Started yesterday very early with a drive to the top of Okemo and the mountain top boreal forest. Target for the camera was the Bicknell's Thrush. Gorgeous morning, especially after the several days of rain we've had, but chilly - in the upper 30s. Few birds were singing in the cool morning, except for the Winter Wren.
I never did hear the Bicknell's sing, but one did flash across the trail with all the characteristics of a thrush.
Once it warmed into the upper 40s, other birds began singing, including Swainson's Thrush. One even paused for the camera ...
 |
| Swainson's Thrush |
Magnolia Warblers were common along the roadway, providing me with my first good opportunity to capture a breeding male after several seasons of trying.
 |
| Magnolia Warbler |
 |
| Magnolia Warbler |
The chick-a-dee-dee end to a buzzy song alerted me to Golden-crowned Kinglet. When I see these little guys post breeding in October or November, they are quiet and sweet little things. But not now. This guy was revved up, and his orange crown was not a barely visible stripe, but an excitedly raised crown. He was a bundle of excitement.
 |
| Golden-crowned Kinglet |
 |
| Golden-crowned Kinglet |
From Okemo, we drove to the Rutland marsh, near West Rutland. After picking tips from a group of birders, our first stop produced a clear view of this Virginia Rail, as he raced among the reeds and across a mud flat before flying off in pursuit of a lady love.
 |
| Virginia Rail |
 |
| Virginia Rail |
And then, while creeping along the road, this Least Bittern flew into the reeds and stayed still, watching us watching him.
 |
| Least Bittern |
 |
| Least Bittern |
Not a bad day ! ! Good Birding ! !
Beautiful photos! :)
ReplyDelete