"When I looked, I knew I might never again see so much of the earth so beautiful, the beautiful being something you know added to something you see, in a whole that is different from the sum of its parts. What I saw might have been just another winter scene, although an impressive one. But what I knew was that the earth underneath was alive and that by tomorrow, certainly by the day after, it would be all green again."
― Norman Maclean
Happy New Year!
A new ornithological year of listing begins! To be honest, I'm actually more excited about the 2023 insecting season. For now, though, the aves will suffice. For my 2023 inceptive outing, I didn't get quite as many species as I was hoping for, but I did see some really good ones like Barred Owl, Rough-legged Hawk, Northern Shrike, and even a Harris's Sparrow. Quality over quantity!
A new ornithological year of listing begins! To be honest, I'm actually more excited about the 2023 insecting season. For now, though, the aves will suffice. For my 2023 inceptive outing, I didn't get quite as many species as I was hoping for, but I did see some really good ones like Barred Owl, Rough-legged Hawk, Northern Shrike, and even a Harris's Sparrow. Quality over quantity!
I explored places like Dorn Creek, Ed Tallard Conservancy, Pheasant Branch, Governor Nelson State Park, Owen Conservation Park, and Deer Creek near where I live. I didn't photograph the Harris's Sparrow, but I got really great views of it on Westshire Nature Trail near Westport. It had been reported a few days before (still 2022), but I guess a bunch of birders missed it on January 1st. However, I made a couple of assumptions in my attempt to relocate it today: 1. It was likely with other birds. 2. It would likely vocalize. I figured if I heard a zonotrichia seep note in the area, it would probably be the bird. And exactly how it happened. I found a huge mixed-flock of House Sparrows, American Tree Sparrows, Dark-eyed Juncos, throw in a cardinal and jay or two, and the Harris's was with them. Easy!
My weekend birding efforts also included the crabapple trees across the street from my apartment. It's an excellent berry crop this winter ― American Robins and Cedar Waxwings have been taking full advantage food source.
Looks a little chubby? Nah! Healthy!
Do they ...
Even ...
Taste anything?
What gorgeous birds Cedar Waxwings are. Other species this extended weekend included Fox Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Northern Flicker, Tufted Titmouse, Red-breasted Nuthatch, and a few dozen or so other species.
All images © 2023 Mike McDowell