Thursday 17 May 2012

Birding USA III

While in Connecticut I am staying with my brother, Andy, who was responsible for me being interested in birds in the first place, he has since lapsed, but is now becoming a 'born again' birder and came out with me to see some of the local birds that he hadn't seen at his feeders.

Andy and me checking out the sparrows
Among the birds that were new to him were Yellow Warbler and Baltimore Oriole, and Elis found a stonking Prairie Warbler.
Prairie Warbler
After this my brother went off for a spot of fly-fishing in a beautiful spot where water tumbled over rocks and Elis' arty side came to the fore.
Trout fishing river

Aparently this is a relaxing pastime, but being up to your gonads in freezing water is not my idea of fun.
The master at work
I learnt something about fly-fishing, when your line gets snagged in a tree, you simply wade over and retreive it, no problem!
Not such a masterful stroke
 As my brother fished away to his heart's content, Elis and I birded along the river, here we found some interesting birds with Eastern Phoebe, Chimney Swift, Cedar Waxwing and Red-bellied Woodpecker being added to Elis' life list.

Eastern Phoebe

Chimney Swifts

Red-bellied Woodpecker
My sister in law, Catarina, also a Brazilian, has no interest whatsoever in birds, but was happy to cart Elis and me around to show us some of the best birding places near to their home, lunch by the beach USA style, not quite the bikini and shorts style of Brazil at this time of year.
Catarina, Elis and me lunching at the beach
Meanwhile back at the feeders a pair of House Finches brought their youngster to be fed, both the male and female fed their squawking offspring.
Male House Finch feeding its young
Now it's the female's turn
The feeders were busy; with the House Finch pair and a pair of American Goldfinches it was full house.
Full house at the feeders
When space allowed a White-breasted Nuthatch put in brief appearances, mostly nabbing a sunflower seed and flying off to eat it elsewhere.
White-breasted Nuthatch
This splendid Northern Cardinal enjoys the facilities too from time to time.
Northern Cardinal
Chipping Sparrows visit the feeder, but also pick up fallen seed on the decking,
Chipping Sparrow
often in the company of this charming little fellow, a Chipmunk.
Chipmunk

No comments:

Post a Comment