of the southernmost duck pond were carpeted in Corn Speedwell (top) and Chickweed (bottom).
But the main drama of the morning was a very noisy juvenile Red-shouldered Hawk, who was yelling away and creating a fuss amongst the local Crows. I saw it fly back and forth over the swamp several times, trying to get away from the Crows, but I never had a chance to get a good shot, even in flight. The hawk was making such a ruckus (Red-shouldereds are notorious for being particularly obnoxious with their yelling) that it woke up a Great Horned Owl, who hooted in protest several times - the owlish version of "Hey, pipe down! Can't a fella get a decent day's sleep?"
The only photos I got that passed muster were these of the emerging Spring wildflowers. The banks of the southernmost duck pond were carpeted in Corn Speedwell (top) and Chickweed (bottom).
After I got home, I went looking in the Android app market and found a sound recorder app for my smartphone, so the next time I go over to the wetlands I'll be able to bring you a sample of the symphony going on over there.
© 2012 by A. Roy Hilbinger
© 2012 by A. Roy Hilbinger
Very colorful shots... almost as colorful as your story about the hawk and the owl!
ReplyDeleteLovely flower shots & great description of the activity. I think the soundtrack idea is a good one!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photographs Roy - the pin-sharpness of the individual flowers again the background blur is down to masterful focusing. Roll on Spring.
ReplyDelete