"Like all magnificent things, it's very simple."
― Natalie Babbitt
Birding solo with just a trusty pair of binoculars offers a serene and intimate connection with Nature that's hard to replicate in group outings. The tranquility of the moment, the ability to move at your own pace, and the heightened awareness of your surroundings create a deeply rewarding experience. It's a time for mindfulness, for embracing the sounds and sights around you, and for reveling in the freedom to explore wherever your curiosity leads.
And no eBirding!
Most species below were observed at the Pheasant Branch Creek Corridor this morning, but others at the west confluence pond. Bumped into the venerable Chuck Henrikson, who was looking for an S. palmarum he had heard (from another birder) was in a particular area ― I found it by its chip-note. Perhaps challenging given all the S. coronata clamor, but relatively easy for me.
Branta canadensis
Aix sponsa
Spatula discors
Spatula clypeata
Anas platyrhynchos
Anas crecca
Aythya affinis
Meleagris gallopavo
Columba livia
Zenaida macroura
Antigone canadensis
Charadrius vociferus
Chroicocephalus philadelphia
Larus delawarensis
Ardea herodias
Cathartes aura
Accipiter cooperii
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Buteo jamaicensis
Megaceryle alcyon
Melanerpes erythrocephalus
Picoides pubescens
Picoides villosus
Colaptes auratus
Sayornis phoebe
Cyanocitta cristata
Corvus brachyrhynchos
Baeolophus bicolor
Tachycineta bicolor
Stelgidopteryx serripennis
Regulus calendula
Sitta carolinensis
Certhia americana
Polioptila caerulea
Troglodytes aedon
Troglodytes troglodytes
Sturnus vulgaris
Turdus migratorius
Bombycilla cedrorum
Passer domesticus
Haemorhous mexicanus
Haemorhous purpureus
Spinus tristis
Spizella passerina
Junco hyemalis
Zonotrichia albicollis
Melospiza melodia
Melospiza georgiana
Pipilo erythrophthalmus
Agelaius phoeniceus
Molothrus ater
Quiscalus quiscula
Setophaga palmarum
Setophaga coronata
Cardinalis cardinalis
All images © 2024 Mike McDowell