Central Ohio NatureThen One Morning They Were There
Posted on May 7, 2018
Just a few days ago, during a spring migration walk along Griggs Reservoir, it was quiet. Sure there were a noticeable number of Yellow-rumps, one or two Yellow-throated were heard so high in the Sycamores that they threatened to go into earth orbit, and even some Palms were flitting about with tails bobbing, but most of the kinglets had moved on with nothing else within easy binocular reach taking their place. An unwelcome reminder that spring migration can be that way, one day the land of plenty the next not so much.
Yellow-throated Warbler (trust me) high in a Sycamore.
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Over the past few years we’ve enjoyed monitoring a few locations close to home. While we do go further afield we’ve noticed that for us by concentrating on a few locations, the place, as will as the creatures that call it home, seemed to be valued more. We acknowledge that by not hopping in the car in response to an E-bird post there are birds that will not see. With that in mind, the next day we found ourselves back at Griggs Reservoir Park to see if things had changed. Amazingly, as if by magic, brightly colored orange birds that were no where to be seen the day before were now streaking through the air to perches high in trees or low in bushes, they seemed to be everywhere. The park was transformed. Did they arrive quietly during the night on the “red eye”? Your guess is as good as ours. Many were undoubtedly just passing through while others, based on observations from years past, will make the park and it’s environs home for the summer decorating the trees with their hanging nests. As you have probably already guessed these brightly colored birds were Baltimore Orioles.
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Male Baltimore Oriole, Griggs Reservoir Park.
2, (Donna).
3, (Donna).
4, (Donna).
5, (Donna).
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A female sneaks in.
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Even with the arrival of the orioles, other birds including some that are migrants continued to compete for our attention.
A White-breasted Nuthatch strikes a classic nuthatch pose.
A Red-bellied Woodpecker is seen snacking on ants
. . . while another is engaged in a little home construction.
A very vocal Catbird announces his arrival from points south
. . . while another looks on, (Donna).
Cliff Swallows, a species that in this case builds their communal grouping of nests under a bridge crossing the reservoir, were in the process of gathering nest building material (mud) resulting in a frenzy of activity around a small puddle not far from their nest site, (Donna).
A House Wren pauses momentarily . . .
then continues it’s song, (Donna).
The Cardinal is a beautiful but very common bird in Ohio. We have to remind ourselves not to take it for granted.
A male Bluebird bathed in a sea of green waits for lunch to fly by.
Right now Palm Warblers may be even more common than Yellow-rumps, (Donna).
A Cape May Warbler gets close enough for a photo with my Panasonic FZ200.
Based on the fact that that is where we often saw them, Red-eyed Vireos seemed to really enjoy the Sycamore trees, (Donna).
An almost always vocal Tufted Titmouse entertains us, (Donna).
If you hear a melodic and louder than it should be song, it could be a Tufted Titmouse.
The Spotted Sandpipers are also back in the neighborhood.
From a distance, without the aid of binoculars, we first mistake the movement of a Swainson’s Thrush for that of a robin. Many have been seen in the last few days and most are probably just passing through.
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Donna captures an amazing well camouflaged Brown Creeper
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With the leaves just emerging the orioles were easy to spot but that’s changing fast. In a few days, as green continues to embrace trees and bushes, they will be heard but even with their brilliant color they will be much harder to see. Many will move on with other species taking their place as the march of spring migration continues through central Ohio. We will wait expectantly for our next “new for the year” sighting and there undoubtedly will even be another post to celebrate it. Will it be an American Redstart, a Yellow-billed Cuckoo, or something else?
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Until then thanks for stopping by.
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Redbuds in bloom.
Kinglet Quest
Posted on April 15, 2018
In central Ohio early April usually brings the seasons first migrating birds but before they really start moving through the area we like to spend time enjoying spring wildflowers. Unlike many of the birds, their world is located on the forest floor and exists before the overhead canopy all to quickly leafs out and cuts off their sunlight. It is a magical time as splashes of color find expression amid the dullness of last years leaf litter.
A Bloodroot flower waits to open, Duranceaux Park.
As pretty as any wildflower Virginia Waterleaf emerges from the leaf litter, Griggs Reservoir Park.
In what almost seems to be an act of defiance, a solitary Bloodroot blooms surrounded by the slowly decaying leaves, Duranceaux Park.
Cold weather has allowed this Snow Trillium to stay around longer than one usually expects, Duranceaux Park.
Just emerging blooms of Dutchmen’s Breeches, Griggs Reservoir Park.
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A few days of warm weather, after a week or two of colder than normal spring temperatures, and things really started to open up.
Spring Beauty, Greenlawn Cemetery.
False Rue Anemone, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Bloodroot in full bloom, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
The very tiny flowers of Common Speedwell, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Cutleaf Toothwart, Highbanks Metro Park, (Donna).
Rue Anemone, Highbanks Metro Park, (Donna).
Toadshade Trillium, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
Yellow Trout Lilies “march” across the forest floor, High Banks Metro Park, (Donna).
A closer look, (Donna).
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Often, as we looked for wildflowers, there was activity overhead. A quick glance up indicated that many of the birds were kinglets and they seemed to be everywhere. Armed with that awareness, we dusted off the “bird cameras” and for the next few days made kinglets our primary objective. Often when one decides to look for a specific bird efforts are frustrated, but in this case the kinglets cooperated. “Cooperated” should be qualified by saying that they only do as much as such a hyper active bird can. As many birders know all to well, they’re a challenge to follow with binoculars much less a telephoto equipped camera.
Golden-crowned Kinglet, Duranceaux Park.
Take 2, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Take 3, Duranceaux Park.
Take 4, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
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Not seen as often, we had less luck with the Ruby-crowned Kinglets. For the most part they stayed in the low thickets and brush and moved constantly, with fleeting views often partially obscured by small branches.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Showing off it’s ruby crown.
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Where there are kinglets there are often . . .
Carolina Chickadee, common but not always easy to photograph, Duranceaux Park.
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While the activity continued below, high overhead a Red-tailed Hawk surveyed it’s realm.
Red-tailed Hawk, Griggs Reservoir Park.
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On one outing a group of Black Vultures was seen perched in a Sycamore along the shore of the reservoir. Not a real common sight in central Ohio. Closer examination of the nearby area revealed the partially devoured carcass of a deer.
Black Vultures, Griggs Reservoir Park.
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We don’t want to forget some of the other birds seen as we looked for kinglets.
No bird’s song speaks to us in the spring like that of the the Song Sparrow, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Yellow-rumped Warblers are often taken for granted as they are one of the most numerous of their kind but the beauty of this male is undeniable, Greenlawn Cemetery,
Momentarily fooling us into thinking it was a Goldfinch, this Pine Warbler was seen at Greenlawn Cemetery.
Later in the year as low lying bushes leaf out the Eastern Towhee, a large colorful sparrow, will be much harder to see, Greenlawn Cemetery.
White-breasted Nuthatch, Griggs Reservoir Park.
Bluebirds never fail to put a smile on our face, Griggs Reservoir Park.
With fast departing remnants of a spring snow an American Goldfinch warms itself in the morning sun, Griggs Reservoir Park. surrounded by
Always a thrill to see, we were entertained by this acrobatic Black and White Warbler, Greenlawn Cemetery, (Donna).
If I were a first time visitor to Ohio from Europe, I would be enchanted by this American Cardinal, Griggs Reservoir Park.
On a cold spring morning we wonder what this Eastern Phoebe finds to eat, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
A very healthy looking male House Finch, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
This Wood Duck pair landed in “the pit” at Greenlawn Cemetery but left just as quickly when they realized they were being watched by a rather large group of birders, (Donna).
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As the ephemeral days of spring pass there will be other wildflowers and winged migrants to enchant, but for a brief moment in time, while on their yearly journey north, kinglets became the seasons exclamation point.
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Thanks for stopping by.
Griggs Park Celebrates Autumn’s Color
Posted on November 6, 2016
It’s the first part of November and the autumn colors have hung around a lot longer than usual. We thought about taking a drive down to the Hocking Hills in SE Ohio, a hilly part of the state that’s especially beautiful this time of year, but opted for a few long walks in Griggs Park instead. Can’t say that I feel like we missed anything by not taking the drive.
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Landscape photography in Griggs Park can be a challenge due to the amount of extraneous subjects that can distract so taking time to study vantage points and light is essential to capturing what one wants.
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I’ve been fascinated by the park’s picnic tables for a number of years particular when they are in an isolated setting. Now mostly deserted it’s as if they are still waiting patiently without a complaint for someone to sit down. Fall color adds to the visual interest. Perhaps B&W would also say what I wanted.
Griggs Park picnic table.
Black and White
Picnic Table 2.
Picnic Table 3.
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The paths and roads in the park can be delightful and almost magical this time of year. Capturing that feeling is always rewarding.
Along Griggs Reservoir.
Path at waters edge, Griggs Park.
Park path, Griggs Park.
Park road, Griggs Park.
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Sometimes it’s just a tree that enchants.
Afternoon sun, Griggs Park.
Sycamore, Griggs Park, (Donna).
Tree trunks, Griggs Park.
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At first one notices the big things but before long smaller things, leaves and flowers start to tell their story.
Maple leaves, Griggs Park.
Leaves along the Scioto.
Reflections, Griggs Reservoir.
Teasel, Griggs Park, (Donna)
Leaf, Griggs Reservoir.
Fleabane, Griggs Park, (Donna).
Milkweed, Griggs Park, (Donna).
Chicory, Griggs Park.
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Don’t tell the insects it’s the first of November. However, for the squirrels and chipmunks that are getting ready for winter, it’s just that busy time of year.
A bumblebee makes due with a flower past it’s prime, (Donna).
Gray Squirrel, Griggs Park, (Donna).
Sharp-stigma Looper, (Donna).
Comma, Griggs Park, (Donna).
Chipmunk, Griggs Park.
Variegated Fritillary, Griggs Park, (Donna).
Common Checkered Skipper spending time with a Clouded Sulphur, Griggs Park, (Donna).
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The birds, local residents as well as migrants from the north, also seemed to be celebrating the color of the season.
Goldfinch, Griggs Park, (Donna).
We were surprised to see this immature male Red Winged Blackbird, Griggs Park, (Donna).
Chipping Sparrow, Griggs Park, (Donna).
As if the leaves weren’t pretty enough, a Goldfinch completes the picture, Griggs Park, (Donna).
Carolina Wren, Griggs Park, (Donna).
Along the Scioto River autumn color creates a beautiful backdrop for this female Belted Kingfisher, Griggs Park, (Donna).
Dark-eyed Junco, a migrant from the north, Griggs Park, (Donna).
White-breasted Nuthatch, Griggs Park, (Donna).
A Great Blue Heron looking for lunch, Griggs Park, (Donna).
Male Mallard Duck, Griggs Reservoir.
White-throated Sparrow, another migrant from the north, Griggs Park.
Tufted Titmouse, Griggs Park, (Donna).
Take 2, (Donna).
Male Bluebird, Griggs Park.
Take 2.
A male Cardinal seems to blend right in, Griggs Park, (Donna).
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Oh, I almost forgot, for those that are on the edge of their seat wondering how my autumn Smallmouth Bass quest is coming , here’s an update:
Channel cats have been more cooperative. They are fun to catch but not what I’m looking for, Griggs Reservoir.
. . . and then a few days later a measure of success! Since I’m a firm believer that the work begins when you put the fish on the stringer they are all released. The fish seem to be happy about that decision.
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When writing this blog at often occurs to me that it’s largely for internal consumption, a way of marking time, documenting life, and making it sacred. On that note we hope readers have found natural areas close to home that enchant and have enjoyed autumn in those special places as much as we have in ours. Thanks for stopped by.
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Should you wish, various prints from this and other posts may be purchased at Purchase a Photo. and Donna’s 2017 Birds of Griggs Park calendar is available at Calendar.
The Magic World Of The Very Small
Posted on September 26, 2016
The last few days found us paddling Griggs Reservoir. This time of year we always hope that staying close to the shoreline will result in warbler sightings and perhaps a few pictures. With warblers and other migrants moving through it’s a good time of year. In recent days on the reservoir we’ve even seen Mink along the banks and while walking just south of the dam my wife caught the tail end of a Bald Eagle as it flew overhead.
Bald Eagle over the Scioto River just below Griggs Reservoir, (Donna)
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A number of immature Black-crowned Night Herons have also been seen, encouraging because of our recent discovery of one that had met it’s demise at the business end of a abandoned fishing line.
Immature Black-crowned Night Heron, Griggs Reservoir.
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Other things were also seen as we made our way along the shore.
A Great Blue Heron takes flight, Griggs Reservoir, (Donna)
Two Wood Ducks seemingly amused by a Painted Turtle or is it the other way around, Griggs reservoir.
A Red-tailed Hawk looks on as we head north along the west shore of the reservoir.
Painted Turtles enjoy posing for the camera much more than some of the other species we encounter, (Donna)
A female Kingfisher actually poses for the camera, Griggs Reservoir.
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Walking Griggs Park has been more productive for seeing as well as photographing warblers and other small birds mostly because of the difficulty in controlling and positioning the canoe in the pursuit of small active birds.
A male Bluebird doing what bluebirds do best, Griggs Park.
A male Cardinal, beautiful in the morning sun, Griggs Park.
Eastern Phoebe, Griggs Park.
Black-throated Green Warbler, Griggs Park.
Another view, (Donna)
Carolina Wren sings it’s heart out.
Chipping Sparrow, Griggs Park.
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If the warblers aren’t cooperating there may be a butterfly, not always rare, but one we’ve not noticed before.
Checkered Skipper, Griggs Park, (Donna)
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Fishing is also getting better as the weather cools with time taken off between casts to do a little house keeping along the shore. What can I say, it’s always there, but as those who read this blog already know, it makes me feel better to pick it up.
Another nice Smallmouth Bass, Griggs Reservoir
Unlike fish that are always returned to the water, the trash covering the bottom of the canoe is not “Catch and Release”!
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But recently real magic was discovered within the world of the very small when we spotted countless damselflies mating on fallen autumn leaves floating on the reservoir’s calm surface as we paddled back to our launch site during the warmth of the day. We’d never seen anything like that before.
In the warming late morning sun Dusky Dancer were on every leaf, (Donna)
The bigger the leaf the more damselflies. Sometimes, as we got close, they would swarm over the canoe.
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That’s about it for this post. For us living in northern regions autumn is a great time to be out in nature. A feeling borne from the knowledge that this fleeting time will not last. Thanks for stopping by.
Dew Drop
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Should you wish, various prints from this and other posts may be purchased at Purchase a Photo. and Donna’s 2017 Birds of Griggs Park calendar is available at Calendar.
A Heron, Egret, and Cormorant Rookery in Columbus
Posted on April 26, 2016
If you’d like to see nesting Great Blue Herons, Great Egrets, and Double-crested Cormorants pack up your binoculars or better yet a spotting scope, and head over to Campbell Park off McKinley Avenue and just south of Trabue Rd. The park is interesting in it’s own right because it’s one of the last ancient cone-shaped burial mounds in Columbus, but in addition, the top of the mound happens to be a great vantage point to view an island rookery located in the middle of the adjacent quarry.
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We learned about the spot by chance from a fellow birding enthusiast while looking for migrating warblers along the Scioto River in Columbus. So before we get to the rookery, below are a few shots from our adventures along the Scioto in recent days.
Prothonotary Warbler along the Scioto below Griggs Dam, FZ200.
Red-bellied Woodpecker being a good parent along the Scioto below Griggs Dam, FZ200.
Turkey Vultures along the Scioto below Griggs Dam, FZ200, (Donna).
Robin singing, Scioto River below Griggs Dam, FZ200. (Donna)
White-breasted Nuthatch, Kiwanis River Way Park
. . . just a minute I’m not quite ready!
Palm Warbler, Kiwanis River Way Park
Bluebird, Kiwanis River Way Park
Yellow-throated Warbler, Kiwanis River Way Park.
Cardinal, Kiwanis River Way Park.
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When we’re not looking for birds . . .
Kiwanis River Way Park
Butterweed, Kiwanis River Way Park
Shooting Star, Kiwanis River Way Park.
???, Kiwanis River Way Park, FZ200, (Donna).
Wood Sorrel, Kiwanis River Way Park, FZ200, (Donna).
Spring Beauty, Kiwanis River Way Park, FZ200, (Donna).
Wild Hyacinth, Campbell Park, FZ200, (Donna).
Black Swallowtail, Campbell Park, FZ200, (Donna).
Fleabane, Campbell Park, FZ200, (Donna).
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Campbell Park and the rookery. Views through our spotting scope were much better!
Entrance to the mound. Campbell Park.
Historical Marker
The best view of the island and rookery (the only view really), was from the top of the mound.
The bird camera at full zoom, Canon D50, Sigma 150-500.
Looking around the island, nesting Great Blue Herons, Great Egrets, and Double-crested Cormorants, Canon D50, Sigma 150-500.
Another view, Black-crowned Night Herons can just be made out in the lower lift corner, Canon D50, Sigma 150-500.
Donna’s FZ200 takes a look at a variety of nesting birds.
Nests, , Canon D50, Sigma 150-500.
Nesting cormorants, Canon D50, Sigma 150-500.
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While my wife was investigating the wildflowers and butterflies I also tried some photos with a Digi-scope rig but the results were disappointing no doubt the result of operator error. If you have such equipment I recommend giving it a try. At the very least bring your spotting scope and enjoy the view while many of the birds are still on their nests.
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Thanks for stopping by.
Birds of Florida on Foot and by Canoe
Posted on April 6, 2016
Our recent six weeks of hiking and paddling in Florida resulted in a lot of photographs.
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The pictures below provide a record of some of the birds seen. While lovely in their right, we are left with the feeling that they don’t come close to conveying the overall sense of wonder experienced as we explored the trails and waterways of Florida. Equipped with the knowledge that places visited were home to many fascinating living things, the wonder was with us even when we didn’t see a plant, bird or other animal that begged to be photographed. We returned home with the feeling that just being in such places had been more than enough.
(click on images for a better view)
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Yellow-crowned Night Heron, from the canoe, Estero River, (Donna)
Palm Warbler, Ochlockonee River State Park
Ruddy Turnstones, Bald Point State Park
Sanderlings, Bald Point State Park
Royal Tern, near Ochlockonee State Park
Bald Eagle, St Marks NWR.
Brown-headed Nuthatch, Ochlockonee River State Park
White-eyed Vireo, Manatee Springs State Park
Red-shouldered Hawk, Manatee Springs State Park
Blue-headed Vireo, Manatee Springs State Park
Carolina Wren, Manatee Springs State Park
Yellow-rumped Warbler, Manatee Springs State Park
Northern Parula Warbler, Manatee Springs State Park
Cat Bird, Shady Acres RV Park.
Black and White Warbler, Manatee Springs State Park
Black Vultures, Manatee Springs State Park
Swallow-tailed Kite, Shady Acres RV Park
Little Blue Heron, Ding Darling NWR.
White Pelicans, Ding Darling NWR.
Immature Yellow-crowned Nigh Heron, Ding Darling NWR.
Little Blue Heron, Six Mile Cypress Slough
Blue-headed Vireo, Manatee Springs State Park
Black and Turkey Vultures over the Suwanee River and Manatee Springs State Park. Moments before these birds were all perched in trees around the spring, Then, as if on queue, they all took flight.
Mockingbird, St Marks NWR.
White Pelicans, St Marks NWR.
Pied Billed Grebes, St Marks NWR.
American Wigeons, St Marks NWR.
Brown Pelican with Kingfisher, St Marks NWR.
Red-cockaded woodpecker , Ochlockonee River State Park., These birds are threatened in much of their range due to loss of habitat.
Palm Warbler, Ochlockonee State Park.
Brown Pelican, St Marks NWR.
Horned Grebe, St Marks NWR.
Eastern Phoebe, St Marks NWR.
Palm Warbler, Ochlockonee River NWR.
Tri-color Heron, from the canoe, Wakulla River
Hermit Thrush, Ochlockonee River State River.
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Ochlockonee River State Park
Eastern Towhee, Ochlockonee River State Park
Pine Warbler, Ochlockonee River State Park,
Black-bellied Plover and Dunlins, Bald Point State Park
Great Egret, (Donna). We spotted this bird as we were making our way down the Wakulla River with the current, an outgoing tide, and a fairly strong wind at our back. Managed to get the canoe swung around and slowly headed back upstream while my wife started to shoot. While never our intention the bird soon tired of our interest and flew away. In my opinion it was the best bird pic of the trip.
Piping Plover, Bald Point State Park. A rare and endangered bird.
Bald Eagle, Bald Point State Park.
Laughing Gull, Bald Point State Park
Cardinal, Manatee Springs State Park
Black Vulture, Manatee Springs State Park.
Yellow-throated Warbler, Manatee Springs State Park
Red-headed Woodpecker, Manatee Springs State Park
Black Vultures, Manatee Springs State Park
Tri-color Heron and Brown Pelican, from the canoe, island off Cedar Key.
Great Egret, from the canoe, Ichetucknee Springs State Park
Take 2.
Juvenile Ibis, from the canoe, Ichetucknee Springs State Park
Green Heron, from the canoe, Ichetucknee Springs State Park
Roseate Spoonbill, from the canoe, Ichetucknee Springs State Park
Peleated Woodpeckers, from the canoe, Ichetucknee Springs State Park.
Osprey, from the canoe, Ichetucknee Springs State Park
American Oystercatcher, from the canoe, Cedar Key
American Avocets, from the canoe, Cedar Key
Black Skimmer, from the canoe, Cedar Key
Least Terns, Cedar Key
Wood Stork, Six Mile Cyprus Slough, Ft Meyers
Sandpiper, from the canoe, Lovers Key State Park
Snowy Egret, from the canoe, Lovers Key State Park.
Great Crested Flycatcher, Shady Acres RV Park.
Brown Pelican, from the canoe, Estero River
Ibis, Six Mile Cypress Slough, (Donna).
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Now back in Ohio, we visited one of our favorite spots earlier today. While nuthatches, creepers, and various woodpeckers were present, no Bald Eagles were seen nor did any Scarlet Tanagers show themselves. But we have seen them there before and you never know about tomorrow.
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Thanks for stopping by.
An Early Spring Plant With Attitude
Posted on March 8, 2015
We’ve been working our way around the Scioto River Watershed in Columbus looking for migrating waterfowl and signs of spring. The spring part has been tough as snow continues to cover most of the ground. But today we discovered the first unambiguous sign that spring can’t be far away.
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On the road to discovery we noticed some things that weren’t that encouraging.
Hayden Run Falls along Griggs Reservoir
With winter dragging on, the birds seemed confused, some were swimming north others south, Scioto River below Griggs Dam.
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Still, while looking for birds we took an opportunity to direct our gaze towards the ground hoping to see Skunk Cabbage a plant that generates it’s own internal heat to get the jump on lesser plants.
Skunk Cabbage, Kiwanis Riverway Park
A closer look, (Donna)
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After seeing the Skunk Cabbage it was hard not to notice and imagine the birds in the area celebrating our discovery.
A Nuthatch with what appears to be the remains of an insect, Kiwanis Riverway Park.
We never get tired of Cardinals, Kiwanis Riverway Park.
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Thank’s for looking in.
