tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74652226883404677902024-03-14T18:50:51.603+00:00RedgannetA photographic diary of a birdwatcher. Travelling the world so you don't have to.Redgannethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17453869909278728690noreply@blogger.comBlogger528125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7465222688340467790.post-10426949774886717552015-04-26T23:02:00.000+01:002015-04-26T23:02:29.389+01:00Baby Robin<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
You’ve got
to love baby robins; even more so when they are being fed by attentive parents
in your own garden.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d_GnyqXdn1s/VT1gHAWXzhI/AAAAAAAALcc/tss7jZjD6QE/s1600/KEN%2B26Apr15%2BRobin%2B01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d_GnyqXdn1s/VT1gHAWXzhI/AAAAAAAALcc/tss7jZjD6QE/s1600/KEN%2B26Apr15%2BRobin%2B01.tif" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
This little
one flicks about in my beech hedge as its mum and dad pick around my garden
fork for goodies. I have taken a proprietorial interest in it as I have become quite familiar with its dad.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qZV5Q7CGyVg/VT1gHbmpqRI/AAAAAAAALcs/MGgtLm48R4Q/s1600/KEN%2B26Apr15%2BRobin%2B02.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qZV5Q7CGyVg/VT1gHbmpqRI/AAAAAAAALcs/MGgtLm48R4Q/s1600/KEN%2B26Apr15%2BRobin%2B02.tif" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I knew that
the male, which has been with us through the cold times, had found himself a
ladyfriend and that they were probably nesting nearby. Sadly none of my boxes have been used yet.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CLUwXILmgcE/VT1gHXchNoI/AAAAAAAALcg/zLEd2rbVKGc/s1600/KEN%2B26Apr15%2BRobin%2B03.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CLUwXILmgcE/VT1gHXchNoI/AAAAAAAALcg/zLEd2rbVKGc/s1600/KEN%2B26Apr15%2BRobin%2B03.tif" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The parents
have developed that ragged look that new parents get.</div>
</div>
Redgannethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17453869909278728690noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7465222688340467790.post-53436846945259865282015-02-23T23:50:00.000+00:002015-02-23T23:52:01.653+00:00George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary, Vancouver Canada, Feb 2015<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>GEORGE C.</i><i><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span>REIFEL MIGRATORY BIRD SANCTUARY</i></b> is south of the airport (YVR
International) at Vancouver. Unfortunately, there is no public transport that
reaches the reserve. Ladner (5 miles) is served by buses from stations along
the Canada Line train service and a cab can be used from there.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IZYpxw21WLg/VOu44UffsMI/AAAAAAAALao/VbpM6HV95Ik/s1600/YVR%2B21Feb15%2BGeorge%2BC%2BReifel%2B01%2B-%2BCopy.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IZYpxw21WLg/VOu44UffsMI/AAAAAAAALao/VbpM6HV95Ik/s1600/YVR%2B21Feb15%2BGeorge%2BC%2BReifel%2B01%2B-%2BCopy.bmp" /></a></div>
<br />
My dilemma, as ever, was timing. I wanted to be at the
sanctuary during the late afternoon in order to see a <b><span style="color: red;">Great Gray Owl</span></b> as it warmed up for
its evening hunt. Cabs and public transport were not reliable enough to get me
back to the hotel for an early evening pick-up for my return flight, so a
rental car was the best solution. Even so, I had brought all my luggage and
uniform in case I had to make pick-up from the airport.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zwUsszqiikc/VOu4__DfBKI/AAAAAAAALbQ/E5VQYOtr5e8/s1600/YVR%2B21Feb15%2BPine%2BSiskin%2B01%2B-%2BCopy.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zwUsszqiikc/VOu4__DfBKI/AAAAAAAALbQ/E5VQYOtr5e8/s1600/YVR%2B21Feb15%2BPine%2BSiskin%2B01%2B-%2BCopy.bmp" /></a></div>
<br />
Not only was I lucky enough to be rostered a flight to Vancouver
whilst a Great Gray Owl was being reliably seen, but I also stumbled across a
Nature Vancouver bird walk and was kindly invited to join them. Thanks to John,
Colin and Angela for their company and local knowledge and also to the chap,
whose name I didn’t catch, who spotted the <b><span style="color: red;">Northern Saw-whet Owls</span></b> and the Great Horned Owl.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The gates at Reifel open at 09.00. The trees and bushes by
the gate were quite productive with <b>Downy
Woodpecker</b>, <b>Northern Flicker</b>, <b>Golden-crowned Kinglet</b> and a large
flock of <b>Pine Siskin</b> as we waited.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n1sqJJhTEgQ/VOu4pG_hzeI/AAAAAAAALaA/6VqfKTFOwXA/s1600/YVR%2B21Feb15%2BBald%2BEagle%2B01%2B-%2BCopy.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n1sqJJhTEgQ/VOu4pG_hzeI/AAAAAAAALaA/6VqfKTFOwXA/s1600/YVR%2B21Feb15%2BBald%2BEagle%2B01%2B-%2BCopy.bmp" /></a></div>
<br />
If
you arrive in the vicinity earlier, it is possible to visit a couple of local
spots before heading onto Westham Island. <i><b>LADNER
HARBOR PARK</b></i> brought <b>Bald Eagles</b>
in good numbers, but then so did the parking lot outside Quizno’s Subs where 8
were seen circling overhead.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This Saturday morning, cars were queued along the road from
the entrance and the parking lot filled immediately as people came to see the
Great Gray Owl; a first for the sanctuary. The bird had been misplaced however
and the reserve manager, Kathleen, was trying to relocate it in a restricted
part of the reserve. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MGCuiG2s9Vw/VOu49thjpXI/AAAAAAAALbA/iQdKjvihDH8/s1600/YVR%2B21Feb15%2BNorhtern%2BSaw-whet%2BOwl%2B01%2B-%2BCopy.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MGCuiG2s9Vw/VOu49thjpXI/AAAAAAAALbA/iQdKjvihDH8/s1600/YVR%2B21Feb15%2BNorhtern%2BSaw-whet%2BOwl%2B01%2B-%2BCopy.bmp" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The large group on the Nature Vancouver walk was led by John
and became strung out as we walked the trails of the reserve and bunched up
again when <b>Saw-whet Owls</b> and <b>Great Horned Owls</b> were found.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p0_Qw88KFFA/VOu5A8Zvp6I/AAAAAAAALbY/5U0b8_um4KQ/s1600/YVR%2B21Feb15%2BTrumpeter%2BSwan%2B01%2B-%2BCopy.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p0_Qw88KFFA/VOu5A8Zvp6I/AAAAAAAALbY/5U0b8_um4KQ/s1600/YVR%2B21Feb15%2BTrumpeter%2BSwan%2B01%2B-%2BCopy.bmp" /></a></div>
<br />
The sanctuary consists of a few ponds and marsh overlooking
the estuary where <b>Trumpeter Swans</b>
could be seen in the far distance and <b>Northern
Harriers</b> much closer in. Wildfowl were well represented with over a dozen
species and <b>Great Blue Herons</b> were
especially common.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5lBvAyCC_oU/VOu4zTtr-pI/AAAAAAAALaI/fSZdZSwFwuU/s1600/YVR%2B21Feb15%2BAmerican%2BWigeon%2B01%2B-%2BCopy.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5lBvAyCC_oU/VOu4zTtr-pI/AAAAAAAALaI/fSZdZSwFwuU/s1600/YVR%2B21Feb15%2BAmerican%2BWigeon%2B01%2B-%2BCopy.bmp" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A moment of added excitement almost brought an <b>American Bittern </b>which would have been
a lifer for me. Unfortunately all I could make out was a clump of reeds that
was denser and darker than the surrounding reeds. Try as I might, I could not
turn it into a bittern, even though it appeared to change shape slightly.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lscKn2vB1B0/VOu495pjCpI/AAAAAAAALbE/BUvROpWnupA/s1600/YVR%2B21Feb15%2BGreat%2BHorned%2BOwl%2B01%2B-%2BCopy.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lscKn2vB1B0/VOu495pjCpI/AAAAAAAALbE/BUvROpWnupA/s1600/YVR%2B21Feb15%2BGreat%2BHorned%2BOwl%2B01%2B-%2BCopy.bmp" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Back at the visitor centre, word reached us that the Great
Grey Owl had been re-found on the restricted section and that the manager was
taking small groups to see it. I was astonished at how tolerant the owls in the
reserve had been today. The Saw-whet and Great Horned Owls had been seen very
close to a busy path and groups of people were jockeying to get a clear view.
The Great Gray was even more accommodating as we passed just 4 meters beneath
it and looked back into its startling yellow eyes.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IqPiCbNs73E/VOu48qJJkrI/AAAAAAAALa4/LOUDst5L1jM/s1600/YVR%2B21Feb15%2BGreat%2BGray%2BOwl%2B01%2B-%2BCopy.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IqPiCbNs73E/VOu48qJJkrI/AAAAAAAALa4/LOUDst5L1jM/s1600/YVR%2B21Feb15%2BGreat%2BGray%2BOwl%2B01%2B-%2BCopy.bmp" /></a></div>
<br />
The Sanctuary is situated in the north of Westham Island and
forms a large land mass in the delta at the mouth of the estuary. It has well
maintained trails which are always close to water. Mostly the water is fresh and
observation has been made easy with verandas round the visitor centre, hides,
platforms and a tower in the northern section. There is even a warming room for
those chilly days. I didn’t get a chance to visit the display ponds, but a
brief glimpse in passing made me think that the birds are very approachable
there too and it would probably make a good photography area. Many of the birds
are used to being fed and seed can be purchased from the gift shop. There are
washrooms, but no food.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gy0l9WmaDKY/VOu4zRbPz8I/AAAAAAAALaQ/726IM444A_o/s1600/YVR%2B21Feb15%2BBald%2BEagle%2B02%2B-%2BCopy.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gy0l9WmaDKY/VOu4zRbPz8I/AAAAAAAALaQ/726IM444A_o/s1600/YVR%2B21Feb15%2BBald%2BEagle%2B02%2B-%2BCopy.bmp" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
The gates open at 09.00, though in practice, they are often
open a little earlier. Entry closes at 16.00 with visitors already on site
given a further hour to clear the gates. There is an entry fee of Can$5 for
non-members.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Buses 601 and 620 leave from Bridgeport Canada Line Station.
They stop at the transit mall at Ladner (EB Clarence Taylor Cres FS Harvest
Drive), 6.5 miles from the reserve gates. 606, 608 and C86 will get you 1.5 miles
closer, but cabs will be increasingly difficult to find as you leave the town.
<a href="http://www.deltasurreygreencab.com/">Delta Surrey Green Cab</a> operate in the vicinity. 604 943 1111</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>As if a 3-owl day with 2 lifers amongst them wasn't enough, I tried to top it out with a quick visit to Boundary Bay between 64th and 72nd Streets. A Northern Harrier showed well here, but no owls. But as I drove back to return the car and go to work (and I have to question what I have been doing to deserve such luck), 2 Short-eared Owls were seen chasing each other across a meadow by the freeway. 6 owls from 4 species. Fantastic days!</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>I must Credit Kathleen, the reserve manager for the Great Gray Owl tick. She graciously allowed access to what is usually a restricted area and she ensured that the bird was not put to undue stress. The Saw-whets and the Great Horned Owls were found by the nature walk advance guard and pointed out to me as we passed. The Short-eared Owls belonged to Lady Ridiculous Blind Luck and she teased me with them as I passed at speed. Thanks to you all.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-88_oeS0KVZU/VOu43hGIzFI/AAAAAAAALag/7JJzYQqaP9M/s1600/YVR%2B21Feb15%2BBoundary%2BBay%2B01%2B-%2BCopy.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-88_oeS0KVZU/VOu43hGIzFI/AAAAAAAALag/7JJzYQqaP9M/s1600/YVR%2B21Feb15%2BBoundary%2BBay%2B01%2B-%2BCopy.bmp" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Boundary Bay</i></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you cannot reach Reifel Bird Sanctuary, link to the <a href="http://www.redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/p/usa-and-canada.html">dedicated USA and Canada page</a> where you will find more sugestions for Vancouver.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Birds seen at George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary.</div>
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; margin-left: 4.8pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; width: 493px;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 229.9pt;" valign="bottom" width="383"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Snow Goose (Chen caerulescens)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 66.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="110"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
300<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 229.9pt;" valign="bottom" width="383"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 66.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="110"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
20<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 2;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 229.9pt;" valign="bottom" width="383"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 66.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="110"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
6<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 3;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 229.9pt;" valign="bottom" width="383"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Wood Duck (Aix sponsa)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 66.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="110"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
5<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 4;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 229.9pt;" valign="bottom" width="383"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Gadwall (Anas strepera)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 66.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="110"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
4<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 5;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 229.9pt;" valign="bottom" width="383"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
American Wigeon (Anas americana)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 66.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="110"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
60<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 6;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 229.9pt;" valign="bottom" width="383"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 66.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="110"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
200<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 7;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 229.9pt;" valign="bottom" width="383"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 66.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="110"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
130<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 8;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 229.9pt;" valign="bottom" width="383"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Northern Pintail (Anas acuta)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 66.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="110"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
8<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 9;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 229.9pt;" valign="bottom" width="383"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 66.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="110"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
1<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 10;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 229.9pt;" valign="bottom" width="383"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Greater Scaup (Aythya marila)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 66.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="110"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
1<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 11;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 229.9pt;" valign="bottom" width="383"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 66.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="110"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
2<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 12;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 229.9pt;" valign="bottom" width="383"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 66.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="110"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
4<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 13;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 229.9pt;" valign="bottom" width="383"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes
cucullatus)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 66.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="110"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
5<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 14;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 229.9pt;" valign="bottom" width="383"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 66.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="110"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
40<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 15;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 229.9pt;" valign="bottom" width="383"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Black-crowned Night-Heron (Nycticorax
nycticorax)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 66.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="110"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
4<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 16;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 229.9pt;" valign="bottom" width="383"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 66.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="110"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
3<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 17;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 229.9pt;" valign="bottom" width="383"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter cooperii)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 66.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="110"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
1<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 18;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 229.9pt;" valign="bottom" width="383"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 66.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="110"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
12<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 19;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 229.9pt;" valign="bottom" width="383"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 66.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="110"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
2<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 20;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 229.9pt;" valign="bottom" width="383"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
American Coot (Fulica americana)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 66.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="110"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
5<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 21;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 229.9pt;" valign="bottom" width="383"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 66.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="110"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
7<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 22;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 229.9pt;" valign="bottom" width="383"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Glaucous-winged Gull (Larus
glaucescens)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 66.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="110"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
6<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 23;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 229.9pt;" valign="bottom" width="383"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 66.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="110"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
1<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 24;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 229.9pt;" valign="bottom" width="383"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="color: red; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: red;">Great
Gray Owl (Strix nebulosa)</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 66.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="110"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
1<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 25;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 229.9pt;" valign="bottom" width="383"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="color: red; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: red;">Northern
Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus)</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 66.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="110"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
2<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 26;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 229.9pt;" valign="bottom" width="383"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 66.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="110"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
2<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 27;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 229.9pt;" valign="bottom" width="383"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 66.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="110"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
1<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 28;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 229.9pt;" valign="bottom" width="383"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Northwestern Crow (Corvus caurinus)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 66.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="110"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
3<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 29;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 229.9pt;" valign="bottom" width="383"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile
atricapillus)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 66.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="110"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
15<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 30;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 229.9pt;" valign="bottom" width="383"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Marsh Wren (Cistothorus palustris)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 66.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="110"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
1<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 31;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 229.9pt;" valign="bottom" width="383"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus
satrapa)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 66.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="110"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
5<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 32;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 229.9pt;" valign="bottom" width="383"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
American Robin (Turdus migratorius)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 66.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="110"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
8<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 33;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 229.9pt;" valign="bottom" width="383"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Varied Thrush (Ixoreus naevius)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 66.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="110"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
2<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 34;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 229.9pt;" valign="bottom" width="383"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 66.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="110"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
10<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 35;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 229.9pt;" valign="bottom" width="383"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculatus)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 66.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="110"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
4<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 36;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 229.9pt;" valign="bottom" width="383"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Fox Sparrow (Passerella iliaca)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 66.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="110"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
3<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 37;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 229.9pt;" valign="bottom" width="383"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 66.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="110"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
4<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 38;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 229.9pt;" valign="bottom" width="383"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Golden-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia
atricapilla)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 66.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="110"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
12<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 39;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 229.9pt;" valign="bottom" width="383"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius
phoeniceus)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 66.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="110"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
20<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 40;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 229.9pt;" valign="bottom" width="383"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 66.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="110"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
6<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 41;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 229.9pt;" valign="bottom" width="383"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Pine Siskin (Spinus pinus)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 66.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="110"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
200<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 42; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 229.9pt;" valign="bottom" width="383"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 66.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="110"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
6<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Redgannethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17453869909278728690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7465222688340467790.post-90414601709302053472015-02-18T00:25:00.000+00:002015-02-18T00:25:46.705+00:00Dubai, Feb 2015<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">February continues apace with another life tick in the
glorious form of a <b><span style="color: red;">Pharaoh Eagle-Owl</span></b>. Actually, 2 if you don’t mind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hjPTq1W2R98/VOPauL9dlMI/AAAAAAAALZk/29k09HaFMBs/s1600/DXB%2B15Feb15%2BPharaoh%2BEagle-Owl%2B01.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hjPTq1W2R98/VOPauL9dlMI/AAAAAAAALZk/29k09HaFMBs/s1600/DXB%2B15Feb15%2BPharaoh%2BEagle-Owl%2B01.bmp" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">The eBird invigilator for Dubai, Tommy Pederson (he of
<a href="http://www.uaebirding.com/">www.uaebirding.com</a> fame), took me to a
reliable spot to the south of the city, close to the Green Community. The first
owl flushed before we saw it, but a second allowed me to take a couple of
shots. One step closer and she (might have been he. It felt like a she, though
I have no way of knowing) flushed too. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dJHE6YvQeUs/VOPavtXj1PI/AAAAAAAALZs/7MQUsJhmhFE/s1600/DXB%2B15Feb15%2BPharaoh%2BEagle-Owl%2B02.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dJHE6YvQeUs/VOPavtXj1PI/AAAAAAAALZs/7MQUsJhmhFE/s1600/DXB%2B15Feb15%2BPharaoh%2BEagle-Owl%2B02.bmp" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">As we moved further along, the birds flushed again. Tommy felt that they were much </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">warier than he had
seen them before, so we backed out and left them alone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aaYyBGs5Ud0/VOPapK7D0nI/AAAAAAAALZM/lLBAZW_OJWk/s1600/DXB%2B15Feb15%2BHoopoe%2B01.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aaYyBGs5Ud0/VOPapK7D0nI/AAAAAAAALZM/lLBAZW_OJWk/s1600/DXB%2B15Feb15%2BHoopoe%2B01.bmp" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Tommy dropped me at <b>Safa Park</b> for an evening hour with the common park birds of Dubai. <b>Hoopoes</b> featured of course as they
picked through the lawns and I nearly got the <b>Indian Roller</b> shot that I have been longing for since I first set
eyes on one in flight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1l_t6rhv_04/VOPatpWaRyI/AAAAAAAALZc/RPkCr60AHng/s1600/DXB%2B15Feb15%2BIndian%2BRoller%2B02.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1l_t6rhv_04/VOPatpWaRyI/AAAAAAAALZc/RPkCr60AHng/s1600/DXB%2B15Feb15%2BIndian%2BRoller%2B02.bmp" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">The park is undergoing a lot of work. Whether this
work will make the park better, or the city bigger was unclear, but the northern
edge and the east end have been dug over and fenced off. One of the fenced bodies
of water has been drained and only very few ducks remained. One curious
individual was a <b>Mandarin Duck</b>. Did
there used to be an exotic collection there?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Safa Park is within easy reach of Downtown
Dubai and about 10 mins in a cab from the Emirates Mall on Sheik Zayed Road,
the main drag through downtown. In the perimeter railings, there are 4 gates
which open 08.00 ‘til 23.00 (currently, the gate halfway along the north edge
and the gate at the east end are not useable). There is a 3 Dirham entry fee. On Tuesdays,
the park is restricted to ladies and children only. A fenced and hedged section
at the west end of the park is reserved full-time for ladies and children.</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wYf7BJPgG54/VOPamyWLiXI/AAAAAAAALY0/CZM6FaPkUvA/s1600/DXB%2B15Feb15%2BBurj%2BKhalifa%2B01.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wYf7BJPgG54/VOPamyWLiXI/AAAAAAAALY0/CZM6FaPkUvA/s1600/DXB%2B15Feb15%2BBurj%2BKhalifa%2B01.bmp" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">For a more detailed description of the park visit the
<a href="http://www.redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/p/middle-east.html">dedicated Middle East Page</a>, where there are four posts with bird lists.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Bird list for Safa Park, Feb ‘15;</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; margin-left: 4.8pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; width: 439px;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 215.15pt;" valign="bottom" width="359">
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; width: 457px;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 226.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="377">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Egyptian Goose (Alopochen
aegyptiaca)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 48.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="80">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
4<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 226.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="377">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 48.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="80">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
2<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 2;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 226.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="377">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Gray Francolin (Francolinus
pondicerianus)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 48.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="80">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
3<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 3;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 226.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="377">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax
carbo)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 48.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="80">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
20<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 4;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 226.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="377">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Red-wattled Lapwing (Vanellus
indicus)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 48.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="80">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
4<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 5;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 226.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="377">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus
ridibundus)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 48.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="80">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
150<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 6;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 226.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="377">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qPmSW2r5zyc/VOPanI7r2TI/AAAAAAAALY4/IogQr1POUn0/s1600/DXB%2B15Feb15%2BCaspian%2BTern%2B01.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qPmSW2r5zyc/VOPanI7r2TI/AAAAAAAALY4/IogQr1POUn0/s1600/DXB%2B15Feb15%2BCaspian%2BTern%2B01.bmp" height="287" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 48.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="80">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
2<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 7;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 226.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="377">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Eurasian Collared-Dove
(Streptopelia decaocto)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 48.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="80">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
40<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 8;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 226.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="377">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Laughing Dove (Streptopelia
senegalensis)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 48.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="80">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
25<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 9;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 226.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="377">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Pallid Swift (Apus pallidus)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 48.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="80">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
2<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 10;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 226.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="377">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zAdb9aQyMRo/VOPaslvw4UI/AAAAAAAALZU/iWVffJK7r_Y/s1600/DXB%2B15Feb15%2BIndian%2BRoller%2B01.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zAdb9aQyMRo/VOPaslvw4UI/AAAAAAAALZU/iWVffJK7r_Y/s1600/DXB%2B15Feb15%2BIndian%2BRoller%2B01.bmp" height="400" width="284" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Indian Roller (Coracias
benghalensis)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 48.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="80">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
4<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 11;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 226.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="377">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Eurasian Hoopoe (Upupa epops)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 48.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="80">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
6<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 12;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 226.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="377">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula
krameri)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 48.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="80">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
8<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 13;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 226.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="377">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
House Crow (Corvus splendens)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 48.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="80">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
120<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 14;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 226.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="377">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Red-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus
cafer)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 48.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="80">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
2<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 15;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 226.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="377">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
White-eared Bulbul (Pycnonotus
leucotis)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 48.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="80">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
3<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 16;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 226.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="377">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Graceful Prinia (Prinia gracilis)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 48.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="80">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
2<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 17;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 226.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="377">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 48.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="80">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
80<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 18;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 226.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="377">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Asian Pied Starling (Gracupica
contra)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 48.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="80">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
6<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 19;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 226.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="377">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Purple Sunbird (Cinnyris asiaticus)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 48.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="80">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
3<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 20;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 226.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="377">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
White Wagtail (Motacilla alba)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 48.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="80">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
2<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.4pt; mso-yfti-irow: 21; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 226.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="377">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 48.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="80">
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
75<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
</td>
<td nowrap="" style="height: 14.4pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 48.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="80"></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M3Sm5MN8N4I/VOPam3knhwI/AAAAAAAALZE/Q__o8516X0U/s1600/DXB%2B15Feb15%2BBuilding%2Bdetail%2B01.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M3Sm5MN8N4I/VOPam3knhwI/AAAAAAAALZE/Q__o8516X0U/s1600/DXB%2B15Feb15%2BBuilding%2Bdetail%2B01.bmp" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Redgannethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17453869909278728690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7465222688340467790.post-43244485364429554722015-02-12T00:12:00.000+00:002015-02-12T00:12:31.868+00:00A winter summary<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sorry to have been away for so long. Sometimes birding and
blogging gets overtaken by grown up stuff. I am still able to get out while I
am away, but struggle to find time to review the photos and write up the trips
when I get back home. I fear that I will never be able to catch up on winter 14/15,
so I will try to get away with a quick summary. If I do ever get round to
writing them up, I will make the links.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
November found me in Houston looking for snakes in the <b>Arboretum at Memorial park</b>. This very
fetching little <b>Gulf Ribbon Snake</b>
allowed me a close look and stayed for about an hour sunning itself on a log by
the water.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wecHpyPmSrs/VNvuXwnTwTI/AAAAAAAALYQ/XiPOLkcBakY/s1600/IAH%2B08Nov14%2BGulf%2BRibbon%2BSnake%2B11.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wecHpyPmSrs/VNvuXwnTwTI/AAAAAAAALYQ/XiPOLkcBakY/s1600/IAH%2B08Nov14%2BGulf%2BRibbon%2BSnake%2B11.tif" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
November also brought the yearly safety checks, immediately
followed by a house move. Our new place is also home to a <b>Robin</b> that follows me around the garden to see what I will kick up
next.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SRklqBz8aOg/VNvuRkM2-3I/AAAAAAAALYI/GNiq-Ysv7DQ/s1600/KEN%2B14Dec14%2BRobin%2B01%2B-%2BCopy.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SRklqBz8aOg/VNvuRkM2-3I/AAAAAAAALYI/GNiq-Ysv7DQ/s1600/KEN%2B14Dec14%2BRobin%2B01%2B-%2BCopy.tif" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Denver was cold. I always seem to go in the winter. The big
story here was geese. <b>City Park</b> gave
up lots of <b>Cackling</b> and <b>Canada Geese</b>, but it was the squirrels
that sat for the camera.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AyYL0A0nlaE/VNvubLHjSrI/AAAAAAAALYY/XUcBe6bgfXk/s1600/IAH%2B25Nov14%2BFox%2BSquirrel%2B01%2B-%2BCopy.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AyYL0A0nlaE/VNvubLHjSrI/AAAAAAAALYY/XUcBe6bgfXk/s1600/IAH%2B25Nov14%2BFox%2BSquirrel%2B01%2B-%2BCopy.tif" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
December’s roster brought a couple of Bostons which turned
up an unexpected <b>Snowy Owl</b>. A
previously suspected owl, seen last year atop a shed on Boston’s Logan airfield
was still there making me think that it probably wasn’t an owl. Close
inspection revealed that the object had moved closer to the end of the building,
reigniting my excitement, but it was still too far away to be sure. I was
trying to see across the water from <b>Castle
Point</b>, but a quick look over my shoulder onto the battlements brought a
much better view of a Snowy Owl. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N2fO0_BfvjQ/VNvt-0dCKtI/AAAAAAAALXw/1QYQv7Rnfuc/s1600/BOS%2B03Dec14%2BSnowy%2BOwl%2B02%2B-%2BCopy.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N2fO0_BfvjQ/VNvt-0dCKtI/AAAAAAAALXw/1QYQv7Rnfuc/s1600/BOS%2B03Dec14%2BSnowy%2BOwl%2B02%2B-%2BCopy.tif" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
San Francisco brought some unexpected ticks in the form of a
<b>Brown Booby</b> and <b>Rustic Bunting</b> from <b>Sutro
Baths</b> and <b>Golden Gate Park</b>
respectively, but the highlight was a <b>Burrowing
Owl</b> amongst the rocks. Thanks to Ken Schneider for his local expertise.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
New Delhi beckoned as my duty for Christmas Day and rounded
out the year with one more owl (can it be that I have three trips with owls in
and I am skimming quickly over them?), a <b>Spotted
Owlet</b>, in <b>Hauz Khas Deer Park</b>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
New Year in Accra began with a bang, literally, as a
Laughing Dove crashed to the ground at my feet, spooked from its roost by the
hotel fireworks. Later on New Year’s Day, the first lifer of the new list, in
the shape of a <b><span style="color: red;">Lesser
Moorhen</span></b>, skittered across the <b>University
of Ghana’s Botanic Garden</b> pond.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CbAW1a8CV3w/VNvuDA6PR_I/AAAAAAAALX4/xNwqbBkL8A4/s1600/PHX%2B08Jan15%2BBlack-necked%2BStilt%2B06%2B-%2BCopy.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CbAW1a8CV3w/VNvuDA6PR_I/AAAAAAAALX4/xNwqbBkL8A4/s1600/PHX%2B08Jan15%2BBlack-necked%2BStilt%2B06%2B-%2BCopy.tif" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
January was a big month with trips to 4 continents. Accra
was followed by Phoenix, which included visits to <b>Gilbert Water Ranch</b> and the <b>Salt
River</b> where a <b><span style="color: red;">Rock Wren</span></b> took the second lifer slot for the year.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then a trip to Jo’berg, perhaps my last one as the route has
been allocated to our Mixed Fleet colleagues from March. As it was potentially
my final visit, I had to pay my respects at <b>Pilanesberg</b> NP (which brought 100 species, including a <b><span style="color: red;">Dwarf Bittern)</span></b>,
<b>Marievale</b> and <b>Walter Sisulu Botanic Gardens</b>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mwhOYCuqDg0/VNvuihME7AI/AAAAAAAALYg/rvKSUAhCvGw/s1600/JNB%2B16Jan15%2BDwarf%2BBittern%2B01%2B-%2BCopy.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mwhOYCuqDg0/VNvuihME7AI/AAAAAAAALYg/rvKSUAhCvGw/s1600/JNB%2B16Jan15%2BDwarf%2BBittern%2B01%2B-%2BCopy.tif" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And so to Delhi again as January passes the baton to
February. If you find yourself in Delhi during the winter a visit to <b>Sultanpur</b> is a must. 80 species were
seen and kicked off the owl list for 2015 with the customary <b>Spotted Owlet</b>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There seems to be no end to the work that needs doing on the
house, so the blog may slip into bi-monthly updates. I will not prioritise
trips where I visit tried and trusted birding areas, but I will try to make a
whole post for a new site.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
See you again in April.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
Redgannethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17453869909278728690noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7465222688340467790.post-70669848268801046242014-10-22T13:43:00.000+01:002014-10-22T13:43:42.419+01:00Central Park, New York, Oct 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
A walk in <b>New York’s Central Park</b> always carries
my hopes for a long list of New World Warblers, but my luck and skill could not
combine to bring these hopes to reality today. It was a glorious day to be out
in the park however and was enhanced by a great look at a young <b>Red-tailed Hawk</b> and chance meetings
with other like-minded wanderers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ocnVpAse-70/VEeClQ20nmI/AAAAAAAALXQ/53TlXTVWy2Q/s1600/JFK%2B17Oct14%2BRed-tailed%2BHawk%2B05.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ocnVpAse-70/VEeClQ20nmI/AAAAAAAALXQ/53TlXTVWy2Q/s1600/JFK%2B17Oct14%2BRed-tailed%2BHawk%2B05.tif" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I had borrowed
a bicycle and entered the park on the cross drive at 72<sup>nd</sup> St. The
mound that carries a tribute to the Pilgrim Fathers brought some early birds
with the regulation <b>Blue Jay</b>,<b> Ruby-crowned Kinglet </b>and the first of
many <b>Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers</b>. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cs_8w5tzS50/VEeCmJrdYdI/AAAAAAAALXI/ucB1zdnS4H8/s1600/JFK%2B17Oct14%2BYellow-breasted%2BSapsucker%2B02.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cs_8w5tzS50/VEeCmJrdYdI/AAAAAAAALXI/ucB1zdnS4H8/s1600/JFK%2B17Oct14%2BYellow-breasted%2BSapsucker%2B02.tif" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>The Falconer</b> bronze stands beneath an
outcrop of New York Gneiss which harboured <b>Chipping
Sparrows</b>, <b>Red-bellied Woodpecker</b>
and <b>Dark-eyed Junco</b>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jMoBlX2rMAY/VEeCjemQ1II/AAAAAAAALWk/e8bcfVnm0S4/s1600/JFK%2B17Oct14%2BRed-bellied%2BWoodpecker%2B01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jMoBlX2rMAY/VEeCjemQ1II/AAAAAAAALWk/e8bcfVnm0S4/s1600/JFK%2B17Oct14%2BRed-bellied%2BWoodpecker%2B01.tif" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I chained up
the bike by the benches at <b>Wagner’s Cove</b>,
the southern lobe of the boating lake and immediately walked into the red-tail.
It was in a tree which was rooted lower down the bank and this left it sitting
at the perfect height for a picture. It appeared relaxed and I was able to sit
on the rock and enjoy it for a while until a call from another hawk stirred it
into action.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iApgHJ0Iquo/VEeCjo-w4qI/AAAAAAAALWo/iGjXWsVagwI/s1600/JFK%2B17Oct14%2BRed-tailed%2BHawk%2B02.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iApgHJ0Iquo/VEeCjo-w4qI/AAAAAAAALWo/iGjXWsVagwI/s1600/JFK%2B17Oct14%2BRed-tailed%2BHawk%2B02.tif" /></a></div>
<br />
While it
sat, no other birds bothered it, but when it flew, it was chased by Blue Jays
and <b>American Robins</b> which continued
to bombard it after it landed in a nearby oak.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FB1HmAm0z1Y/VEeCko13DkI/AAAAAAAALW4/ZNEoHnGvVCs/s1600/JFK%2B17Oct14%2BRed-tailed%2BHawk%2B06.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FB1HmAm0z1Y/VEeCko13DkI/AAAAAAAALW4/ZNEoHnGvVCs/s1600/JFK%2B17Oct14%2BRed-tailed%2BHawk%2B06.tif" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
A second
Red-tail cruised across the cove and my bird gave chase. <b>Mallards</b> on the water ducked beneath the surface each time a hawk
passed over.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
A <b>Pine Warbler</b> was seen in a conifer on
the south side of <b>Bow Bridge</b> and
raised my hopes of a warbler fest. Another warbler evaded me as I approached <b>The Oven</b>, but in chasing it, I ran into
Cindy who thought it may have been a <b>Magnolia
Warbler</b>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-crG0j_WJPGA/VEeCi7oWxbI/AAAAAAAALW8/lrFBZ-LGdJY/s1600/JFK%2B17Oct14%2BPine%2BWarbler%2B01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-crG0j_WJPGA/VEeCi7oWxbI/AAAAAAAALW8/lrFBZ-LGdJY/s1600/JFK%2B17Oct14%2BPine%2BWarbler%2B01.tif" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
We walked
together for a while and got some good views of <b>Brown Creeper</b>, <b>White-throated
Sparrow </b>and dozens of American Robins along <b>The Spit</b>. We took a slight wrong turn on the way to the feeders
which proved fortunate as an <b>Ovenbird</b>
stepped and flicked through the rank vegetation to the right of the path. Another
warbler by the <b>Azalea Pond</b> had us
foxed, though the smart money is on <b>Tennessee
Warbler</b>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Cindy left
me here and I continued on to <b>Maintenance
Meadow</b>, arriving at the same time as a party of school kids. It was
dispiriting that the meadow would probably be disturbed, so I moved out quickly
to stay ahead of the children, but was pleasantly impressed as the teacher
primed the class that I was hoping for a quiet few moments and the children
very respectfully gave me that chance.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
A <b>Song Sparrow </b>fed from low plants to the
west of the meadow and a <b>Cooper’s Hawk</b>
flew high above.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LqGJBq7cmZA/VEeClrIQChI/AAAAAAAALXM/-NzLqGW74_A/s1600/JFK%2B17Oct14%2BSong%2BSparrow%2B01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LqGJBq7cmZA/VEeClrIQChI/AAAAAAAALXM/-NzLqGW74_A/s1600/JFK%2B17Oct14%2BSong%2BSparrow%2B01.tif" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>Yellow-bellied Sapsucker </b>and<b> Cedar Waxwings</b> were seen in the large
tree on the northwest corner of the meadow and a <b>Northern Parula</b> gave a poor view and had to be confirmed from a
photograph later on. <br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mAMXos3_42w/VEeCh4iIgqI/AAAAAAAALWc/RMxA_zAagMo/s1600/JFK%2B17Oct14%2BDowny%2BWoodpecker%2B02.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mAMXos3_42w/VEeCh4iIgqI/AAAAAAAALWc/RMxA_zAagMo/s1600/JFK%2B17Oct14%2BDowny%2BWoodpecker%2B02.tif" /></a></div>
<br />
Another
birder had seen some warblers up near the arboretum, so I sauntered up that way
and added <b>Downy Woodpecker,</b> <b>Yellow-rumped Warbler,</b> half-a-dozen more Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers and a <b>Northern Cardinal</b>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cVL960bm_TE/VEeChz_7lEI/AAAAAAAALWU/B8iujrXXhkY/s1600/JFK%2B17Oct14%2BNorthern%2BCardinal%2B01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cVL960bm_TE/VEeChz_7lEI/AAAAAAAALWU/B8iujrXXhkY/s1600/JFK%2B17Oct14%2BNorthern%2BCardinal%2B01.tif" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
On the
return south, a <b>Red-breasted Nuthatch</b>
was added from the <b>Shakespeare Garden</b>,
a <b>Blue-headed Vireo</b> was seen from
the Maintenance Meadow and Karen Wang pointed out a <b>Black-throated Blue Warbler </b>near <b>The Gill</b>.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Birds seen;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Canada Goose<i>
(Branta canadensis) 7,</i> Gadwall<i> (Anas strepera) 2, </i>Mallard<i> (Anas platyrhynchos)
15, </i>Northern Shoveler <i>(Anas clypeata) 70, </i>Ruddy Duck<i> (Oxyura jamaicensis) 45, </i>Cooper's
Hawk<i> (Accipiter cooperii) 1, </i>Red-tailed Hawk <i>(Buteo jamaicensis) 5, </i>Ring-billed
Gull<i> (Larus delawarensis) 6, </i>Herring Gull<i> (Larus argentatus) 4, </i>Great
Black-backed Gull<i> (Larus marinus) 3, </i>Mourning Dove <i>(Zenaida macroura) 15, </i>Red-bellied
Woodpecker<i> (Melanerpes carolinus) 8,</i> Yellow-bellied Sapsucker <i>(Sphyrapicus
varius) 10,</i> Downy Woodpecker<i> (Picoides pubescens) 1, </i>Northern Flicker<i> (Colaptes
auratus) 1, </i>Eastern Phoebe<i> (Sayornis phoebe) 1, </i>Blue-headed Vireo<i> (Vireo
solitarius) 1, </i>Blue Jay<i> (Cyanocitta cristata) 25, </i>Black-capped Chickadee<i> (Poecile
atricapillus) 6, </i>Tufted Titmouse <i>(Baeolophus bicolor) 15, </i>Red-breasted Nuthatch<i>
(Sitta canadensis) 1, </i>White-breasted Nuthatch<i> (Sitta carolinensis) 3, </i>Brown
Creeper<i> (Certhia americana) 5, </i>Ruby-crowned Kinglet<i> (Regulus calendula) 6, </i>Hermit
Thrush<i> (Catharus guttatus) 5, </i>American Robin<i> (Turdus migratorius) 120, </i>Gray
Catbird <i>(Dumetella carolinensis) 5, </i>European Starlin<i>g (Sturnus vulgaris) 15, </i>Cedar Waxwing
<i>(Bombycilla cedrorum) 10, </i>Ovenbird<i> (Seiurus aurocapilla) 1,</i> Northern Parula<i>
(Setophaga americana) 1, </i>Black-throated Blue Warbler<i> (Setophaga caerulescens) 1,
</i>Pine Warbler<i> (Setophaga pinus) 1, </i>Yellow-rumped Warbler<i> (Setophaga coronata) 1,
</i>Eastern Towhee<i> (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) 4, </i>Chipping Sparrow<i> (Spizella
passerina) 30, </i>Song Sparrow<i> (Melospiza melodia) 4, </i>White-throated Sparrow
<i>(Zonotrichia albicollis) 150, </i>Dark-eyed Junco <i>(Junco hyemalis) 6, </i>Northern
Cardinal<i> (Cardinalis cardinalis) 10, </i>Common Grackle<i> (Quiscalus quiscula) 35, </i>House
Finch <i>(Carpodacus mexicanus) 1, </i>American Goldfinch<i> (Spinus tristis) 1, </i>House
Sparrow <i>(Passer domesticus) 80.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gz8a5Lz_WPE/VEeChyFXxEI/AAAAAAAALWQ/CKeGk8AaUZA/s1600/JFK%2B17Oct14%2BNorthern%2BShoveler%2B01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gz8a5Lz_WPE/VEeChyFXxEI/AAAAAAAALWQ/CKeGk8AaUZA/s1600/JFK%2B17Oct14%2BNorthern%2BShoveler%2B01.tif" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Central Park
can be found on Manhattan between 5<sup>th</sup> and 8<sup>th</sup> Aves and
from 60<sup>th</sup> St, north to 110<sup>TH</sup> St.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The most
talked about area for birding is <b>The
Ramble</b>, which can be seen at Google Earth ref; 40 46 36.89N73 58 10.74W</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Previous
posts from New York’s Central Park can be seen at the links below;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2010/04/central-park-new-york-new-york.html">http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2010/04/central-park-new-york-new-york.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2009/10/central-park-new-york.html">http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2009/10/central-park-new-york.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2009/03/hooded-merganzer-lophodytes-cucullatus.html">http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2009/03/hooded-merganzer-lophodytes-cucullatus.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2011/01/out-of-towners-central-park-new-york.html">http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2011/01/out-of-towners-central-park-new-york.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2011/06/central-park-new-york-xena-and.html">http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2011/06/central-park-new-york-xena-and.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/central-park-new-york-april-2012.html">http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/central-park-new-york-april-2012.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/central-park-new-york-dec-2012.html">http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/central-park-new-york-dec-2012.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/central-park-new-york-jan-2013.html">http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/central-park-new-york-jan-2013.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/red-tailed-hawk-gallery.html">http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/red-tailed-hawk-gallery.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/central-park-new-york-may-2013.html">http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/central-park-new-york-may-2013.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/central-park-new-york-june-2013.html">http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/central-park-new-york-june-2013.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="http://www.redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/central-park-new-york-august-2013.html">http://www.redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/central-park-new-york-august-2013.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<o:p><a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/central-park-new-york-jan-2013.html">http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/central-park-new-york-jan-2013.html</a></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Visit the <a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/p/usa-and-canada.html">dedicatedUSA and Canada Page</a> for more posts from New York including <a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2011/08/new-york-new-york-so-good-they-sent-me.html">Jamaica Bay WildlifeRefuge</a> and <a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/snowy-owls-at-floyd-bennett-field-new.html">Floyd Bennett Field</a>.</div>
</div>
Redgannethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17453869909278728690noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7465222688340467790.post-8507602818317511352014-10-07T18:20:00.000+01:002014-10-07T18:20:04.722+01:00Itatiaia NP, RJ, Brazil.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Although the
drive seemed longer and much more hectic, the forest of </span><b style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Itatiaia NP </b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">hardly seemed to have changed at all since my last
visit nearly 8 years ago. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P__kvrPV1D4/VDQE_kRR7hI/AAAAAAAALU8/C7SdRYrziYM/s1600/GRU%2B24Sep14%2BItatiaia%2BNP%2B01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P__kvrPV1D4/VDQE_kRR7hI/AAAAAAAALU8/C7SdRYrziYM/s1600/GRU%2B24Sep14%2BItatiaia%2BNP%2B01.tif" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There was little purpose in stopping along the way to
pick up common birds, so I made a dash for it and reached the park at around
13.00. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jS5HWvhljhI/VDQHXoVGXFI/AAAAAAAALV8/uSuYHcfYVCw/s1600/GRU%2B24Sep14%2C%2BPousada%2BAldeia%2Bdos%2BPassaros%2B01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jS5HWvhljhI/VDQHXoVGXFI/AAAAAAAALV8/uSuYHcfYVCw/s1600/GRU%2B24Sep14%2C%2BPousada%2BAldeia%2Bdos%2BPassaros%2B01.tif" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.aldeiadospassaros.com/birdwatching.html">Pousada Aldeia dos Passaros</a>, is located at the 6km mark, just beyond the control gate at Google Earth ref; 22 27 45.69S 44 35 33.33W . I had booked to stay here over night and took the chance to stretch my legs and watch the hummingbird feeders and fruit tray for a while.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bcWppVWmkbQ/VDQFEafEjUI/AAAAAAAALVU/QzqnH3kr6II/s1600/GRU%2B25Sep14%2BWhite-throated%2BHummingbird%2B02.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bcWppVWmkbQ/VDQFEafEjUI/AAAAAAAALVU/QzqnH3kr6II/s1600/GRU%2B25Sep14%2BWhite-throated%2BHummingbird%2B02.tif" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">8 species of
tanagers came to feed on a banana and a list of 23 birds was compiled very
quickly. As the afternoon progressed, I headed into the forest taking in the
lookout at Km 7 which brought <b>Gray-rumped
Swifts</b>, <b>Swallow Tanagers</b> and <b>Long-tailed Tyrant</b>.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NtXTrivNJLg/VDQFBdl_VwI/AAAAAAAALUg/Uvmk1uHAT-c/s1600/GRU%2B24Sep14%2BSwallow%2BTanager%2B01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NtXTrivNJLg/VDQFBdl_VwI/AAAAAAAALUg/Uvmk1uHAT-c/s1600/GRU%2B24Sep14%2BSwallow%2BTanager%2B01.tif" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A trail
leads from the Visitor Centre towards Lago Azul. It winds for about 500 meters
through the forest and the first trogon was seen just a short way in. A guide
from the visitor centre had come with me and called <b>White-tailed Trogon</b>, but I had to give that one up in favour of <b>Surucua Trogon</b>. And so it continued, 3
calls for White-tailed Trogon all proved to be Surucua on closer inspection.
The race in this forest often sports the orange belly which must be what was
causing the confusion. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y_ZI9PyyEAg/VDQFA3arSsI/AAAAAAAALUY/GZdFZV96nTA/s1600/GRU%2B24Sep14%2BSurucua%2BTrogon%2B01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y_ZI9PyyEAg/VDQFA3arSsI/AAAAAAAALUY/GZdFZV96nTA/s1600/GRU%2B24Sep14%2BSurucua%2BTrogon%2B01.tif" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A feeding flock including <b>Olivaceous Woodcreeper</b> and <b>Plain-Brown
Woodcreeper</b> also brought a <b>White-shouldered
Fire-eye</b> which I had not seen since 2007. At the bottom of the slope, is a
pool in the stream that flows down through the valley. It was not quite what I
was expecting from Lago Azul, but very pretty nevertheless. A small flock of
the <b>Gilt-edged Tanagers</b> fed in the trees here.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3kzgnrrfcfQ/VDQE_zSlOnI/AAAAAAAALUI/f4PcN4qC-AU/s1600/GRU%2B24Sep14%2BCliff%2BFlycatcher%2B01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3kzgnrrfcfQ/VDQE_zSlOnI/AAAAAAAALUI/f4PcN4qC-AU/s1600/GRU%2B24Sep14%2BCliff%2BFlycatcher%2B01.tif" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Back at the
top of the slope, <b>Cliff Flycatcher</b> and <b>Blue-and-White Swallows</b> perched on the
roof of the visitor Centre and the tree beside the parking lot added another
half-a-dozen species with <b>Scaled Woodcreeper</b>, <b>Blue Dacnis</b> and <b>Saffron Finch</b>
passing through as the light faded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jTfVYOQcZws/VDQFAeXDIdI/AAAAAAAALUU/X6AbqdNmgTs/s1600/GRU%2B24Sep14%2BScaled%2BWoodcreeper%2B01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jTfVYOQcZws/VDQFAeXDIdI/AAAAAAAALUU/X6AbqdNmgTs/s1600/GRU%2B24Sep14%2BScaled%2BWoodcreeper%2B01.tif" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The next
morning I took an early walk along the jeep trail that starts from the top of
the road at around Km 14. <b>Sepia-capped
Flycatcher</b> and <b>Yellow-olive
Flycatcher</b> were early finds. There was plenty of bird calls, but I
struggled to pick out the birds in the thick forest along this trail.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Two birds
that I was very pleased with were the <b><span style="color: red;">Bi-colored Hawk</span></b> (which gave a good look and a long
squeaky call) and <b><span style="color: red;">White-browed Woodpecker</span></b> that needed a poor picture
to confirm its identity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wcTdsU8zd8Y/VDQFDyPM2gI/AAAAAAAALVQ/hmOrSY3OJpg/s1600/GRU%2B25Sep14%2BWhite-collared%2BFoliage-gleaner%2B01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wcTdsU8zd8Y/VDQFDyPM2gI/AAAAAAAALVQ/hmOrSY3OJpg/s1600/GRU%2B25Sep14%2BWhite-collared%2BFoliage-gleaner%2B01.tif" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A brown feeding flock passed through and included <b>White-collared Foliage-gleaner</b> and <b>Buff-browed Foliage-gleaner.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MHd5N4YUBdQ/VDQFCFbjGyI/AAAAAAAALVo/E6MB9oU71mI/s1600/GRU%2B25Sep14%2BBuff-browed%2BFoliage-gleaner%2B01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MHd5N4YUBdQ/VDQFCFbjGyI/AAAAAAAALVo/E6MB9oU71mI/s1600/GRU%2B25Sep14%2BBuff-browed%2BFoliage-gleaner%2B01.tif" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Thence up
the steep driveway to <b><a href="http://www.hoteldoype.com.br/">Hotel do Ype</a>,</b>
which is always a pleasure. The hotel is a real favourite among bird watchers
that visit Itatiaia NP and so it should be. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-goZ6E-rAyf4/VDQHXfIjydI/AAAAAAAALV4/-UJOv-o7dAI/s1600/20140927_1490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-goZ6E-rAyf4/VDQHXfIjydI/AAAAAAAALV4/-UJOv-o7dAI/s1600/20140927_1490.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The breakfast buffet for the birds
included a magnificent fruit platter, an orange tray and the obligatory sugar
feeders for the hummingbirds. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YFonzXPA0Pg/VDQFBgd9sfI/AAAAAAAALUk/kx-PkViNKmw/s1600/GRU%2B25Sep14%2BBrazilian%2BRuby%2B04.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YFonzXPA0Pg/VDQFBgd9sfI/AAAAAAAALUk/kx-PkViNKmw/s1600/GRU%2B25Sep14%2BBrazilian%2BRuby%2B04.tif" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>White-throated
Hummingbirds</b>, <b>Brazilian Rubies</b>, <b><span style="color: red;">Versicolored
Hummingbirds</span></b> and <b>Black
Jacobins</b> buzzed around the feeders, chasing each other and landing inches
from fascinated spectators.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EucHlaDn3oA/VDQGMMeI4AI/AAAAAAAALVw/HcumVXHJq4Y/s1600/GRU%2B25Sep14%2BSeven-colored%2BTanager%2B07.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EucHlaDn3oA/VDQGMMeI4AI/AAAAAAAALVw/HcumVXHJq4Y/s1600/GRU%2B25Sep14%2BSeven-colored%2BTanager%2B07.tif" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">12 species
of tanagers sported more colours than I could name and were seen during a short
visit to the restaurant and a quick walk along the pool deck brought <b>Maroon-bellied Parakeets</b>, <b>Saffron Toucanets</b> and <b>Double-collared Seed-eaters</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DnULwVDBIcU/VDQFDh3GpMI/AAAAAAAALVI/wvJLNdJVyX8/s1600/GRU%2B25Sep14%2BSaffron%2BToucanet%2B01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DnULwVDBIcU/VDQFDh3GpMI/AAAAAAAALVI/wvJLNdJVyX8/s1600/GRU%2B25Sep14%2BSaffron%2BToucanet%2B01.tif" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">At around Km
9 is a bridge crossing the river. Calls from the forest just below the bridge
stopped me and I went to investigate. It was infuriating to hear the calls and
not see the bird, but I persevered until I noticed a movement which turned out
to be a <b>Swallow-tailed Manakin</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r7SkUKtjh6k/VDQE_n5kVRI/AAAAAAAALUM/tCj_H2BDJ_M/s1600/GRU%2B24Sep14%2BItatiaia%2BNP%2B02.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r7SkUKtjh6k/VDQE_n5kVRI/AAAAAAAALUM/tCj_H2BDJ_M/s1600/GRU%2B24Sep14%2BItatiaia%2BNP%2B02.tif" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Feeling
immensely pleased with myself after finding a manakin, I left the park and
headed southwest, back towards Sao Paulo. Approximately 12kms from Itatiaia is
the BR 354 which cuts back into the mountains and gives access, via the Agulhas
Negras Rd, to the high slopes of Itatiaia NP. Unfortunately I had left it a
little late and barely had a few moments up there. The road up from the
motorway was 26 kms of steep winding roads, busy with slow lorries and very few
opportunities to overtake. I underestimated how long it would take to climb and
should have given myself at least 2 hours from the motorway to still have a few
minutes of daylight left at the top. The journey back down was made all the
more exciting in the dark and the rain. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Bird list for Itatiaia (and a bit beyond).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Dusky-legged
Guan (Penelope obscura) 11 Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus) 6, Bicolored Hawk (Accipiter
bicolor) 1, Southern Caracara (Caracara plancus) 1, Slaty-breasted Wood-Rail
(Aramides saracura) 1, Picazuro Pigeon (Patagioenas picazuro) 5, Maroon-bellied
Parakeet (Pyrrhura frontalis) 1, Squirrel Cuckoo (Piaya cayana) 5, Smooth-billed
Ani (Crotophaga ani) 3, Pale-rumped Swift (Chaetura egregia) 11, Black Jacobin
(Florisuga fusca) 7, Scale-throated Hermit (Phaethornis eurynome) 1, Brazilian
Ruby (Clytolaema rubricauda) 8, Swallow-tailed Hummingbird (Eupetomena
macroura) 4, Violet-capped Woodnymph (Thalurania glaucopis) 4, White-throated
Hummingbird (Leucochloris albicollis) 4, Versicolored Emerald (Amazilia
versicolor) 3, Surucua Trogon (Trogon surrucura) 3, Saffron Toucanet
(Pteroglossus bailloni) 2, Red-breasted
Toucan (Ramphastos dicolorus) 2, White-browed Woodpecker (Piculus aurulentus) 1,
Pallid Spinetail (Cranioleuca pallida) 4, Buff-browed Foliage-gleaner (Syndactyla
rufosuperciliata) 1, Black-capped Foliage-Gleaner (Philydor atricapillus) 1, White-collared
Foliage-Gleaner (Anabazenops fuscus) 1, Plain-brown Woodcreeper (Dendrocincla
fuliginosa) 4, Olivaceous Woodcreeper (Sittasomus griseicapillus) 2, Scaled
Woodcreeper (Lepidocolaptes squamatus) 2, White-shouldered Fire-Eye (Pyriglena
leucoptera) 8, Sepia-capped Flycatcher (Leptopogon amaurocephalus) 2, Yellow-olive Flycatcher (Tolmomyias
sulphurescens) 1, Cliff Flycatcher (Hirundinea ferruginea) 6, Long-tailed
Tyrant (Colonia colonus) 4, Cattle Tyrant (Machetornis rixosa) 2, Great Kiskadee (Pitangus sulphuratus) 3, Social
Flycatcher (Myiozetetes similis) 1, Streaked Flycatcher (Myiodynastes
maculatus) 2, Piratic Flycatcher (Legatus leucophaius) 1, Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus
melancholicus) 3, Fork-tailed Flycatcher (Tyrannus savana) 1, Swallow-tailed
Manakin (Chiroxiphia caudata) 1, Blue-and-white Swallow (Pygochelidon
cyanoleuca) 21, Southern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis) 10, Gray-breasted
Martin (Progne chalybea) 4, White-rumped Swallow (Tachycineta leucorrhoa) 3,
House Wren (Troglodytes aedon) 5, Yellow-legged Thrush (Turdus flavipes) 1, Pale-breasted
Thrush (Turdus leucomelas) 1, Rufous-bellied Thrush (Turdus rufiventris) 10,
Golden-crowned Warbler (Basileuterus culicivorus) 3, White-browed Warbler
(Myiothlypis leucoblepharus) 2, Bananaquit (Coereba flaveola) 7, Brown Tanager
(Orchesticus abeillei) 2, Magpie Tanager (Cissopis leverianus) 2, Olive-green
Tanager (Orthogonys chloricterus) 12, Black-goggled Tanager (Trichothraupis
melanops) 6, Ruby-crowned Tanager (Tachyphonus coronatus) 11, White-lined Tanager (Tachyphonus rufus) 2,
Brazilian Tanager (Ramphocelus bresilius) 4,
Sayaca Tanager (Thraupis sayaca) 17, Golden-chevroned Tanager (Thraupis
ornata) 9, Palm Tanager (Thraupis palmarum) 19, Green-headed Tanager (Tangara
seledon) 8, Brassy-breasted Tanager (Tangara desmaresti) 2, Gilt-edged Tanager
(Tangara cyanoventris) 8, Burnished-buff Tanager (Tangara cayana) 4, Blue
Dacnis (Dacnis cayana) 4, Swallow Tanager (Tersina viridis) 5, Green-winged Saltator (Saltator
similis) 2, Double-collared Seedeater (Sporophila caerulescens) 20, Saffron
Finch (Sicalis flaveola) 8, Rufous-collared Sparrow (Zonotrichia capensis) 9,
Shiny Cowbird (Molothrus bonariensis) 2, Red-rumped Cacique Cacicus
haemorrhous) 19, Chestnut-bellied Euphonia (Euphonia pectoralis) 1, Hooded
Siskin (Spinus magellanicus) 1.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RKugFMW8OF8/VDQFCfzV-GI/AAAAAAAALU0/mJlBO6fhJjg/s1600/GRU%2B25Sep14%2BDusky-legged%2BGuan%2B01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RKugFMW8OF8/VDQFCfzV-GI/AAAAAAAALU0/mJlBO6fhJjg/s1600/GRU%2B25Sep14%2BDusky-legged%2BGuan%2B01.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Itatiaia NP is located inland of the BR 116, between Rio de Janiero and Sao Paulo. I drove from the airport at Sao Paulo and the journey was 240kms. The BR116 does the entire journey from the airport. This is a toll road and I passed through 5 or 6 booths, charging from Reas 2.40 to 10.80.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Visit the <a href="http://www.redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/p/central-and-south-america.html">dedicated Central and South America Page</a> for more posts from Sao Paulo, including;</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/jardim-botanico-sao-paulo-sept-2014.html">Botanical Gardens</a>, <a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/cantareira-state-park-parque-estudual.html">Cantareira</a> and <a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/cantareira-state-park-parque-estudual.html">Ibirapuera Park.</a></span><br />
<br />
Birding, Birdwatching, Sao Paulo, Brazil</div>
</div>
Redgannethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17453869909278728690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7465222688340467790.post-86119886070985208772014-10-06T10:44:00.001+01:002014-10-06T10:44:31.982+01:00Jardim Botanico, Sao Paulo, Sept 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This week’s
visit to Brazil started at the Jardim Botanico, but had to wait until the
afternoon before kick-off. <b>Boat-billed
Flycatchers</b> were evident here today as never before.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ALBseF_ZT5U/VDJidv6SMpI/AAAAAAAALSs/n7NEpUcq8Lg/s1600/GRU%2B23Sep14%2BBoat-billed%2BFlycatcher%2B01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ALBseF_ZT5U/VDJidv6SMpI/AAAAAAAALSs/n7NEpUcq8Lg/s1600/GRU%2B23Sep14%2BBoat-billed%2BFlycatcher%2B01.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The jardim
was full of excited children again on school trips. Keen to be out of the
classroom the kids screamed and squealed and the teachers had to shout over the
top to maintain any semblance of order. Luckily, the gardens are big enough to
find a quiet area and I banked to the right from the entrance (which can be
seen by cutting and pasting the Google Earth coordinates; 23 38 21.71S 46 37
38.07W) onto a small lawn which played host to <b>Rufous-bellied Thrush</b>, <b>Pale-breasted
Thrush</b> and <b>Shiny Cowbird</b>. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--7Y7VwXjiW4/VDJihnJyGuI/AAAAAAAALTk/Bd0QFOFpugk/s1600/GRU%2B23Sep14%2BSocial%2BFlycatcher%2B01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--7Y7VwXjiW4/VDJihnJyGuI/AAAAAAAALTk/Bd0QFOFpugk/s1600/GRU%2B23Sep14%2BSocial%2BFlycatcher%2B01.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
lake was quiet, but a few <b>Neotropic
Cormorants</b> perched with wings out while a <b>House Wren</b> picked through the lichen on a tree and a <b>Social Flycatcher</b> watched on.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bd-g2Z-F6wo/VDJiidr_LsI/AAAAAAAALTw/hArB6N4eCtQ/s1600/GRU%2B23Sep14%2BStreaked%2BFlycatcher%2B04.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bd-g2Z-F6wo/VDJiidr_LsI/AAAAAAAALTw/hArB6N4eCtQ/s1600/GRU%2B23Sep14%2BStreaked%2BFlycatcher%2B04.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The hot-spot
of the day came behind one of the administrative buildings where 15 species
were ticked as I leaned against a corner of the structure. Posers included the <b>Streaked Flycatcher </b>and <b>Bananaquit</b>, with <b>Orange-headed Tanager</b> and <b>Green-winged
Saltator</b> being slightly more stand-offish.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rRGwvoQ0FTA/VDJidrYowoI/AAAAAAAALSo/Ub7kwyoWokE/s1600/GRU%2B23Sep14%2BBananaquit%2B02.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rRGwvoQ0FTA/VDJidrYowoI/AAAAAAAALSo/Ub7kwyoWokE/s1600/GRU%2B23Sep14%2BBananaquit%2B02.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">From the
green houses, a set of steps lead up to the right into the forest. There was
not much happening here today except for the <b>Red Howler Monkeys</b> which began howling as I reached the trees and
kept up the din for over an hour.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cj1GTwd58Nc/VDJifzLbNbI/AAAAAAAALTg/Uzh6ZXcgB1Q/s1600/GRU%2B23Sep14%2BRed%2BHowler%2BMonkey%2B01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cj1GTwd58Nc/VDJifzLbNbI/AAAAAAAALTg/Uzh6ZXcgB1Q/s1600/GRU%2B23Sep14%2BRed%2BHowler%2BMonkey%2B01.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The small
seep has grown over since my last visit three years ago. The bathing birds that
I had hoped for were not there, but a Rufous-bellied Thrush was feeding a tiny
chick in a nest. In the forest edge above the lawns, <b>Sayaca Tanagers</b> screeched and <b>Golden-crowned Warblers</b> called.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2tuqdJ8uGIA/VDJiegSN8gI/AAAAAAAALS4/bocrQ_nSXiA/s1600/GRU%2B23Sep14%2BGolden-crowned%2BWarbler%2B01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2tuqdJ8uGIA/VDJiegSN8gI/AAAAAAAALS4/bocrQ_nSXiA/s1600/GRU%2B23Sep14%2BGolden-crowned%2BWarbler%2B01.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I caught a
quick glimpse of a chicken-sized bird in the small marsh above the top pond and
crept round to get a decent view of the <b>Slaty-breasted
Rail</b> that can often be seen skulking around the gardens.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zBzHZuHgHaw/VDJihEvmeVI/AAAAAAAALTs/XIRKFV11Bvs/s1600/GRU%2B23Sep14%2BSlaty-breasted%2BRail%2B01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zBzHZuHgHaw/VDJihEvmeVI/AAAAAAAALTs/XIRKFV11Bvs/s1600/GRU%2B23Sep14%2BSlaty-breasted%2BRail%2B01.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
boardwalk featured more monkeys and a couple of <b>Dusky-legged Guan</b> which is always a target bird on a visit to the
gardens. <b>Red-bellied Toucans</b> flew
over and a <b>Yellow-legged Thrush</b>
poked its head out from a tangle.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GLeqaUcAwY8/VDJigiwHn2I/AAAAAAAALTY/p1IbmUxfML0/s1600/GRU%2B23Sep14%2BRuddy%2BGround-Dove%2B01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GLeqaUcAwY8/VDJigiwHn2I/AAAAAAAALTY/p1IbmUxfML0/s1600/GRU%2B23Sep14%2BRuddy%2BGround-Dove%2B01.tif" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>Ruddy Ground-Dove</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Bird list
for Jardim Botanico, Sao Paulo<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Dusky-legged
Guan (Penelope obscura) 2, Neotropic Cormorant (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) 4, Great
Egret (Ardea alba) 2, Black Vulture
(Coragyps atratus) 20, Slaty-breasted Wood-Rail (Aramides saracura) 1, Common
Gallinule (Gallinula galeata) 4, Southern Lapwing (Vanellus chilensis) 3,
Picazuro Pigeon (Patagioenas picazuro) 6, Ruddy Ground-dove (Columbina
talpacoti) 5, Plain Parakeet (Brotogeris tirica) 6, Squirrel Cuckoo (Piaya
cayana) 2, Sapphire-spangled Emerald (Amazilia lactea) 1, Red-breasted Toucan (Ramphastos dicolorus) 1, Cattle Tyrant (Machetornis rixosa) 3,
Great Kiskadee (Pitangus sulphuratus) 8, Boat-billed Flycatcher (Megarynchus
pitangua) 6, Social Flycatcher (Myiozetetes
similis) 5, Streaked Flycatcher
(Myiodynastes maculatus) 2, Piratic Flycatcher (Legatus leucophaius) 1, Blue-and-white
Swallow (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca) 25, House Wren (Troglodytes aedon) 7, Yellow-legged
Thrush (Turdus flavipes) 4, Pale-breasted Thrush (Turdus leucomelas) 8, Rufous-bellied
Thrush (Turdus rufiventris) 60, Creamy-bellied Thrush (Turdus amaurochalinus) 1,
Golden-crowned Warbler (Basileuterus culicivorus) 8, Bananaquit (Coereba
flaveola) 15, Orange-headed Tanager (Thlypopsis sordida) 2, Ruby-crowned Tanager
(Tachyphonus coronatus) 3, Sayaca Tanager (Thraupis sayaca) 20, Palm Tanager
(Thraupis palmarum) 4, Green-winged Saltator (Saltator similis) 1, Rufous-collared
Sparrow (Zonotrichia capensis) 5, Shiny Cowbird (Molothrus bonariensis) 5.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kr0BFA5VRJg/VDJidqklrdI/AAAAAAAALS8/Od0cHzHbwsE/s1600/GRU%2B23Sep14%2BBotanic%2BGardens%2B02.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kr0BFA5VRJg/VDJidqklrdI/AAAAAAAALS8/Od0cHzHbwsE/s1600/GRU%2B23Sep14%2BBotanic%2BGardens%2B02.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">To get to there, take the <a href="http://www.metro.sp.gov.br/ingles/quick_information/pocketmap/tepocketmap.shtml">Metro</a> to <b>Conceicao </b>(just
before Jabaquara at the end of Linha 1 or Azul (Blue) Line). Take a taxi from
here to <b>Jardim Botanico, Parque do Estado, Cursino </b>(10 mins,
Reas15 (@ 2.60 = £1)). The gardens are open daily from 09.00 until 17.00,<b> but
are closed on Mondays.</b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">If you are unable to find a taxi for the return, there is a bus
stop just outside the main gate. Most buses pass close to a Metro station. Make
yourself familiar with the Metro Logo and look for it on the side of the
bus. Better still bring the number of a recommended taxi firm.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mZ-OUksyUUo/VDJiewMC-II/AAAAAAAALTI/yeP5IDl6YhU/s1600/GRU%2B23Sep14%2BHouse%2BWren%2B01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mZ-OUksyUUo/VDJiewMC-II/AAAAAAAALTI/yeP5IDl6YhU/s1600/GRU%2B23Sep14%2BHouse%2BWren%2B01.tif" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">For previous posts from Sao Paulo Botanical Gardens, follow the
links below;</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2009/08/sao-paulo-august-2009.html">http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2009/08/sao-paulo-august-2009.html</a></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2011/10/botanical-gardens-sao-paulo-sep-2011.html">http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2011/10/botanical-gardens-sao-paulo-sep-2011.html</a></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Visit the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/p/central-and-south-america.html">dedicated
Central and South America page</a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>for
more posts from Sao Paulo, including<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/ibirapura-park-sao-paulo-brazil.html">Ibirapuera
Park</a> <a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/parque-ecologico-do-tiete-sao-paulo.html">Parque
Ecologico do Tiete</a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>and<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/parque-estudial-cantereira-nuleo-pedra.html">Cantareira</a>.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Birding, Birdwatching,
Sao Paulo, Brazil</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Redgannethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17453869909278728690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7465222688340467790.post-83694108240270484152014-10-03T22:07:00.001+01:002014-10-03T22:07:25.118+01:00Montreal Snake<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This photo is posted in an attempt to identify a snake from Angrignon Park in Montreal.<br />
If anyone has any ideas, please leave a comment.<br />
Thank you.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A_WX880x5fg/VC8P9VVqPjI/AAAAAAAALSY/OuXQAZBzmWw/s1600/20141003_313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A_WX880x5fg/VC8P9VVqPjI/AAAAAAAALSY/OuXQAZBzmWw/s1600/20141003_313.JPG" height="215" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The snake around 2 feet, but certainly less than 3 feet long. The pattern on the flank is consistent in a few other photographs (all shots were equally poor. Sorry to make your job tough). It also appeared to have a light underside.<br />
Any suggestions would be welcomed.</div>
Redgannethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17453869909278728690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7465222688340467790.post-54605061631563027962014-09-18T22:52:00.000+01:002014-09-18T22:52:19.452+01:00Mount Auburn, Boston, Sept 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The rodents were keeping their heads
down at <b>Mount Auburn Cemetery</b> today and who could blame them with <b>Red-tailed
Hawks</b> everywhere it would seem. I was on the look-out for warblers, but had no
luck. The hawks however made it an enjoyable morning in Boston.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lE5XpGNYiMs/VBtSb1nvR6I/AAAAAAAALRU/gps67lN9L6I/s1600/BOS%2B10SEP14%2BEastern%2BChipmunk%2B02.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lE5XpGNYiMs/VBtSb1nvR6I/AAAAAAAALRU/gps67lN9L6I/s1600/BOS%2B10SEP14%2BEastern%2BChipmunk%2B02.tif" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The first one was seen by using all
my field craft skill and wandering over to a couple of birders and looking over
their shoulders as they watched the bird in a tree at the southern end of
Auburn Lake.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ayWmKfeSohk/VBtSdCHPbaI/AAAAAAAALR8/aRWNkufUyN8/s1600/BOS%2B10SEP14%2BRed-tailed%2BHawk%2B01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ayWmKfeSohk/VBtSdCHPbaI/AAAAAAAALR8/aRWNkufUyN8/s1600/BOS%2B10SEP14%2BRed-tailed%2BHawk%2B01.tif" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The others told me that 3 birds had
fledged from the resident couple. And shortly afterwards, two more birds, an
adult and a juvenile crossed the lake and the first bird followed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YJz-jQ1Rnow/VBtSslTEFtI/AAAAAAAALSI/Pqf6AOIUMck/s1600/BOS%2B10SEP14%2BRed-tailed%2BHawk%2B06.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YJz-jQ1Rnow/VBtSslTEFtI/AAAAAAAALSI/Pqf6AOIUMck/s1600/BOS%2B10SEP14%2BRed-tailed%2BHawk%2B06.tif" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The birds were seen frequently during
the day, with at least 10 sightings. I assume that I was seeing the same birds
over and over and only recorded 4 that I could recognise individually.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gqug_8CG3OA/VBtSdcef0mI/AAAAAAAALRc/9OV1aRG-ZWs/s1600/BOS%2B10SEP14%2BRed-tailed%2BHawk%2B04.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gqug_8CG3OA/VBtSdcef0mI/AAAAAAAALRc/9OV1aRG-ZWs/s1600/BOS%2B10SEP14%2BRed-tailed%2BHawk%2B04.tif" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Chipmunks called piercingly
throughout the day and I am guessing that the hawks were hungry. One bird gave
me an appraising look before deciding that the squirrels on the lawn behind me
would make a more manageable meal. It launched a strike, but the squirrels were
too alert and were back in cover before the hawk even reached the lawn.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GF2_qMbsjCs/VBtSdx8K4oI/AAAAAAAALRk/qs3M3WMSkfI/s1600/BOS%2B10SEP14%2BRed-tailed%2BHawk%2B05.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GF2_qMbsjCs/VBtSdx8K4oI/AAAAAAAALRk/qs3M3WMSkfI/s1600/BOS%2B10SEP14%2BRed-tailed%2BHawk%2B05.tif" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The hawks provided some excitement on
an otherwise quiet day in the cemetery which only brought 20 birds and no
warblers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Re416cTk-hI/VBtSb1pH0sI/AAAAAAAALRQ/N-6jrKttb6E/s1600/BOS%2B10SEP14%2BMount%2BAuburn%2B03.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Re416cTk-hI/VBtSb1pH0sI/AAAAAAAALRQ/N-6jrKttb6E/s1600/BOS%2B10SEP14%2BMount%2BAuburn%2B03.tif" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4666652679443px;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Bird List for Mount Auburn;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
Mallard
(Anas platyrhynchos) 4, Cooper's
Hawk (Accipiter cooperii) 1, Red-tailed
Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) 4, Mourning
Dove (Zenaida macroura) 6, Chimney
Swift (Chaetura pelagica) 2, Ruby-throated
Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) 1, Belted
Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon)<span class="apple-tab-span"> </span>1, Downy
Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) 1, Northern
Flicker (Colaptes auratus) 3, Warbling
Vireo (Vireo gilvus) 2, Red-eyed
Vireo (Vireo olivaceus) 1, Blue
Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)<span class="apple-tab-span"> </span>20, Black-capped
Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 6, Tufted
Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor)<span class="apple-tab-span"> </span>1, White-breasted
Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)<span class="apple-tab-span"> </span>3, American
Robin (Turdus migratorius)<span class="apple-tab-span"> </span>60, European
Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) 20, Chipping
Sparrow (Spizella passerina)<span class="apple-tab-span"> </span>15, Northern
Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) 5, Common
Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula)<span class="apple-tab-span"> </span>1.</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3NS686ICSiQ/VBtSeUWWRWI/AAAAAAAALRo/u32E8_fu0e4/s1600/BOS%2B10SEP14%2BWhite-breasted%2BNuthatch%2B01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3NS686ICSiQ/VBtSeUWWRWI/AAAAAAAALRo/u32E8_fu0e4/s1600/BOS%2B10SEP14%2BWhite-breasted%2BNuthatch%2B01.tif" /></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<b>Harvard Square
Station</b> is on the <b>Red Line</b> of
the subway, heading out of Boston towards Alewife. Bus nos. 71 and 73 leave
from the station and take less than 10 minutes to reach the cemetery. There is
a stop close to the cemetery gates and between them there should be a bus twice
every 15 minutes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8YHLN0EwVS0/VBtSb9Er4GI/AAAAAAAALRY/IvH991qoOE0/s1600/BOS%2B10SEP14%2BMount%2BAuburn%2B01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8YHLN0EwVS0/VBtSb9Er4GI/AAAAAAAALRY/IvH991qoOE0/s1600/BOS%2B10SEP14%2BMount%2BAuburn%2B01.tif" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
For previous
posts from Mount Auburn, see the links below;<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2010/10/operation-autumn-colour.html">http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2010/10/operation-autumn-colour.html</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2011/05/mount-auburn-cemetery-boston-april-2011.html">http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2011/05/mount-auburn-cemetery-boston-april-2011.html</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2011/06/mount-auburn-cemetery-boston-june-2011.html">http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2011/06/mount-auburn-cemetery-boston-june-2011.html</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<a href="http://www.redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/mount-auburn-cemetery-boston-oct-2013.html">http://www.redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/mount-auburn-cemetery-boston-oct-2013.html</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
Visit
the <a href="http://www.redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/p/usa-and-canada.html">dedicated
USA and Canada page</a> for more posts from Boston including; <a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2011/05/back-bay-fens-in-boston-april-2011.html">Back
Bay Fens</a>, <a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/pleasure-bay-boston-dec-2012.html">Pleasure
Beach</a> and <a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2011/06/whale-watching-boston-june-2011.html">Whale
watchingfrom the New England Aquarium</a>.<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
</div>
</div>
Redgannethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17453869909278728690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7465222688340467790.post-63367311747502411252014-09-13T22:46:00.000+01:002014-09-18T18:20:09.937+01:00Montlake Fill, Seattle, August 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Even familiar sites can hide little
treasures and today I was treated to a <b>Barred
Owl</b> on a boardwalk in a small area of swampy woodland to the west of <b>Montlake Fill</b>. Google Earth prefers the
prettier name of <b>Union Bay Natural Area</b>
(cut and paste the coordinates to fly there; 47 39 20.91N 122 17 33.09W), but
there is no getting away from the reserve’s grubby beginnings as a rubbish
dump. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VCKkRXCreMM/VBS5GoYmoLI/AAAAAAAALQQ/icRCSRga2u8/s1600/SEA%2B25Aug14%2BHusky%2BStadium%2B01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VCKkRXCreMM/VBS5GoYmoLI/AAAAAAAALQQ/icRCSRga2u8/s1600/SEA%2B25Aug14%2BHusky%2BStadium%2B01.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The bus had dropped me at the to the
south of Montlake Cut where I crossed the bridge, and turned right, following
the road around the back of the Huskies’ Stadium. <b>Banded Kingfishers </b>cackled as they flew up and down the cut, <b>Ruby-throated Hummingbirds</b> still showed
off with display flights and a <b>Peregrine
Falcon</b> watched disdainfully from the structure of the stadium.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dNF4SQMbfes/VBS5Hopte8I/AAAAAAAALQo/SOy89KClFfM/s1600/SEA%2B25Aug14%2BPied-billed%2BGrebe%2B01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dNF4SQMbfes/VBS5Hopte8I/AAAAAAAALQo/SOy89KClFfM/s1600/SEA%2B25Aug14%2BPied-billed%2BGrebe%2B01.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Keeping the water of Union Bay to my
right, I continued around the boathouse where a <b>Pied-billed Grebe</b> was catching fish and followed the dirt road to a
small bridge that crosses onto the parking area.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qs4kgnRuwOQ/VBS5GZaeXrI/AAAAAAAALQM/JS5Q41Puaec/s1600/SEA%2B25Aug14%2BCorn%2BFlower%2B01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qs4kgnRuwOQ/VBS5GZaeXrI/AAAAAAAALQM/JS5Q41Puaec/s1600/SEA%2B25Aug14%2BCorn%2BFlower%2B01.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A circular path describes a route
around the reserve taking in scrubby bushes, reedbeds, small shallow ponds and
wildflower verges. <b>American Goldfinches</b>
enjoyed the seedheads of the flowers along the path and I spent a long time
convincing myself about a <b>Yellow Warbler</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I was hoping that the reedbeds might
produce a <b>Marsh Wren</b>, but had to
settle for a <b>House Wren.</b> Little did
I know at the time that the House Wren was by far the more significant bird and
it provoked a questioning email from
eBird.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A Bald Eagle flew low across the
water and pulled up in a tree on the far side.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zL1v9owDiW0/VBS5Ih12_DI/AAAAAAAALQs/pXNrMLm255E/s1600/SEA%2B25Aug14%2BShadow%2BDarner%2B04.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zL1v9owDiW0/VBS5Ih12_DI/AAAAAAAALQs/pXNrMLm255E/s1600/SEA%2B25Aug14%2BShadow%2BDarner%2B04.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The day was warm and dragonflies
patrolled the water’s edge of the small ponds. I believe these ones to be male
and female <b><span style="color: red;">Shadow
Darners</span></b>, Aeshna umbrosa, but am open to suggestions if you know
better.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t-urnn0Oa6U/VBS5IOGUQVI/AAAAAAAALQk/GSoYSaV758g/s1600/SEA%2B25Aug14%2BShadow%2BDarner%2B02.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t-urnn0Oa6U/VBS5IOGUQVI/AAAAAAAALQk/GSoYSaV758g/s1600/SEA%2B25Aug14%2BShadow%2BDarner%2B02.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">At this time a lady birder passed by
and kindly told me of a <b>Barred Owl</b>
that had swooped past her as she walked through <b>Yesler Swamp</b>. I was not familiar with Yesler Swamp, so she generously
showed me the way and helped me to find the owl which was tucked in amongst the
willows.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U-jKvIIywVo/VBS5GdhMVKI/AAAAAAAALQI/SWGKOT6yEAE/s1600/SEA%2B25Aug14%2BBarred%2BOwl%2B01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U-jKvIIywVo/VBS5GdhMVKI/AAAAAAAALQI/SWGKOT6yEAE/s1600/SEA%2B25Aug14%2BBarred%2BOwl%2B01.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A raised walkway passes through the
swampy woodland and ends at a small platform overlooking a small bay which
apparently holds masses of wildfowl during the winter. <b>Ospreys</b> passed over and one stopped on a large dead tree.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sg_A4HWpgyU/VBS5Ha9VGoI/AAAAAAAALQg/rK4UPjRb8Wc/s1600/SEA%2B25Aug14%2BOsprey%2B01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sg_A4HWpgyU/VBS5Ha9VGoI/AAAAAAAALQg/rK4UPjRb8Wc/s1600/SEA%2B25Aug14%2BOsprey%2B01.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Another path, the East Trail will
eventually be linked by the boardwalk, but for today, I employed the more
traditional ground-level. <b>Western
Tanager</b>, <b>Steller’s Jay</b> and <b>Banded Pigeon </b>all added to the list
from Yesler’s Swamp, the entrance to which can be seen at Google Earth ref; 47
39 28.73N 122 17 17.77W.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Bird list for Montlake Fill<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Canada Goose 40, Wood Duck 2, Mallard
35, Pied-billed Grebe 10, Double-crested Cormorant 4, Great Blue Heron 6,
Osprey 2, Bald Eagle 1, Peregrine Falcon 1, American Coot 6, Spotted Sandpiper
2, Band-tailed Pigeon 2, Barred Owl 1, Anna’s Hummingbird 14, Belted Kingfisher
2, Northern Flicker 1, American Crow 10, Steller’s Jay 1, Violet-green Swallow
1, Barn Swallow 25, Black-capped Chickadee 20, Bushtit 30, Bewick’s Wren 3,
House Wren 1, American Robin 1, European Starling 20, Cedar Waxwing 2, Yellow
Warbler 1, Spotted Towhee 1, Savannah Sparrow 1, Song Sparrow 8, White-crowned
Sparrow 4, Dark-eyed Junco 1, Western Tanager 1, Red-winged Blackbird 5.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0I4_Gnmvb0E/VBS5I6uIqfI/AAAAAAAALQ0/HgiMsYdi930/s1600/SEA%2B25Aug14%2BUnion%2BBay%2BLily%2BCove%2B01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0I4_Gnmvb0E/VBS5I6uIqfI/AAAAAAAALQ0/HgiMsYdi930/s1600/SEA%2B25Aug14%2BUnion%2BBay%2BLily%2BCove%2B01.tif" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Bus number 255 is an express service
taking just 11 minutes from downtown Seattle at Westlake Transit Mall. The stop
for Huskies’ Stadium is on the central reservation of a freeway, so ask the
driver to call the stop. Express buses 311 and 545 pass the same stop.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The freeway was closed on my return
and no traffic was getting through, so I had to catch bus from the bridge
(Google Earth ref; 47 38 38.42n 122 18 15.41W) which takes the more sedate
route along 24<sup>rd</sup> Ave.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Previous posts from Montlake Fill can
be seen at the links below;<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2009/12/montlake-fill-seattle.html">http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2009/12/montlake-fill-seattle.html</a></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2009/07/last-night-i-took-quick-run-down-to.html">http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2009/07/last-night-i-took-quick-run-down-to.html</a></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Please visit the </span><a href="http://www.redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/p/usa-and-canada.html" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">dedicated USA andCanada Page</a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> for more posts from Seattle, including; </span><a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2010/12/discovery-park-seattle.html" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Discovery Park</a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> and
</span><a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2010/10/seattle-ferry-to-bremerton.html" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Bremerton Ferry</a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Birding, Birdwatching, Seattle.</span></div>
</div>
Redgannethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17453869909278728690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7465222688340467790.post-82584427133858953702014-08-29T00:48:00.002+01:002014-08-29T00:48:33.995+01:00Discovery Park, Seattle, August 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My beautiful colleague, Jennifer, joined
me for a late afternoon walk around <b>Discovery
Park</b> to the northwest of<b> Seattle</b> and experienced one of the slowest starts to a bird walk,
ever. No birds were seen on the journey, which started me worrying and we were
still birdless 20 minutes after stepping from the bus in the park. The park can boast one of the highest species count in the area as it has mature woodland, meadows, scrub and the beach on Puget Sound, but they seemed reluctant to be spotted today..<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3_kAfiJQUCs/U_-9NdgtDbI/AAAAAAAALNk/QFk_frs5gBg/s1600/SEA%2BAug14%2BDiscovery%2BPark%2B01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3_kAfiJQUCs/U_-9NdgtDbI/AAAAAAAALNk/QFk_frs5gBg/s1600/SEA%2BAug14%2BDiscovery%2BPark%2B01.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We had taken the path that cuts into
the deep, dark woods close to the bus stop at Google Earth ref; 47 39 52.30N 122 24 39.68W, hoping to find
a Barred Owl for which the park is well known. Eventually a muted “dee, dee, dee”
drew our attention to a <b>Black-capped
Chickadee</b> and a small feeding flock of <b>Chestnut-backed
Chickadees </b>and <b>Brown Creepers</b> with a
few <b>Cedar Waxwings</b> a little higher
up.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AhX6y8ityzQ/U_-9NbNeu_I/AAAAAAAALMs/n4ttHIZjnJw/s1600/SEA%2BAug14%2BChestnut-backed%2BChickadee%2B01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AhX6y8ityzQ/U_-9NbNeu_I/AAAAAAAALMs/n4ttHIZjnJw/s1600/SEA%2BAug14%2BChestnut-backed%2BChickadee%2B01.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In a small meadow at the top of the
steps that lead down to the shoreline, another small mixed flock of chickadees
teased me as I tried to get a photograph. A <b>Red-breasted Nuthatch</b> made up the bark-creeping element of this
party.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ftKqfsy6jmo/U_-9OyO5TrI/AAAAAAAALM8/4nYvOIEXea4/s1600/SEA%2BAug14%2BHutton's%2BVireo%2B01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ftKqfsy6jmo/U_-9OyO5TrI/AAAAAAAALM8/4nYvOIEXea4/s1600/SEA%2BAug14%2BHutton's%2BVireo%2B01.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We followed the steps down to the
path that runs along the shore where a few more small flocks of chickadees
included a <b>Hutton’s Vireo</b> in their
number.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ayAAfJNx0m4/U_-9QdFp1-I/AAAAAAAALNM/T9qGScZKFX0/s1600/SEA%2BAug14%2BWhite-crowned%2BSparrow%2B02.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ayAAfJNx0m4/U_-9QdFp1-I/AAAAAAAALNM/T9qGScZKFX0/s1600/SEA%2BAug14%2BWhite-crowned%2BSparrow%2B02.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The waters of the bay were
exceptionally quiet as well today with very little seen until we rounded the
corner at the lighthouse on the point. <b>White-crowned
Sparrows</b> fed, one drupelet at a time, from the wild blackberries that grow
abundantly here.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0TpTSsXK5qQ/U_-9Q9JmcmI/AAAAAAAALNU/g3NjvJ_Wopk/s1600/SEA%2BAug14%2BWhite-crowned%2BSparrow%2B03.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0TpTSsXK5qQ/U_-9Q9JmcmI/AAAAAAAALNU/g3NjvJ_Wopk/s1600/SEA%2BAug14%2BWhite-crowned%2BSparrow%2B03.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A <b>Caspian Tern</b> passed us a couple of times and a <b>Boneparte’s Gull</b> tried to hide amongst a flock of <b>Mew Gulls</b> right on the edge of the bay.
A couple of <b>Common Mergansers</b> took
flight before we could get a good look.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cyyCCud6o0o/U_-9NZm_raI/AAAAAAAALMw/AgZ6IHsGRFc/s1600/SEA%2BAug14%2BCommon%2BMerganser%2B02.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cyyCCud6o0o/U_-9NZm_raI/AAAAAAAALMw/AgZ6IHsGRFc/s1600/SEA%2BAug14%2BCommon%2BMerganser%2B02.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I was especially surprised to see so
few <b>American Robins</b> which didn’t
show until the evening was drawing in and the light was fading. <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It wasn’t quite as dark as the sunset
shot might suggest. This picture was slightly underexposed and shot with a
cloudy white balance to warm it up a bit.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ipv3SPUyx7I/U_-9OkC-SJI/AAAAAAAALM4/MpHbR7jCo18/s1600/SEA%2BAug14%2BDiscovery%2BPark%2B02.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ipv3SPUyx7I/U_-9OkC-SJI/AAAAAAAALM4/MpHbR7jCo18/s1600/SEA%2BAug14%2BDiscovery%2BPark%2B02.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Bird list for Discovery Park; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Mallard 1, Common Merganser 2, Osprey
1, Bald Eagle 1, Boneparte’s Gull 1, Mew Gull 20, Glaucous-winged Gull 8,
Caspian Tern 3, Northern Flicker 1, Western Wood-peewee 1, American Crow 30,
Black-capped Chickadee 8, Chestnut-backed Chickadee 15, Bushtit 8, Red-breasted
Nuthatch 2, Brown Creeper 4, Bewick’s Wren 2, Hutton’s Vireo 1, American Robin
5, Cedar Waxwing 6, Song Sparrow 4, White-crowned Sparrow 5.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ff-Ph-v5rlY/U_-9PvBg5sI/AAAAAAAALNI/DQerxrgi0Fg/s1600/SEA%2BAug14%2BTownsend's%2BChipmunk%2B01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ff-Ph-v5rlY/U_-9PvBg5sI/AAAAAAAALNI/DQerxrgi0Fg/s1600/SEA%2BAug14%2BTownsend's%2BChipmunk%2B01.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Bus number 43 runs from 3<sup>rd</sup>
Ave and Union in downtown Seattle. The fare costs $2.25 and the <a href="http://metro.kingcounty.gov/schedules/033/map.html">timetable/map can be seen here</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">For previous visits to Discovery
Park, see the links below;<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2010/12/discovery-park-seattle.html">http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2010/12/discovery-park-seattle.html</a></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/discovery-park-seattle-sea-january-2012.html">http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/discovery-park-seattle-sea-january-2012.html</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/discovery-park-seattle-april-2013.html">http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/discovery-park-seattle-april-2013.html</a></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Visit the </span><a href="http://www.redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/p/usa-and-canada.html" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">dedicated USA and Canadapage</a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> for more posts from Seattle, including; </span><a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2009/12/montlake-fill-seattle.html" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Montlake Fill</a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> and </span><a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2010/10/seattle-ferry-to-bremerton.html" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Bremerton Ferry</a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Birdwatching, Birding, Seattle, WA.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br /></div>
Redgannethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17453869909278728690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7465222688340467790.post-59167086697798668602014-08-19T23:29:00.000+01:002014-08-19T23:31:25.775+01:00University of Ghana Botanic Gardens, Accra, August 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I reached the <b>University of Ghana’s Botanical Garden</b> in <b>Accra</b> after taking more than an hour to travel about 8 miles. There
are better ways to do it, so check the logistics section at the bottom of the
post.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It was quickly obvious that this was
not the manicured version of botanical garden that I had pictured in my head. A
row of Royal Palms may once have graced a grand walkway, but it was now overgrown
and under-maintained. The road leading from the gate was rutted and a narrow
strip of grass had been roughly mown to either side. The slightly unkempt look of the area encouraged me to think that it would be more productive for birds.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The loud throaty call of the <b>Red-eyed Doves</b> could be heard over the
softer chuckling of <b>Laughing Doves</b>
and a <b>Rose-ringed Parakeet</b> screeched
over as we (I was joined by my taxi driver, Samuel) entered.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hQJGyUdGlEw/U_PNOM-Z7HI/AAAAAAAALJw/Rx03EE7VhdE/s1600/ACC%2B17Aug14%2BSenegal%2BCoucal%2B01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hQJGyUdGlEw/U_PNOM-Z7HI/AAAAAAAALJw/Rx03EE7VhdE/s1600/ACC%2B17Aug14%2BSenegal%2BCoucal%2B01.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A <b>Senegal Coucal</b> rose from the grass and watched from a tree as we
tried to track down a coarse, three-syllabled chirp which proved to be from a <b>Yellow-billed Shrike</b>.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jAFaVaJB5wI/U_PNQj4kMJI/AAAAAAAALKU/qkS28OUA-LY/s1600/ACC%2B17Aug14%2BYellow-billed%2BShrike%2B01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jAFaVaJB5wI/U_PNQj4kMJI/AAAAAAAALKU/qkS28OUA-LY/s1600/ACC%2B17Aug14%2BYellow-billed%2BShrike%2B01.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There are no signs in the gardens and
I was not sure where we had started from, so we just felt our way round. Google
Earth shows a roundabout in the middle of the gardens, but it was not as
obvious in real life. The Royal Palms walk is to the right (east) and now we
headed west. We chose the right fork when we encountered a junction. A hot spot
stopped us for a short while with <b>Green-headed
Sunbird</b>, <b>Double-toothed Barbet</b> and
<b>Black-billed Wood-Dove</b> coming in
quick succession and a greenbul sp escaped identification.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-128FTNJDKNE/U_PNNFKPC6I/AAAAAAAALJo/grPlckvB0Ok/s1600/ACC%2B17Aug14%2BBlack-billed%2BWood-Dove%2B01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-128FTNJDKNE/U_PNNFKPC6I/AAAAAAAALJo/grPlckvB0Ok/s1600/ACC%2B17Aug14%2BBlack-billed%2BWood-Dove%2B01.tif" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>Does anyone else see Audrey Hepburn?</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">After a short while we came upon a
fence which enclosed a number of water reservoirs. They had the look of sewage
settling tanks, but there was none of the other accoutrements or sensory offences associated with
water treatment. We followed the fence around until we found an open gate.
Samuel seemed fairly sure that we were allowed in, so we took a look.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oF-OHu-Oeng/U_PNPazWJ9I/AAAAAAAALKE/4CYSinkwkKA/s1600/ACC%2B17Aug14%2BUof%2BG%2BBotanic%2BGardens%2B02.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oF-OHu-Oeng/U_PNPazWJ9I/AAAAAAAALKE/4CYSinkwkKA/s1600/ACC%2B17Aug14%2BUof%2BG%2BBotanic%2BGardens%2B02.tif" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Common Sandpipers</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> and <b>Wood Sandpipers</b> roosted
on piers that jutted out into the largest reservoirs on the second tier. A view
from above at Google Earth ref; 5 39 46.85N 0 11 35.29W shows 12 reservoirs
with the third one down on the left (west) having a slightly lower level. This
held true today and provided the most productive spot of the day.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ThqxAZ7NKrc/U_PNOrX05iI/AAAAAAAALJ0/kae2rjpFu8A/s1600/ACC%2B17Aug14%2BSenegal%2BThick-knee%2B01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ThqxAZ7NKrc/U_PNOrX05iI/AAAAAAAALJ0/kae2rjpFu8A/s1600/ACC%2B17Aug14%2BSenegal%2BThick-knee%2B01.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Spur-winged Plovers</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> and <b>Senegal Thick-knees</b>
roosted on the paths but unfortunately they flushed before we saw them. At the
edges were <b>White-faced Whistling-Duck</b>,
<b>Cattle Egret</b> and a <b>Black Heron</b>. A <b>Little
Grebe</b> was caring for its brood of three chicks on the middle pond. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S9oBdE2i_gI/U_PNPEFE2sI/AAAAAAAALKA/kjM-X8axLa0/s1600/ACC%2B17Aug14%2BUof%2BG%2BBotanic%2BGardens%2B01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S9oBdE2i_gI/U_PNPEFE2sI/AAAAAAAALKA/kjM-X8axLa0/s1600/ACC%2B17Aug14%2BUof%2BG%2BBotanic%2BGardens%2B01.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We returned via the experimental
fields where the botany department of the university tests new strains of corn,
and turned left along an avenue of what I took to be mango trees, but Samuel
did not recognise the fruit. We returned to the roundabout and took the north
exit which led us to a small pond that I had seen on Google Earth at ref; 5 39
56.84N 0 11 16.68W and had hoped to make the main focus of my walk.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mjEo52ZNXp4/U_PNNFwY-8I/AAAAAAAALJk/y7RVtte3RrM/s1600/ACC%2B17Aug14%2BCattle%2BEgret%2B01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mjEo52ZNXp4/U_PNNFwY-8I/AAAAAAAALJk/y7RVtte3RrM/s1600/ACC%2B17Aug14%2BCattle%2BEgret%2B01.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There was a small <b>Cattle Egret</b> colony with young birds
still not keen to fly. <b>Reed Cormorant </b>were
seen fishing and a <b>Malachite Kingfisher</b>
waited patiently on the far bank. This small section of picnic area and lake
are separate from the gardens and are subject to a GC 5 fee. On my next visit,
I will start from here as access may be had at any time and it is easily
accessible for the taxi.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Bird list for Ghana University Botanic Garden;
40<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">White-faced Whistling-Duck 8, Little
Grebe 6, Long-tailed Cormorant 2, Black Heron 1, Cattle Egret 50, Striated
Heron 1, Black Kite 1, Hooded Vulture 6, Shikra 1, Senegal Thick-knee 10,
Spur-winged Plover 3, Common Sandpiper 8, Wood Sandpiper 3, Red-eyed Dove 8,
Laughing Dove 25, Black-billed Wood-Dove 2, Rose-ringed Parakeet 1, Western
Plantain-eater 5, Senegal Coucal 4, Mottled Spinetail 1, Little Swift 2,
African Palm-Swift 2, Malachite Kingfisher 1, Green Woodhoopoe 4, African Grey
Hornbill 5, Double-toothed Barbet 2, Black-crowned Tchagra 1, Yellow-billed
Shrike 15, Piapiac 12, Pied Crow 40, Common Bulbul 25, Zitting Cisticola 1,
Brown Babbler 3, African Thrush 3, Splendid Glossy Starling 12, Purple Glossy
Starling 2, Green-headed Sunbird 3, Northern Grey-headed Sparrow 2,
Black-winged Bishop 8, Bronze Manikin 6. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QUd3hyo8aZk/U_PNQSwalHI/AAAAAAAALKQ/qRqzQ4iGVKk/s1600/ACC%2B17Aug14%2BUof%2BG%2BBotanic%2BGardens%2B03.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QUd3hyo8aZk/U_PNQSwalHI/AAAAAAAALKQ/qRqzQ4iGVKk/s1600/ACC%2B17Aug14%2BUof%2BG%2BBotanic%2BGardens%2B03.tif" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I started the day with no currency
and the exchange desk didn’t open until 10.00am. So I had to visit a nearby
hotel whose forex clerk was an earlier riser. Mind you, this was a Saturday
morning. My first choice of entrance to the University grounds was blocked by a
closed road and the second was manned by a guard who sent us back to the first.
Eventually we entered via Freetown Ave. and stopped at the security post
opposite the stadium. Here we sought permission to visit the gardens and it was
readily given, but Samuel, my taxi driver, was not allowed to stop inside the
university. I had booked him to wait for 2 hours, but he was not allowed to
wait for me. We compromised and parked his taxi at the security point and took
a security vehicle to the gate of the gardens. The security guard expected a
small donation for this service, but he did come and pick us up again
afterwards.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">To avoid this rigmarole next time, it
is possible (and my guess is that it would be much easier) to enter the gardens
through the private entrance on Haatso Atomic Road, 1km west from the junction
with Legon East Rd. This entrance opens onto the pond and picnic area and there
are no barriers to the rest of the gardens. At some point someone will ask for
5 Cedis per person which equals about £1 at the time of writing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PS1CVqqPz4w/U_PNNGa1u3I/AAAAAAAALKk/SHcEIzt9kCg/s1600/ACC%2B17Aug14%2BAfrican%2BGrey%2BHornbill%2B01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PS1CVqqPz4w/U_PNNGa1u3I/AAAAAAAALKk/SHcEIzt9kCg/s1600/ACC%2B17Aug14%2BAfrican%2BGrey%2BHornbill%2B01.tif" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Samuel is a taxi driver hailed from
the street. We negotiated a price of 80 Cedis to get to the gardens and for him
to wait for 2 hours. He was very helpful in talking with the guards and
organising a lift from the security driver. He gave me a number to contact him
if I wanted to visit the gardens again and I am sure he wouldn’t mind me
passing it on; +233 (0) 244 175232<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Malaria exists throughout
Ghana and you are advised to take precautions. Parmaceutical precautions are
not 100% effective, so the best advice is to avoid getting bitten. Use Deet and
cover up.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Visit the <a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/p/africa.html">dedicated Africa Page</a> for
more posts from Accra, including; The <a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/kakum-national-park-canopy-walkway.html">canopy walkway at Kakum National Park</a> and
<a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/winneba-plains-accra-ghana-march-2014.html">Winneba Plains</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Birding, Birdwatching, Accra, Ghana.</div>
</div>
Redgannethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17453869909278728690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7465222688340467790.post-65211529909493157562014-08-12T23:39:00.000+01:002014-08-12T23:39:00.362+01:00Tyson's Corner, IAD, Virginia, August 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There are few things in life that
can’t be fixed with a great look at a snake or an owl or even both. After a
long day yesterday followed by a couple of beers, I was reluctant to rise for
the lark and festered until almost lunchtime. It wasn’t a hangover as such,
just a beery fatigue that seems to hit more often these days. I wasn’t
expecting much from the pockets of woodland around <b>Tyson’s Corner</b> in the middle of the day, so I sauntered about not
paying much attention, but I got a few surprises.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--4C8MshqT80/U-fwBGSBbyI/AAAAAAAALJE/z9RGcT5ecT0/s1600/IAD+06Aug14+Tyson's+Corner+01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--4C8MshqT80/U-fwBGSBbyI/AAAAAAAALJE/z9RGcT5ecT0/s1600/IAD+06Aug14+Tyson's+Corner+01.tif" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">First, unfortunately, building has
begun on the wild ground behind Tyson’s 2 Mall. With the arrival of the Metro
train, land around the station is likely to be in high demand and the woodland
pockets are being squeezed. For the first few minutes, all bird sounds were
drowned out by construction noise from two sides. Even the strident “birdeep”
calls of the <b>Northern Cardinals</b> were
barely audible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I moved on along </span><b style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Westbranch Drive</b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> and ducked back into the woods at Google Earth
ref; 38 55 34.20N 77 13 21.95W, where the path leads down to a small pond. A </span><b style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Great Crested Flycatcher</b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> caught my eye
from high up and at last I could hear a </span><b style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Carolina
Chickadee</b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> with its fast call.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pq0gvVeN2os/U-fv_X8Q3wI/AAAAAAAALIo/nitWsgMZQC4/s1600/IAD+05Aug14+Spotted+Sandpiper+01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pq0gvVeN2os/U-fv_X8Q3wI/AAAAAAAALIo/nitWsgMZQC4/s1600/IAD+05Aug14+Spotted+Sandpiper+01.tif" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The outbound journey was so
uneventful that I could hardly be bothered to look on the return leg, but a <b>Spotted Sandpiper</b>, teetering on a log
before flying onto the shallow edge of the pond, had me reaching for my camera.
This would be a state first and I wanted a photo just for the record.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As I was putting the camera back into
my backpack, I spotted a long black shape in the shade beneath a tree. “<i>Be a snake, be a snake</i>”, I am sure you
all know the mantra.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zV3Ay-XQfUk/U-fwA7piB1I/AAAAAAAALJI/khktwW8-X9g/s1600/IAD+06Aug14+Rat+Snake+11.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zV3Ay-XQfUk/U-fwA7piB1I/AAAAAAAALJI/khktwW8-X9g/s1600/IAD+06Aug14+Rat+Snake+11.tif" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sure enough, this turned out to be a <b>Rat Snake</b>. It wasn’t a very big
specimen of a species that can grow to over 8 feet, but it was slow and
photogenic. I am sad to say that it was probably heading for a warm spot in the
sun when I noticed it and it had already spotted me as it turned slowly and
sluggishly crept back into its tree.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_U-729K8Q5Q/U-fwAqCBm3I/AAAAAAAALI4/TAHL2SwBykY/s1600/IAD+06Aug14+Rat+Snake+09.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_U-729K8Q5Q/U-fwAqCBm3I/AAAAAAAALI4/TAHL2SwBykY/s1600/IAD+06Aug14+Rat+Snake+09.tif" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I was pleased that I hadn’t taken the
short cut home now and I was rewarded again on investigating a commotion a
little further round. I had nearly doubled back on myself and wondered if the
birds were alert to the snake, but they were calling from on high and about 30
meters from the snake’s tree. It had to be worth a look in the event that there
might be an owl. I scanned the trees where the fuss appeared to be coming from,
but couldn’t see anything. I put down my backpack and moved further in. I
glanced to my left to check my footing on the slope and saw a <b>Barred Owl</b> looking back at me. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lm6I-5hB5Y8/U-fv_cIOiuI/AAAAAAAALIs/2RrLgvDY94g/s1600/IAD+06Aug14+Barred+Owl+03.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lm6I-5hB5Y8/U-fv_cIOiuI/AAAAAAAALIs/2RrLgvDY94g/s1600/IAD+06Aug14+Barred+Owl+03.tif" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The owl
was half way up a tree that was half way down the slope which put us on eye-level
with each other. After a few moments, I regained my composure (please note that
at no time during the proceedings did the owl’s poise desert it) and moved
slowly back to my camera. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OCV-2bK_Umo/U-fv_VDZyRI/AAAAAAAALIk/rQjcuW6egrI/s1600/IAD+06Aug14+Barred+Owl+15.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OCV-2bK_Umo/U-fv_VDZyRI/AAAAAAAALIk/rQjcuW6egrI/s1600/IAD+06Aug14+Barred+Owl+15.tif" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We were unfortunately in deep shade and there was a
bit of camera movement on most of the pictures, but by fashioning a rest out of
my camera bag and a tree stump, I managed to get a few usable shots before
retreating.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q9jbcrT8sPI/U-fwAcYCzHI/AAAAAAAALI0/7ztB9IoTPTA/s1600/IAD+06Aug14+Barred+Owl+17.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q9jbcrT8sPI/U-fwAcYCzHI/AAAAAAAALI0/7ztB9IoTPTA/s1600/IAD+06Aug14+Barred+Owl+17.tif" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I can't ever remember getting a better look at an owl. I was fortunate to be so close to the bird without it flushing before I spotted it and lucky again that it tolerated my movement as I backed away.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Bird list for Tyson’s Corner; 20</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Mallard 3, Red-tailed Hawk 1, Spotted
Sandpiper 1, Mourning Dove 3, Barred Owl 1, Northern Flicker 2, Great-crested
Flycatcher 1, American Crow 4, Carolina Chickadee 1, Tufted Titmouse 1,
Blue-grey Gnatcatcher 1, American Robin 15, Grey Catbird 10, Northern
Mockingbird 2, European Starling 1, Song Sparrow 3, Northern Cardinal 5, Common
Grackle 1, Brown-headed Cowbird 1, House Sparrow 8.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There are more posts from Tyson's Corner at the links below;</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2011/03/tysons-corner-virginia-iad.html">http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2011/03/tysons-corner-virginia-iad.html</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/tysons-corner-virginia-february-2012.html">http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/tysons-corner-virginia-february-2012.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/raglans-wood-tysons-corner.html">http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/raglans-wood-tysons-corner.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Visit the <a href="http://www.redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/p/usa-and-canada.html">dedicated USA and Canadapage</a> for more posts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Birding, Birdwatching, Tyson’s
Corner, Virginia.</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Redgannethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17453869909278728690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7465222688340467790.post-17920242316081762782014-08-11T00:14:00.000+01:002014-08-11T00:14:00.132+01:00Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, IAD, August 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A ribbon of mist followed the
serpentine course of the Shenandoah River in the valley below the ridge of
mountains that make up the <b>Shenandoah
National Park</b>. It was a beautiful start to the day. The sun had risen to
the east, but was still low enough to cast the shadow of the mountains across
the valley. The many pull-outs allow motorists to stop and enjoy the tremendous
views as farmland rolls away to the west and hills disappear into the distance
on the other side.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w7Sqe4Xqcr0/U-alqaVgqtI/AAAAAAAALHI/k9LpNGCiIk8/s1600/IAD+05Aug14+Shenandoah+NP+03.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w7Sqe4Xqcr0/U-alqaVgqtI/AAAAAAAALHI/k9LpNGCiIk8/s1600/IAD+05Aug14+Shenandoah+NP+03.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My main focus for this drive was to
find <b>Black Bears</b>. I had started
early from Tyson’s Corner and arrived at the park gate just before six (this
was the northern gate at Front Royal, Google Earth ref; 38 54 10.800N 78 11
33.20W ). </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uBCBu4atwyA/U-altb73eqI/AAAAAAAALH4/kQ-jkV0mnVA/s1600/IAD+05Aug14+White-tailed+Deer+03.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uBCBu4atwyA/U-altb73eqI/AAAAAAAALH4/kQ-jkV0mnVA/s1600/IAD+05Aug14+White-tailed+Deer+03.tif" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>White-tailed Deer</b> are
common around the entrance and were seen for much of the morning close to the
road. I stopped at Dickey Ridge Visitor Center to take a look around the area
and found <b>Eastern Towhee</b>, <b>American Goldfinch</b> and <b>Chipping Sparrow</b>.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--tQx47uqLIg/U-aloy4-CgI/AAAAAAAALG4/dFJOJsT_QkA/s1600/IAD+05Aug14+Dark-eyed+Junco+01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--tQx47uqLIg/U-aloy4-CgI/AAAAAAAALG4/dFJOJsT_QkA/s1600/IAD+05Aug14+Dark-eyed+Junco+01.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The pull-outs gave good opportunity
to find birds and brought <b>Dark-eyed Junco</b>, <b>Cedar Waxwing</b>,<b> Ruby-throated Hummingbird </b>and <b>Red-headed Vireo</b>. But mainly, I stopped
hoping that a bear might be feeding in a meadow cut into the hillside below the
pull-out.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ATMs2nYpUuk/U-alpVb8-iI/AAAAAAAALG8/aRGdJHaZwH0/s1600/IAD+05Aug14+Eastern+Wood-Peewee+01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ATMs2nYpUuk/U-alpVb8-iI/AAAAAAAALG8/aRGdJHaZwH0/s1600/IAD+05Aug14+Eastern+Wood-Peewee+01.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The sound track for the day was
provided by the <b>Eastern Towhees</b> and <b>Eastern Wood-Peewees.</b> There seemed to
be one or both singing every time I stopped.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NZBvUBlvIIs/U-alq569_EI/AAAAAAAALHc/V25crwnEIuU/s1600/IAD+05Aug14+Shenandoah+NP+05.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NZBvUBlvIIs/U-alq569_EI/AAAAAAAALHc/V25crwnEIuU/s1600/IAD+05Aug14+Shenandoah+NP+05.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">An <b>Indigo Bunting</b> stopped me with a flash of blue and I pulled in to a
trailhead parking lot. A <b>Hooded Warbler</b>
popped up and gave me my first look at a fully hooded bird. Short walks onto
the Appalachian Trail brought <b>Blackpoll
Warbler</b>, <b>American Redstart</b> and <b>Worm-eating Warbler.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My plan was to stop at <b>Elk Wallow</b> and count up my tally of
bears over a breakfast burrito, but Elk Wallow came and went with no sightings
yet (and the breakfast burrito did nothing to enhance my bear-spotting
capabilities).<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sJi6bjtH2rA/U-alnpwtkZI/AAAAAAAALGk/IdJXh8qcPmw/s1600/IAD+05Aug14+American+Robin+01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sJi6bjtH2rA/U-alnpwtkZI/AAAAAAAALGk/IdJXh8qcPmw/s1600/IAD+05Aug14+American+Robin+01.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I stopped in at the next picnic spot (Pinnacles) and took a walk down the trail for a short way and found myself in a bird
storm. This was a feeding party that had picked up a full head of steam and was
ploughing through the forest. <b>Downy
Woodpecker</b>, <b>Hairy Woodpecker</b>, <b>Red-bellied Nuthatch</b>, <b>White-bellied Nuthatch</b> and <b>Black-and-white Warbler</b> made up the
bark pickers, while <b>American Redstart</b>,
<b>Red-eyed Vireo</b> and <b>Carolina Chickadee</b> flicked about in the
leaves.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dbKiwNHWkK8/U-alohEi_xI/AAAAAAAALGw/tLwsuWSre1Q/s1600/IAD+05Aug14+Black-and-white+Warbler+01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dbKiwNHWkK8/U-alohEi_xI/AAAAAAAALGw/tLwsuWSre1Q/s1600/IAD+05Aug14+Black-and-white+Warbler+01.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Blue-headed Vireo </b>kept low
in the undergrowth with <b>Northern
Cardinal</b> while <b>Scarlet Tanager</b>
and <b>Tufted Titmouse</b> held the high
points. All the time, <b>American Robin</b>
and <b>Grey Catbird</b> kept a-squeaking and a-mewing. It was hard to keep
up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">At last, as I approached Skyland, I
found my first bear. Even for one who was beginning to wonder if he would find
a bear today, it was an unsatisfactory sighting. A small cub looking frightened
had been separated from its mother and dashed anxiously through the roadside
bushes and disappeared. I am sure his mother must have been close by and that
they were reunited shortly afterwards, but it was not the wild experience that
I had hoped for.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Du_OAMhmUyY/U-alntrxqhI/AAAAAAAALIA/eJ76Me-X6tE/s1600/IAD+05Aug14+Black+Bear+01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Du_OAMhmUyY/U-alntrxqhI/AAAAAAAALIA/eJ76Me-X6tE/s1600/IAD+05Aug14+Black+Bear+01.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The bear in Big Meadow was far more
interesting. It was a long way off across a very large meadow, but as a result,
it was completely unconcerned and fed happily, head down. A family was walking
in the meadow and didn’t appear to have seen the bear. Watching from a distance
of over quarter of a mile, I was able to see the bear’s reaction as the family
came closer. It was aware of their approach and looked up occasionally, but
seemed unmoved until they came within about 70-80m. At this point the bear
began to move away from them, continuing to feed as it went, but looking up more
regularly to check that its flight distance was being maintained. The family
took a left turn and moved away from the bear which settled down again to feeding
in earnest.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6ryyyYy-yI4/U-alngLAfvI/AAAAAAAALGo/ggkhhz7-n94/s1600/IAD+05Aug14+Black+Bear+02.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6ryyyYy-yI4/U-alngLAfvI/AAAAAAAALGo/ggkhhz7-n94/s1600/IAD+05Aug14+Black+Bear+02.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This experience allowed me to judge
what the bear would tolerate and I walked out onto the meadow to get a bit
closer. At about 100m or so, the bear looked up to check on my progress and I
decided that I was close enough to allow him to continue feeding without disturbing
him.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GHRBdr1Pod4/U-alrFEyA7I/AAAAAAAALHY/HUVllZ3BKyM/s1600/IAD+05Aug14+Shenandoah+butterfly+02.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GHRBdr1Pod4/U-alrFEyA7I/AAAAAAAALHY/HUVllZ3BKyM/s1600/IAD+05Aug14+Shenandoah+butterfly+02.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It was now well into the afternoon
and I decided to start for home. I had about 60 miles to cover along Skyline
Drive to get back to the gate and I wanted to do it while there was still some
light in the sky.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The verges that run along the
roadsides were all filled with an array of wild flowers and these attracted the
butterflies. I couldn’t resist a few moments spent on my backside watching
them.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5u4_ipO7UlA/U-alsLiOw1I/AAAAAAAALHo/jTSeB_eX2zM/s1600/IAD+05Aug14+Shenandoah+butterfly+05.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5u4_ipO7UlA/U-alsLiOw1I/AAAAAAAALHo/jTSeB_eX2zM/s1600/IAD+05Aug14+Shenandoah+butterfly+05.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A third and then a fourth bear were
seen on the way out, but I had changed my exposure settings for the bright,
well-lit butterflies and forgot to change them for dark bears in the shade.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">An exciting moment came as the sun
dropped below the ridge and a large owl flew across the road in the half light.
I pulled up and checked the roadside trees, but the owl saw me first and flew
again. I saw just enough of it to say that it was a <b>Barred Owl</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JuqL8cvRHwg/U-aluyr9RFI/AAAAAAAALIM/y5gXddL2KX8/s1600/IAD+05Aug14+White-tailed+Deer+06.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JuqL8cvRHwg/U-aluyr9RFI/AAAAAAAALIM/y5gXddL2KX8/s1600/IAD+05Aug14+White-tailed+Deer+06.tif" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Bird list for Shenandoah NP; 37<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Turkey Vulture 2, Mourning Dove 1,
Barred Owl 1, Chimney Swift 6, Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1, Downy Woodpecker 6,
Hairy Woodpecker 1, Pileated Woodpecker 2, Eastern Wood-Peewee 15, Blue-headed
Vireo 1, Red-headed Vireo 10, American Crow 4, Common Raven 2, Tree Swallow 6,
Barn Swallow 20, Carolina Chickadee 2, Tufted Titmouse 2, Red-breasted Nuthatch
1, White-breasted Nuthatch 1, Blue-grey Gnatcatcher 1, American Robin 8, Grey
Catbird 2, European Starling 8, Cedar Waxwing 40, Worm-eating Warbler 12,
Black-and-white Warbler 2, Hooded Warbler 1, American Redstart 3, Blackpoll
Warbler 1, Eastern Towhee 8, Chipping Sparrow 18, Field Sparrow 4, Dark-eyed
Junco 1, Scarlet Tanager 5, Northern Cardinal 5, Indigo Bunting 2, American
Goldfinch 20.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Mammals seen;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Black Bear 4, Chipmunk 8, Gray
Squirrel 10, White-tailed Deer 30.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small; line-height: normal;">Shenandoah NP is a little over an hour from Washington DC. It can be accessed at the north end through Front Royal on Route 66.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small; line-height: normal;">There are plenty of picnic sites, rest rooms and lay-bys. There are a few stops with food available at various points along the 105 mile Skyline Drive that passes through the park.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small; line-height: normal;">Park regulations require that you pull completely off the road if stopped. Maps, details of facilities and charges can be found at the </span><a href="http://www.nps.gov/shen/index.htm" style="font-size: medium; line-height: normal;">National Parks Service website for Shenandoah.</a></span><br />
If the weather has been bad, the park authorities may close the road. Check the website above before you travel.<br />
The road is open as a public route so you may pass at any time provided that the gates are open. A $15 fee applies and is valid for 7 days.<br />
<br />
<b>Please also bring plenty of insect repellent if you visit during the summer months.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">For a previous post from Shenandoah
NP, see the link below;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2011/07/shenandoah-national-park-virginia-iad.html">http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2011/07/shenandoah-national-park-virginia-iad.html</a><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Visit the <a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/p/usa-and-canada.html">dedicated USA and Canadapage</a> for more posts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Birding, Birdwatching, Shenandoah NP,
Virginia.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Redgannethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17453869909278728690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7465222688340467790.post-34827810402468069642014-08-09T23:22:00.000+01:002014-08-09T23:22:00.020+01:00Belle Isle Marsh, Boston, August 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Boston transport system tried to
thwart my attempts to reach <b>Belle Isle
Marsh</b> by digging up my transfer station at Government Center and then
truncating the Blue Line so that trains only reached as far as the airport
transfer station. Shuttle buses took punters the rest of the way to Wonderland,
stopping at the Blue line stations along the way. I am given to understand that
planned work to Government Center will last for 2 years as of March 2014.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X8iJ4ZrJ5ls/U-VM2SXECmI/AAAAAAAALF0/8C9tIBGTedE/s1600/BOS+02Aug14+Belle+Isle+Marsh+02.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X8iJ4ZrJ5ls/U-VM2SXECmI/AAAAAAAALF0/8C9tIBGTedE/s1600/BOS+02Aug14+Belle+Isle+Marsh+02.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Anyway, I eventually reached the
marsh which was very quiet for a Saturday afternoon. A few dog-walkers and a
couple of joggers were the only other visitors for most of my time there. This
morning, the birds had been very quiet at Boston Back Bay Fens and this
continued into the afternoon at Belle Isle Marsh.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v3HlPAm-pmA/U-VM3TRg6qI/AAAAAAAALF4/p8bIdgDQzxI/s1600/BOS+02Aug14+Loosestrife+01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v3HlPAm-pmA/U-VM3TRg6qI/AAAAAAAALF4/p8bIdgDQzxI/s1600/BOS+02Aug14+Loosestrife+01.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The path describes a circle around a
slightly raised mound which was bursting with wildflowers on this early August
weekend and the buzz of insects drowned out any bird noise. The insects in turn
were over-powered by aircraft that passed over as they took off from Boston’s
Logan airport very close by.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZY7MpLpq-8/U-VM2ce78gI/AAAAAAAALFs/Eiswt1jMUKM/s1600/BOS+02Aug14+Belle+Isle+Marsh+01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZY7MpLpq-8/U-VM2ce78gI/AAAAAAAALFs/Eiswt1jMUKM/s1600/BOS+02Aug14+Belle+Isle+Marsh+01.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The tide was high and I hoped that a
few waders might have been pushed up into the marsh. A few patches of water
with muddy edges could be seen from the tower, but the only waders that were in
evidence were spooked by a boat speeding along the distant channel. I would
hazard a guess at <b>Semi-palmated
Sandpiper</b>. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BSNibobvb90/U-VM2VlF-6I/AAAAAAAALFw/RYN88JqHoqQ/s1600/BOS+02Aug14+Cooper's+Hawk+03.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BSNibobvb90/U-VM2VlF-6I/AAAAAAAALFw/RYN88JqHoqQ/s1600/BOS+02Aug14+Cooper's+Hawk+03.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A <b>Merlin</b> flew over with a small bird clutched tightly and an <b>Osprey</b> was seen in the distance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Back in the car park, a <b>Cooper’s Hawk</b> flew into a dead tree and
stopped long enough for a photo.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uyQTd4kk00o/U-VM3tBImmI/AAAAAAAALGQ/_CU7L8metew/s1600/BOS+02Aug14+Warbling+Vireo+02.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uyQTd4kk00o/U-VM3tBImmI/AAAAAAAALGQ/_CU7L8metew/s1600/BOS+02Aug14+Warbling+Vireo+02.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Opposite the Blue Line’s Suffolk
Downs Station is Leverett Ave. At the bottom is a small path that runs back
into the marsh. It cuts through the reeds and a small patch of woodland until
it reaches a platform that overlooks Rosie’s Pond at Google Earth ref; 42 23
18.94N 70 59 35.84W. This proved to be the most productive area of the visit
with <b>Warbling Vireo</b>, <b>Cedar Waxwing</b>, <b>Yellow Warbler</b> and <b>Eastern
Kingbird</b> seen here. A <b>Grey Catbird</b>
followed me for nearly half the length of the path, scolding all the way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Bird list for Belle Isle Marsh; 25<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">American Black Duck 1, Double-crested
Cormorant 3, Great Blue Heron 4, Great Egret 7, Osprey 1, Cooper’s Hawk 1,
Merlin 1, Herring Gull 35, Mourning Dove 25, Chimney Swift 6, Downy Woodpecker
2, Eastern Kingbird 3, Warbling Vireo 1, American Crow 1, Barn Swallow 5,
American Robin 15, Grey Catbird 4, Northern Mockingbird 2, European Starling
80, Cedar Waxwing 8, Yellow Warbler 1, Song Sparrow 4, House Finch 1, American
Goldfinch 6, House Sparrow 15.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2GNFMEfNqhw/U-VM4KP9-bI/AAAAAAAALGA/9dejzw5B-kQ/s1600/BOS+02Aug14+Yellow+Warbler+01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2GNFMEfNqhw/U-VM4KP9-bI/AAAAAAAALGA/9dejzw5B-kQ/s1600/BOS+02Aug14+Yellow+Warbler+01.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Belle Isle Marsh is very close to the
Boston Metro’s <b>Suffolk Downs Station</b> on the Blue Line. It only takes about 10
minutes from downtown Boston and costs around $2.25 one way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There are no facilities apart from a
bulletin board at the car park.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A tower and a jetty give good views
out across the marsh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">For a previous post from Belle Isle
Marsh, see the link below;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/belle-isle-marsh-boston-feb-2014.html">http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/belle-isle-marsh-boston-feb-2014.html</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Visit the <a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/p/usa-and-canada.html">dedicated USA and Canada page</a> for more posts from Boston, including <a href="http://www.redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/mount-auburn-cemetery-boston-oct-2013.html">Mount Auburn</a>, <a href="http://www.redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/back-bay-fens-boston-october-2013.html">Back Bay Fen</a>s and
<a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/pleasure-bay-boston-dec-2012.html">Pleasure Bay</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Birding, Birdwatching, Boston, Massachusetts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Redgannethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17453869909278728690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7465222688340467790.post-44829217093273415262014-08-08T19:04:00.001+01:002014-08-08T19:04:36.413+01:00Victory Gardens and Back Bay Fens, Boston, August 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The delightful <b>Victory Gardens at Bostons Back Bay</b> brought most of the birds from
the list below. A sudden hotspot made up most of the balance with just the ducks,
kingbird and the vireo not accounted for between them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My beautiful colleague, LK, accompanied
me on a mid-morning walk that was notable for being very quiet. There was very
little bird noise and remarkably few people on a Saturday morning. I am
guessing that most of the park visitors would usually be students and summer
break probably accounted for the empty lawns and sports pitches.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Even the <b>Blue Jays</b> were subdued and hardly called at all. This was LK’s
first overseas birding outing and she was thrilled to see some common and easy
birds on a feeder in the gardens at Google Earth ref; <b>American Robins</b>, <b>American
Goldfinches</b> and <b>Northern Cardinals</b>
become rather samey to us hardened birders so it was a real pleasure to see
them through a first-timer’s eyes again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We meandered down through the formal
part of the park past the Vietnam Memorial and the Rose Garden noting <b>Red-shouldered Blackbird</b> and <b>American Robins</b> whilst trying to avoid
the <b>Canada Goose</b> droppings that
littered any grassed area.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The path along the waterside below
the sports field brought <b>Warbling Vireo</b>
and <b>Eastern Kingbird </b>before we
headed back up and crossed the bridge by the Rose Garden.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Just here we were stopped by a small
party of feeding birds that included <b>Downy
Woodpecker</b> and <b>Yellow Warbler</b>
with a stringy <b>Blackburnian Warbler</b>.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I haven’t included it in the list
below as we were sharing binoculars and I passed them over quickly without
taking a real good look. Only as I came to make the submission to eBird did I
realise that this would be a bird of interest, but I cannot claim it as I didn’t
take a close enough look to confirm such a significant bird.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Bird list for Boston Back Bay Fens;
21<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Canada Goose 80, Mallard 8, Herring
Gull 4, Mourning Dove 4, Chimney Swift 8, Downy Woodpecker 6, Eastern Kingbird
1, Warbling Vireo 2, Blue Jay 4, Black-capped Chickadee 1, American Robin 45,
Gray Catbird 12, Northern Mockingbird 3, European Starling 35, Yellow Warbler
4, Song Sparrow 1, Northern Cardinal 2, Red-winged Blackbird 4, Common Grackle
6, American Goldfinch 1, House Sparrow 150.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Previous visits to Back Bay Fens
(some even have photos), can be seen at the links below;<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2010/09/boston-back-bay-fens-and-mount-auburn.html">http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2010/09/boston-back-bay-fens-and-mount-auburn.html</a></span><br />
<a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2011/05/back-bay-fens-in-boston-april-2011.html">http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2011/05/back-bay-fens-in-boston-april-2011.html</a><br />
<a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/bye-bye-boston.html">http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/bye-bye-boston.html</a><br />
<a href="http://www.redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/back-bay-fens-boston-october-2013.html">http://www.redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/back-bay-fens-boston-october-2013.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Visit the <a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/p/usa-and-canada.html">dedicated USA and Canadapage</a> for more posts from Boston, including <a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2011/05/mount-auburn-cemetery-boston-april-2011.html">Mount Auburn</a>, <a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2010/07/boston-whale-watch.html">Whale watching</a> and
<a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/belle-isle-marsh-boston-feb-2014.html">Belle Isle Marsh</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Birding, Birdwatching, Boston, Massachusetts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Redgannethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17453869909278728690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7465222688340467790.post-30454506250308601772014-08-03T13:41:00.000+01:002014-08-03T13:41:00.483+01:00Millenium Park, Abuja, Nigeria, July 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My airline employer likes to keep me
on the back foot and to make me work hard for my time in the woods. This week
in <b>Abuja</b>, Nigeria, I found myself at
another unfamiliar location and had to find my way out past the vigilant desk
clerk who had refused to allow me to leave the hotel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Apparently, my company have made it a
condition of the accommodation contract that all crew are to remain in the
compound, locked behind big, guarded gates.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3KKHVbTY9Oc/U9uIk-LKlTI/AAAAAAAALFA/eXidQKW_JKA/s1600/ABV++27Jul14+Butterfly+01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3KKHVbTY9Oc/U9uIk-LKlTI/AAAAAAAALFA/eXidQKW_JKA/s1600/ABV++27Jul14+Butterfly+01.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Since other guests have to come and
go, the gates were opened from time to time. Short of wrestling me to the
ground, the guards could not actually stop me leaving the premises, so I took a
quick wander around the neighbourhood, picking up some common species such as <b>African Thrush</b>, <b>Village Weaver</b> and <b>Western
Plantain Eater</b>. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sdqAj36L8W0/U9uIktQWCII/AAAAAAAALE4/LAm_E4GSM7Q/s1600/ABV++27Jul14+African+Thrush+03.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sdqAj36L8W0/U9uIktQWCII/AAAAAAAALE4/LAm_E4GSM7Q/s1600/ABV++27Jul14+African+Thrush+03.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The desk clerk eventually relented
and called a car that took me to <b>Millennium
Park</b> and we agreed a pick-up time for some 2 hours hence at the guarded
gate (Google Earth ref; 9 4 17.96N 7 29 49.84E). For future reference, 2 hours
was not quite enough and I found myself hurrying back to the gate. 3 would be
about right.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kLso3_-nYOQ/U9uIj5LIvnI/AAAAAAAALE0/H_gfFtDIrjk/s1600/20140729_15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kLso3_-nYOQ/U9uIj5LIvnI/AAAAAAAALE0/H_gfFtDIrjk/s1600/20140729_15.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The park has lawns, trees and 2 small
rivers which converge at the bottom of the slope. I headed down the path,
noting <b>Yellow-billed Shrike</b>, <b>African Thrush</b> and <b>Common Bulbul</b>. At the bottom of the slope it is possible to see
across the river into some waste ground beyond. A <b>Grey Kestrel</b> perched on a pylon here with a <b>Black-winged Bishop </b>teed up on a tall slender reed. A <b>Senegal Coucal</b> stood out boldly on the
grass. A bridge crosses the upper river at Google Earth ref; 9 4 12.99N 7 29
50.97E. The southern lawns were quite open and dotted with trees which held <b>Superb Sunbird</b>, <b>Green-headed Sunbird</b> and <b>Scarlet-chested
Sunbird</b>. I followed the river upstream until I came to the eastern side of
the park which was marked by a tiny <b>African
Pygmy Kingfisher</b>.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Ot02nmytfI/U9uIklPF-mI/AAAAAAAALE8/bbg1OBJTW0U/s1600/ABV++27Jul14+African+Pygmy+Kingfisher+01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Ot02nmytfI/U9uIklPF-mI/AAAAAAAALE8/bbg1OBJTW0U/s1600/ABV++27Jul14+African+Pygmy+Kingfisher+01.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Cattle Egrets</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
stalked the lawns to the north of this section as I found the other river and
followed it back to the bridge. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Here I crossed and followed the other
river back upstream. This area was slightly more closed. Larger, denser trees
lined the far bank, but the light was much better from this side in the
evening. </span><b style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Violet Turacos</b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">, </span><b style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">African Paradise Flycatcher</b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> and </span><b style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Yellow-throated Greenbuls </b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">were seen
along the riparian woodland line with</span><b style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
Fork-tailed Drongos, Woodland Kingfishers </b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">and</span><b style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Brown-throated Wattle-eyes </b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">seen on the wooded slopes on the other
side of the trim trail.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TsDWWUBGOb8/U9uIlq78WUI/AAAAAAAALFI/E6re-769NEw/s1600/ABV++27Jul14+Yellow-throated+Greenbul+01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TsDWWUBGOb8/U9uIlq78WUI/AAAAAAAALFI/E6re-769NEw/s1600/ABV++27Jul14+Yellow-throated+Greenbul+01.tif" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>Yellow-throated Greenbul</i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As the sun dimmed towards the end of
the evening, an entrancing sunbird caught my attention. In the low-angled light
the breast shimmered red and the head lit up gold. I had to thumb through the <i>Nectariniidae</i> section a couple of times
before I found <b>Copper Sunbird</b> and I
have to say that the illustration does not do it justice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-suSGLyL_jfQ/U9uIlYzW_AI/AAAAAAAALFE/l0UajIIMcWI/s1600/ABV++27Jul14+Insect+02.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-suSGLyL_jfQ/U9uIlYzW_AI/AAAAAAAALFE/l0UajIIMcWI/s1600/ABV++27Jul14+Insect+02.tif" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Bird list for Millennium Park; 38<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Double-spurred Francolin 7, Long-tailed
Cormorant 3, Cattle Egret 5, Shikra 1, Eurasian Kestrel 2, Grey Kestrel 1,
Red-eyed Dove 15, Laughing Dove 1, Violet Turaco 2, Western Plantain-eater 4,
Levaillant’s Cuckoo 1, Senegal Coucal 3, Little Swift 4, African Pygmy
Kingfisher 2, Woodland Kingfisher 1, Brown-throated Wattle-eye 1, Northern
Puffback 2, Red-shouldered Cuckooo-Shrike 1, Yellow-billed Shrike 5,
Fork-tailed Drongo 1, African Paradise Flycatcher 5, Pied Crow 2,
Lesser-striped Swallow 3, Yellow-throated Greenbul 3, Common Bulbul 25,
Green-backed Camaroptera 1, African Thrush 15, Collared Sunbird 1, Green-headed
Sunbird 1, Scarlet-chested Sunbird 5, Superb Sunbird 1, Variable Sunbird 2,
Copper Sunbird 1, Northern Grey-headed Sparrow 2, Village Weaver 12,
Black-winged Bishop 1, Red-cheeked Cordonbleu 8, Bronze Mannikin12.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Millennium Park is a public park that
is enclosed by heavy fencing with guards at each gate. A bag search is
conducted by security, but there is no charge for entrance. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">On this Sunday afternoon, there were
a few families with children using the playground and a few couples flirting in
the shade of trees. I should guess that
it is very quiet during the week. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There are no facilities except
hawkers selling refreshments at the gate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The private taxi from the hotel cost
4,000 Naira (@ 277 Naira = £1) to drop at the park and pick up again 2 hours
later.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">For a previous post from Millennium
Park, follow the link below;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2010/05/millenium-park-abuja-nigeria.html">http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2010/05/millenium-park-abuja-nigeria.html</a><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Visit <a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/p/africa.html">the dedicated Africa Page</a> for
more posts from Nigeria.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Birding, birdwatching, Abuja, Nigeria</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Redgannethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17453869909278728690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7465222688340467790.post-78183890837774547082014-08-02T02:00:00.000+01:002014-08-02T02:00:01.058+01:00Walter Sisulu Botanic Gardens, Johannesburg, South Africa, July 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Walter Sisulu Botanic Gardens</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> nestle beneath a rocky bluff in a well-heeled, well-guarded
neighbourhood in the western suburbs of Johannesburg. Its finest feature is a
beautiful waterfall that cascades down the face of the cliff, providing
protection on one side for the nest of a resident pair of <b>Black Eagles</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Being a Sunday morning, I expected
the gardens to be busy, but the early morning chill of July kept the gardens
quiet for the first couple of hours until the sun had time to warm the air. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LjT3kYN22_c/U9rC2Gu66_I/AAAAAAAALEA/uueVzfUNzbk/s1600/JNB+20Jul14+Walter+Sisulu+Botanic+Gardens+02.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LjT3kYN22_c/U9rC2Gu66_I/AAAAAAAALEA/uueVzfUNzbk/s1600/JNB+20Jul14+Walter+Sisulu+Botanic+Gardens+02.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A small flock of Speckled Mousebirds were perched in a leafless bush soaking up the warmth from the early morning sun. I noticed that they were all perched legs apart, exposing their bellies and breasts to the sun. Is this simply a more efficient way to warm up that the mousebirds have found? Answers on a postcard please.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bMXOqrki-Uc/U9rC1D-xgQI/AAAAAAAALD0/7WaiWvki5AM/s1600/JNB+20Jul14+Speckled+Mousebird+02.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bMXOqrki-Uc/U9rC1D-xgQI/AAAAAAAALD0/7WaiWvki5AM/s1600/JNB+20Jul14+Speckled+Mousebird+02.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I arrived a few minutes before the
opening time of 08.00 and had to wait on the street outside until the gates
were opened. The car park is worth exploring before venturing into the gardens
and brought <b>Southern Boubou</b>, <b>Fairy Flycatcher</b> and <b>Karoo Thrush</b> before I handed over RSA
35 (@RSA 16 = £1) to enter.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c4UhitWALm4/U9rCwfgrm3I/AAAAAAAALDQ/mQiOq_4DOig/s1600/JNB+20Jul14+African+Wattled+Lapwing+02.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c4UhitWALm4/U9rCwfgrm3I/AAAAAAAALDQ/mQiOq_4DOig/s1600/JNB+20Jul14+African+Wattled+Lapwing+02.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I was greeted by an <b>African Wattled Lapwing</b> on the lawns
just inside the gate. Further up the slope a <b>Spotted Dikkop</b> skulked like a petulant teenager with his hands in his pockets.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1yqrUdIfN5o/U9rC18bjyBI/AAAAAAAALEE/-zzNu1yeths/s1600/JNB+20Jul14+Spotted+Dikkop+01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1yqrUdIfN5o/U9rC18bjyBI/AAAAAAAALEE/-zzNu1yeths/s1600/JNB+20Jul14+Spotted+Dikkop+01.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The main body of the gardens are to
the south of the gate and I followed the path towards the waterfall which could
be seen as I walked along. Little side
excursions brought <b>Helmeted Guineafowl</b>,
<b>Cape Robin Chat</b> and <b>Grosbeak Weaver</b>. A <b>Bokmakerie</b> slowed my progress as it posed on a small patch of lawn.
<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yzDaVHXOa78/U9rCx-XMAzI/AAAAAAAALDY/SYU1kJ0jzLE/s1600/JNB+20Jul14+Bokmakerie+01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yzDaVHXOa78/U9rCx-XMAzI/AAAAAAAALDY/SYU1kJ0jzLE/s1600/JNB+20Jul14+Bokmakerie+01.tif" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The eagles were tending to a chick
during this third week of July and the eagle-watchers had set up a stand with a
scope, information on the pair, their history and breeding success of previous
years. They kept notes on the comings and goings and were able to update anyone
who was interested, on the birds’ breeding progress so far this year.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MJA6mlFEuA4/U9rC3tkmsZI/AAAAAAAALEM/EkqcG4AXCg0/s1600/JNB+20Jul14+Black+Eagle+02.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MJA6mlFEuA4/U9rC3tkmsZI/AAAAAAAALEM/EkqcG4AXCg0/s1600/JNB+20Jul14+Black+Eagle+02.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My attempts to capture decent photos
were not very successful despite many, many shots fired. The intent at the back
of my mind for a 10,000 Birds post featuring the eagles may have to wait until
I have mastered this photographic lark. Nevertheless, a couple of useable ones
came out as the male (I was reliably informed) glided across the face of the
cliff, harried by Pied Crows that leapt into flight every time the eagles took
to the air.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0q9e6FNimvM/U9rCxXWy-bI/AAAAAAAALDU/UsqFqp2XVfU/s1600/JNB+20Jul14+Black+Eagle+04.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0q9e6FNimvM/U9rCxXWy-bI/AAAAAAAALDU/UsqFqp2XVfU/s1600/JNB+20Jul14+Black+Eagle+04.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If you prefer better picture quality, <a href="http://www.africam.com/wildlife/black_eagle_webcam">try the live eagle cam mounted on the cliff</a>, close to the eagles' nest.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The female (again I am relying on
local knowledge) remained on the nest and the chick could be seen over the edge
of the structure when it sat up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The male caught a <b>Rock Hyrax</b> as we watched, but I was
surprised that he didn’t take it to the nest. Instead, he found a cliff perch
and appeared to eat the dassie without any thought given to his partner or
their offspring.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uzgk8B_CfLQ/U9rC3nFNxmI/AAAAAAAALEQ/qtM8NhMEmr8/s1600/JNB+20Jul14+Walter+Sisulu+Botanic+Gardens+03.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uzgk8B_CfLQ/U9rC3nFNxmI/AAAAAAAALEQ/qtM8NhMEmr8/s1600/JNB+20Jul14+Walter+Sisulu+Botanic+Gardens+03.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A trail leads up the slope to the
right of the waterfall and a good vantage point can be found a little way up. It
gives a better angle to view the nest and brings the watcher closer to the
eagles’ early morning flight level as they cross the cliff before the thermals
give them lift for soaring.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The trail leads to the top of the
waterfall where signs advise people who need advising, that they should not
throw stones at the eagles’ nest. The birds have actually moved nest sites to a
position just beyond normal stone-throwing distance and with a ledge above to
protect from the stronger arm. The new site for the nest is just out of view
from the top of the cliff, but <b>Rock
Martins</b>, <b>Black-collared Barbet</b>
and <b>Red-winged Starlings</b> were seen
while I was up there.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d1uB_auBQa0/U9rCyrAD-cI/AAAAAAAALDw/zviup_DfnsE/s1600/JNB+20Jul14+Fiscal+Shrike+03.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d1uB_auBQa0/U9rCyrAD-cI/AAAAAAAALDw/zviup_DfnsE/s1600/JNB+20Jul14+Fiscal+Shrike+03.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The trail then drops back down
through acacia scrub towards the northern part of the garden. The acacia bushes
are popular with <b>Common Fiscal Shrike</b>, <b>Tawny-flanked Prinia</b>,
<b>Bar-throated Apalis</b> and <b>Common Bulbul</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A hide overlooks a small dam at
Google Earth ref;26 5 5.57S 27 50 36.85E. A <b>Green-backed Heron</b> hid amongst the grass at the edge of a small
island in front of the hide. A <b>Long-tailed
Cormorant</b> flew in and despite hauling up right in front of the heron,
neither bird even acknowledged the other.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J8yB--09l44/U9rCy3vOxCI/AAAAAAAALDg/7Os_qRilNOU/s1600/JNB+20Jul14+Green-backed+Heron+01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J8yB--09l44/U9rCy3vOxCI/AAAAAAAALDg/7Os_qRilNOU/s1600/JNB+20Jul14+Green-backed+Heron+01.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The peace was ruined by the arrival
of a small flock of <b>Hadeda Ibis</b>.
They flew into the tree beside the dam with a loud squawking and flapping. One
dropped down to a dead snag in the water and gave a beautiful view of the sheen
that can be seen on its plumage in good light.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u0qAWL1FUY8/U9rCz-Za4UI/AAAAAAAALDs/8tBKddKQxlw/s1600/JNB+20Jul14+Hadeda+Ibis+01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u0qAWL1FUY8/U9rCz-Za4UI/AAAAAAAALDs/8tBKddKQxlw/s1600/JNB+20Jul14+Hadeda+Ibis+01.tif" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Bird list for Walter Sisulu Botanic
Gardens; 40<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Egyptian Goose 2, African Black Duck
1, Helmeted Guineafowl 4, Lon-tailed Cormorant 1, Cattle Egret 1, Striated
Heron 1, Hadada Ibis 7, Verreaux’s Eagle 3, Peregrine Falcon 1, Blacksmith
Plover 8, Crowned Lapwing 2, Speckled Pigeon 6, Red-eyed Dove 15, Ring-necked
Dove 4, Laughing Dove 2, Grey Go-away-bird 4, White-browed Coucal 1, Speckled
Mousebird 15, African Grey Hornbill 1, Black-collared Barbet 2, Southern Boubou
3, Bokmakerie 2, Common Fiscal 2, Pied Crow 15, Rock Martin 5, Fairy Flycatcher
1, Common Bulbul 20, Bar-throated Apalis 2, Tawny-flanked Prinia 3, Cape
Robin-Chat 2, Cape Rock-Thrush 2, Karoo Thrush 2, Cape Glossy Starling 2,
Red-winged Starling 5, White-breasted Sunbird 1, Yellow-fronted Canary 6, Cape
Sparrow 20, Yellow-throated Petronia 10, Village Weaver 3, Grosbeak Weaver 1.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Walter Sisulu Botanic Gardens is open
every day from 08.00 until 17.00 and costs RSA 35 to enter. Secure parking is
offered in the marshalled, gated car park.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Facilities include toilets,
restaurant and gift shop.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">An open air stage at the lower end of
the first lawn is the venue for musical evenings as the audience picnic on the
grass. Event information can be seen at this link;</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.sanbi.org/events/walter-sisulu">http://www.sanbi.org/events/walter-sisulu</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Previous visits to Walter Sisulu
Botanic Gardens can be seen at the links below;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2011/02/walter-sisulu-botanical-gardens.html">http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2011/02/walter-sisulu-botanical-gardens.html</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="http://www.redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/walter-sisulu-botanic-gardens.html">http://www.redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/walter-sisulu-botanic-gardens.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="http://www.redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/the-lions-of-krugersdorp.html">http://www.redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/the-lions-of-krugersdorp.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Visit the <a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/p/africa.html">dedicated Africa page</a> for
more posts from Johannesburg and South Africa.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Birding, Birdwatching, Safari, South
Africa.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Redgannethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17453869909278728690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7465222688340467790.post-22654590994273707312014-07-31T13:32:00.002+01:002014-07-31T13:32:54.008+01:00Pilanesberg NP, Johannesburg, July 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My day dawned as I drove through the
pass at Hartebeestpoort and the sun slowly brightened the sky. By 07.20, I had
reached Bakubung Gate at the southern edge of <b>Pilanesberg NP</b>, 2 hours west and a bit north from Johannesburg. <a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/pilanesberg-np-johannesburg-south.html">The roads of the park had been repaired since my last visi</a>t, but they were still
rutted and rough. Nevertheless, it always surprises me how far one can get on
pitted roads in a two-wheel-drive car.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zAmdUGw9_rc/U9oS0ihWLJI/AAAAAAAALCE/3B_5_09FuBA/s1600/JNB+19Jul14+Pilanesberg+01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zAmdUGw9_rc/U9oS0ihWLJI/AAAAAAAALCE/3B_5_09FuBA/s1600/JNB+19Jul14+Pilanesberg+01.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The birds were quiet and even the
whistles of the <b>Crested Lark</b>, so
often a feature of a drive in the park, were absent this morning. Mammals too
were reticent to come out to be seen. <b>Hippos</b>
in the first dam were to be expected, but very little else was around.
Particularly missed were the <b>Elephants</b>
and the other big 5 animals. I like to promote a holistic approach to safari,
but the star turns do bring a frisson to the day that was missing on this
occasion.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_nh4uMzTouM/U9oS1PfEKsI/AAAAAAAALCQ/Gj2--yHG6dg/s1600/JNB+19Jul14+Pilanesberg+NP+01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_nh4uMzTouM/U9oS1PfEKsI/AAAAAAAALCQ/Gj2--yHG6dg/s1600/JNB+19Jul14+Pilanesberg+NP+01.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Nevertheless, the bird list slowly began
to build and included <b>Hamerkop</b>, <b>Rufous-vented Warbler</b> and <b>Eastern Clapper Lark</b> before I pulled in
to the hide at <b>Makorwan Dam</b>. Here an
<b>African Black Duck</b>, <b>Blacksmith Plover</b> and <b>Pearl-breasted Swallow</b> were seen. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2pltC0iuRxI/U9oSxuKydtI/AAAAAAAALBc/UoStvf82Xdc/s1600/JNB+19Jul14+Blue+Waxbill+03.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2pltC0iuRxI/U9oSxuKydtI/AAAAAAAALBc/UoStvf82Xdc/s1600/JNB+19Jul14+Blue+Waxbill+03.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">On the dirt trails that cross the
western side of the park, the usual mix of <b>Wildebeest</b>,
<b>Impala</b> and <b>Zebra</b> were found along with <b>African
Pipit</b>, <b>Tawny-flanked Prinia</b> and <b>Blue Waxbill</b>, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">At <b>Pilanesberg Centre</b> there were lots of cheeky birds as usual with <b>Grey Go-away-birds</b>, <b>Marico Flycatchers</b> and <b>Crested Francolins</b> seen at close range.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><br /></b></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnZXn56CIOE/U9oSxoVt3_I/AAAAAAAALBg/jiE_VD8QuaY/s1600/JNB+19Jul14+Crested+Francolin+01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cnZXn56CIOE/U9oSxoVt3_I/AAAAAAAALBg/jiE_VD8QuaY/s1600/JNB+19Jul14+Crested+Francolin+01.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Namaqua Doves</b> kept their distance
from the terrace, but the expected <b>Yellow</b>
and/or <b>Red Hornbills</b> did not
materialise.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ALx2zRpo3eU/U9oS1uZ4iAI/AAAAAAAALCU/rUB-UFsSNeA/s1600/JNB+19Jul14+Slender+Mongoose+01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ALx2zRpo3eU/U9oS1uZ4iAI/AAAAAAAALCU/rUB-UFsSNeA/s1600/JNB+19Jul14+Slender+Mongoose+01.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">One of my strange, unfounded superstitions is that a mongoose sighting will bring good luck, so a really good look at a <b>Slender Mongoose</b> in the car park of the Pilanesberg Centre filled me with optimism for the rest of the day.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Hoping to turn the slow burn into an
explosive burst, I headed for <b>Mankwe Dam</b>
and the wonderful hide that reaches out over the water. Even here things were
slow, but the resident <b>Barn Owl</b> did
not look worried.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wAtI4EZXDtU/U9oSzdGQPbI/AAAAAAAALC0/ArZvw_FKYD8/s1600/JNB+19Jul14+Grey+Heron+01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wAtI4EZXDtU/U9oSzdGQPbI/AAAAAAAALC0/ArZvw_FKYD8/s1600/JNB+19Jul14+Grey+Heron+01.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I am always astonished by the size of
the fish that herons or cormorants consider to be consumable. This <b>Grey Heron</b> had a lot on its plate.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3yUruBBDxfg/U9oSzDH8AbI/AAAAAAAALBw/tcbLXLTdpg0/s1600/JNB+19Jul14+Giraffe+01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3yUruBBDxfg/U9oSzDH8AbI/AAAAAAAALBw/tcbLXLTdpg0/s1600/JNB+19Jul14+Giraffe+01.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">At last I started to find a few
animals and a small herd of <b>Giraffe </b>fed
very close to the edge of the road.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I spent lunch time at <b>Fish Eagle Picnic Sit</b>e, a high vantage
point overlooking the large lake. <b>African
Spoonbill </b>could be seen in the distance but apart from the <b>Little Grebes</b> there were very few
waterbirds compared with previous trips. The water levels were very high today
and the birds and animals were not forced to stay close to permanent water, so
I guess they took the chance to roam where the fancy took them.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8J0iS5pehzI/U9oS2cC-Z7I/AAAAAAAALCg/RpSMqkJ7jvw/s1600/JNB+19Jul14+White+Rhino+01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8J0iS5pehzI/U9oS2cC-Z7I/AAAAAAAALCg/RpSMqkJ7jvw/s1600/JNB+19Jul14+White+Rhino+01.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It was well into the afternoon before
I eventually found a pair of <b>White Rhino</b>
and I had had to venture beyond my usual hot spots to get them. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nd5Gc_5sEoI/U9oS2qDqpKI/AAAAAAAALCk/8BijVrjreIc/s1600/JNB+19Jul14+White+Rhino+02.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nd5Gc_5sEoI/U9oS2qDqpKI/AAAAAAAALCk/8BijVrjreIc/s1600/JNB+19Jul14+White+Rhino+02.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I returned to my usual haunts for the
rest of the afternoon and was rewarded when a White Rhino suddenly appeared
from nowhere and pulled up to the edge of the dam for an early evening drink.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A few birds were also added from here
with <b>White-faced Duck</b>, <b>African Hawk-Eagle</b> and most notably, a <b>Giant Kingfisher</b>.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1FmHLoYvWes/U9oSyuqFFUI/AAAAAAAALBo/cVk-sQqYgX4/s1600/JNB+19Jul14+Giant+Kingfisher+01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1FmHLoYvWes/U9oSyuqFFUI/AAAAAAAALBo/cVk-sQqYgX4/s1600/JNB+19Jul14+Giant+Kingfisher+01.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It was just a little bit further down the road
that shortly afterwards a male and a female <b>Lion</b> were seen at the bottom of a
slope, hiding in the long grass. </span><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">As the light faded a small herd of young <b>Kudus</b> ventured close to the road and a <b>Magpie Shrike</b> sat out for a quick snatched photo.</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ORRvL-IfSNg/U9oS0CnMQAI/AAAAAAAALCA/cDzTxagZSGo/s1600/JNB+19Jul14+Magpie+Shrike+01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ORRvL-IfSNg/U9oS0CnMQAI/AAAAAAAALCA/cDzTxagZSGo/s1600/JNB+19Jul14+Magpie+Shrike+01.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Before leaving the park, I managed to get snarled up in a<b> Leopard</b> scrum. Despite the park being quiet as far as animals were concerned, there were plenty of people and vehicles and they all appeared to be clustered together on the road ahead. Four large open safari trucks hogged both carriageways in an attempt to see the cat, effectively blocking out any self-drive punters.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J-uvmyZ5YcQ/U9oSziRyPFI/AAAAAAAALB4/kKiFq60iwA0/s1600/JNB+19Jul14+Kudu+01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J-uvmyZ5YcQ/U9oSziRyPFI/AAAAAAAALB4/kKiFq60iwA0/s1600/JNB+19Jul14+Kudu+01.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Bird list for Pilanesberg; 75<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">White-faced Whistling Duck 7,
Egyptian Goose 15, African Black Duck 1, Yellow-billed Duck 10, Helmeted
Guineafowl 60, Crested Francolin 8, Natal Francolin 3, Little Grebe 50, Great
Cormorant 25, Long-tailed Cormorant 15, African Darter 6, Hamerkop 5, Grey
Heron 1, Great Egret 3, Sacred Ibis 180, African Spoonbill 3, Black-shouldered
Kite 1, African Fish-Eagle 2, Black-breasted Snake-Eagle 1, African Hawk-Eagle
1, Blacksmith Plover 12, Crowned Lapwing 2, Three-banded Plover 3, Speckled
Pigeon 1, Ring-necked Dove 15, Laughing Dove 4, Namaqua Dove 3, Grey
Go-away-bird 25, Barn Owl 1, Speckled Mousebird 8, Red-faced Mousebird 12,
Malachite Kingfisher 1, Giant Kingfisher 1, Pied Kingfisher 4, Green Woodhoopoe
4, Crested Barbet 1, Crimson-breasted Gonolek 3, Magpie Shrike 2, Fork-tailed Drongo
3, Pied Crow 3, Eastern Clapper Lark 1, Sabota Lark 1, Pearl-breasted Swallow
4, Common Bulbul 35, Bar-throated Apalis 2, Rattling Cisticola 1, Tinkling
Cisticola 1, Piping Cisticola 4, Tawny-flanked Prinia 2, Black-chested Prinia
2, Rufous-vented Warbler 1, Pale Flycatcher 10, Kalahari Scrub-Robin 4,
White-throated Robin-Chat 1, White-browed Robin-Chat 1, Stonechat 1, Mocking
Cliff-Chat 1, Familiar Chat 15, Capped Wheatear 4, Kurrichane Thrush 1, Karoo
Thrush 1, Common Myna 2, Cape Glossy-Starling 8, Red-billed Ox-pecker 1, Cape
Wagtail 2, African Pipit 1, Golden-breasted Bunting 2, Yellow-fronted Canary
20, Black-throated Canary 6, House Sparrow 5, White-browed Sparrow-Weaver 1,
Red-billed Quelea 15, Common Waxbill 3, Blue-breasted Cordonbleu 30,
Green-winged Pytilia 4.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Pilanesberg National Park is run by <a href="http://www.parksnorthwest.co.za/pilanesberg/">North West Parks</a> and their website can be used to check the prevailing conditions in the reserve.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Opening times vary during the year. For the most part if you work on 06.00 to 18.00 you won't be far out.Exact gate times can be seen at the web link above.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">To drive from Johannesburg will take a little over 2 hours. Sun City shares the volano and can be used as a good direction finder for Pilanesberg NP.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Self-drive safari is the customary way of getting around, but ranger-led open sided safari vehicles operate from the camps at each gate. Again, <a href="http://www.parksnorthwest.co.za/pilanesberg/">see the website</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There is no fuel available in the park, but filling stations are conveniently sited close to the gates.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There are toilet facilities at each of the rest stops and hides and refreshments, including hot food at the Pilanesberg Centre in the middle of the park.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CpIT7BCNseI/U9oSxh-tUTI/AAAAAAAALBk/N3RLJFwoBfo/s1600/JNB+19Jul14+Cape+Glossy+Starling+01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CpIT7BCNseI/U9oSxh-tUTI/AAAAAAAALBk/N3RLJFwoBfo/s1600/JNB+19Jul14+Cape+Glossy+Starling+01.tif" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Please follow the links below to previous posts from Pilanesberg.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2009/06/delicious-dilemma.html">http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2009/06/delicious-dilemma.html</a></span></div>
<a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2010/08/do-elephants-grieve.html">http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2010/08/do-elephants-grieve.html</a><br />
<a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2010/09/pilanesberg-johannesberg-jnb-south.html">http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2010/09/pilanesberg-johannesberg-jnb-south.html</a><br />
<a href="http://www.redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/pilanesberg-part-1-johannesberg-south.html">http://www.redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/pilanesberg-part-1-johannesberg-south.html</a><br />
<a href="http://www.redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/pilanesberg-np-part-2-johannesberg.html">http://www.redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/pilanesberg-np-part-2-johannesberg.html</a><br />
<a href="http://www.redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/pilanesberg-national-park-johannesburg.html">http://www.redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/pilanesberg-national-park-johannesburg.html</a><br />
<a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/pilanesberg-np-johannesburg-south.html">http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/pilanesberg-np-johannesburg-south.html</a><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Visit the <a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/p/africa.html">dedicated Africa Page</a> for
more posts from South Africa.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Birdwatching, birding, safari, South Africa.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Redgannethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17453869909278728690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7465222688340467790.post-64648719565766659362014-07-31T00:09:00.001+01:002014-07-31T00:09:11.322+01:00Suikersbosrand, Johannesberg, South Africa, July 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This tour of <b>Suikersbosrand</b> was much <a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/suikersbosrand-nature-reserve.html">more relaxed than my previous visit</a>, except
for the last 30 minutes when I realised that I had not allowed for the time
change and the park was about to shut. Despite some nice views of <b>Eland</b>,
<b>Bontebok</b>, <b>Black Wildebeest</b> and<b> Zebra,</b> the hot-spot of the visit was the picnic
site where an ants’ nest was attracting birds to feed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k5MIEMTdwh0/U9l4d0UYEMI/AAAAAAAALAo/u4tYAGj9f_E/s1600/JNB+18Jul14+Zebra+01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k5MIEMTdwh0/U9l4d0UYEMI/AAAAAAAALAo/u4tYAGj9f_E/s1600/JNB+18Jul14+Zebra+01.tif" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Just inside the park gate is a small
pond on the left at Google Earth ref; 26 27 48.57S 28 13 17.34E. It is the
northern end of a larger damp patch and had some floating weeds that allowed
some <b><span style="color: red;">White-backed
Ducks </span></b>to rest without being blown into the bank by the strong wind. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This was a good start to the day, but
I shan’t trouble you with the photograph which will remain in my private
collection of shaky, blurry, out-of-focus record shots. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I had come straight from the airport
and stopped at the visitor centre car park to get changed out of my uniform.
Here I was able to note <b>Grosbeak Weaver</b>,
<b>Southern Grey</b> <b>Sparrow</b> and <b>Mountain
Wheatear</b> as I tried to wriggle into my safari silks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DA5yNj4UUYA/U9l4czuuZlI/AAAAAAAALAc/G8HYWUGLVuE/s1600/JNB+18Jul14+Mountain+Chat+02.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DA5yNj4UUYA/U9l4czuuZlI/AAAAAAAALAc/G8HYWUGLVuE/s1600/JNB+18Jul14+Mountain+Chat+02.tif" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As is often the case, the start of
the circuit was quiet. The high grass often obscures the view and a chap is
limited to birds that flush from the edges of the road; in this case, <b>Cinnamon-breasted Buntings</b>, <b>Orange-throated Longlaws</b> and <b>Ring-necked Doves</b>. <b>Stonechats</b> clung to grass stems and sturdier perches close to the
road.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-60u1aDnoQ6E/U9l4dIkCpFI/AAAAAAAALA8/-V2JCSTWSU0/s1600/JNB+18Jul14+Stonechat+04.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-60u1aDnoQ6E/U9l4dIkCpFI/AAAAAAAALA8/-V2JCSTWSU0/s1600/JNB+18Jul14+Stonechat+04.tif" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I seldom see mammals before the dam
at the bottom of the circuit and <b>Southern
Anteating Chats</b> usually appear beyond the water.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A few herds of antelope were seen on
the approach to the <b>Holhoek Picnic Site</b>
at Google Earth ref; 26 32 26.03S 28 13 34.08E. This rest stop is situated at
the bottom of an acacia-covered slope and was easily the hottest spot in the
park and should not be missed by birders in Suikersbosrand. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W5KTfHXcxqU/U9l4b8AJT0I/AAAAAAAALAQ/AtlWQCzLqms/s1600/JNB+18Jul14+Chats+01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W5KTfHXcxqU/U9l4b8AJT0I/AAAAAAAALAQ/AtlWQCzLqms/s1600/JNB+18Jul14+Chats+01.tif" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Stone tables and
chairs are set out for picnickers and an ants’ nest was overflowing from the
base of one of the chairs. This attracted <b>Mocking
Cliff-Chats</b>, <b>Cape Robin-chats</b>, <b>Cape Rock-Thrushes</b> and <b>Fiscal Flycatchers</b> to feast on the
insects.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3zoWUXTn1cQ/U9l4cYkVOAI/AAAAAAAALAU/x7Sc1oehNN4/s1600/JNB+18Jul14+Fiscal+Flycatcher+03.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3zoWUXTn1cQ/U9l4cYkVOAI/AAAAAAAALAU/x7Sc1oehNN4/s1600/JNB+18Jul14+Fiscal+Flycatcher+03.tif" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This is where I spent most of my time
found over 20 species without moving from the picnic table, including the <b><span style="color: red;">Ashy Tit</span></b>
which was gleaning on the rough bark of a tree there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BC1pvqW3nwE/U9l4a3eowqI/AAAAAAAALAM/WIbwC2EqHks/s1600/JNB+18Jul14+Ashy+Tit+05.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BC1pvqW3nwE/U9l4a3eowqI/AAAAAAAALAM/WIbwC2EqHks/s1600/JNB+18Jul14+Ashy+Tit+05.tif" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A <b>Piping Cisticola</b> picked through the short grass and <b>Rufous-vented Warblers</b> searched for
insects through the branches of low bushes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The light was growing dim now and I
had to press on to reach the park gates by chucking out time at 18.00. It was
dark by the time I reached the gate just at the top of the hour and a movement
caught my eye as the security guard came from his office to see me out. A pair
of <b>Barn Owls</b> roost in the thatched
roof of the security post and one made a pass through the gate a couple of
times before landing on the roof.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WD0qkwNmvHA/U9l4ayJeK2I/AAAAAAAALAI/fBGVAqfbeB8/s1600/JNB+18Jul14+Cape+Rock+Chat+06.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WD0qkwNmvHA/U9l4ayJeK2I/AAAAAAAALAI/fBGVAqfbeB8/s1600/JNB+18Jul14+Cape+Rock+Chat+06.tif" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Bird list for Suikersbosrand; 53<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">White-backed Duck 10</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">, Yellow-billed Duck 8, Helmeted
Guineafowl 30, Swainson’s Francolin 14, Little Grebe 5, Long-tailed Cormorant
1, Cattle Egret 1, Sacred Ibis 8, Hadada Ibis 3, African Spoonbill 1,
Black-shouldered Kite 1, Black Crake 1, Eurasian Moorhen 3, Red-knobbed Coot
15, Blacksmith Plover 2, Ring-necked Dove 8, Laughing Dove 4, Barn Owl 2,
Speckled Mousebird 8, Black-collared Barbet 2, Common Fiscal 8, Fairy
Flycatcher 1, <span style="color: red;">Ashy Tit 1</span>, Black-fronted Bulbul
20, Bar-throated Apalis 2, Piping Cisticola 1, Tawny-flanked Prinia 2,
Rufous-vented Warbler 7, Fiscal Flycatcher 13, Kalahari Scrub-Robin 3, Cape
Robin-Chat 10, Cape Rock-Thrush 2, Stonechat 40, Southern Anteater Chat 15,
Mocking Cliff-Chat 2, Familiar Chat 12, Mountain Wheatear 25, Capped Wheatear
12, Common Myna 2, Cape Wagtail 1, African Pipit 2, Orange-throated Longclaw 4,
Cinnamon-breasted Bunting 5, Black-throated Canary 8, Southern Grey-headed
Sparrow 4, Yellow-throated Petronia 15, White-browed Sparrow-Weaver 1, Cape
Weaver 1, Southern Masked-Weaver 8, Red Bishop 3, Long-tailed Widow 1, Grosbeak
Weaver 1, Green-winged Pytilia 2.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5XinKBBQGJY/U9l4dcWVb-I/AAAAAAAALAk/pf4rPoL-_g8/s1600/JNB+18Jul14+Suikersbosrand+01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5XinKBBQGJY/U9l4dcWVb-I/AAAAAAAALAk/pf4rPoL-_g8/s1600/JNB+18Jul14+Suikersbosrand+01.tif" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A visit to Suikersbosrand will
typically describe a circuit of 60kms. The drive is on a one-way road, so the
full circuit must be completed once started. The picnic site at Holhoek is
about half-way round. The park opens from 07.00 and visitors are required to
leave by 18.00. An entrance fee of RSA 20 will give you all day in the park if
you wish.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-41ILvxfTgSE/U9l4a_dN2hI/AAAAAAAALAE/DIsbU_NuiYg/s1600/JNB+18Jul14+Cape+Rock+Chat+08.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-41ILvxfTgSE/U9l4a_dN2hI/AAAAAAAALAE/DIsbU_NuiYg/s1600/JNB+18Jul14+Cape+Rock+Chat+08.tif" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Suikersbosrand can be accessed from
the N3 heading south from Johannesburg. Take the R550 west and the north
entrance is signposted after 6kms at Google Earth ref; 26 26 16.32S 28 13
10.84E<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A previous visit to Suikersbosrand
can be seen at the link below;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/suikersbosrand-nature-reserve.html"><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/suikersbosrand-nature-reserve.html</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Visit the <a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/p/africa.html">dedicated African page</a> for
more sites in South Africa.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DGZfeBIU0Kk/U9l4cmiiXsI/AAAAAAAALAY/lBWSukq40zE/s1600/JNB+18Jul14+Mocking+Cliff+Chat+06.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DGZfeBIU0Kk/U9l4cmiiXsI/AAAAAAAALAY/lBWSukq40zE/s1600/JNB+18Jul14+Mocking+Cliff+Chat+06.tif" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Birdwatching, Birding, Safari, South
Africa.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Redgannethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17453869909278728690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7465222688340467790.post-29837852718275298632014-07-26T16:18:00.000+01:002014-07-26T16:18:00.078+01:00South Africa - teaser, July 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Logistically, this was a much more
successful trip than my last visit to <b>South
Africa</b>. We arrived in plenty of time,<a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/marievale-rondebult-and-johannesberg.html"> I didn’t get mugged,</a> parks were open
and roads were clear (except for the bit with the Leopard). </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It wasn’t as
species-rich as some trips, but 110+ birds, including 2 life ticks, was a
reasonable total I felt.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rep_69jg754/U9EiVx32xcI/AAAAAAAAK_Y/6faKlHRh628/s1600/JNB+18Jul14+Ashy+Tit+05.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rep_69jg754/U9EiVx32xcI/AAAAAAAAK_Y/6faKlHRh628/s1600/JNB+18Jul14+Ashy+Tit+05.tif" height="640" width="440" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The red-letter birds, a <b><span style="color: red;">White-backed Duck</span></b>
and an <b><span style="color: red;">Ashy Tit</span></b>,
came from a drive around the circuit at <b>Suikersbosrand</b>.
This time I was not time stressed and was able to enjoy an ant nest overflowing
and bringing in the birds at the picnic site.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-df3-t008V_w/U9EiV0bMKBI/AAAAAAAAK_U/BHuy5v3pSDU/s1600/JNB+18Jul14+Cape+Rock+Chat+08.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-df3-t008V_w/U9EiV0bMKBI/AAAAAAAAK_U/BHuy5v3pSDU/s1600/JNB+18Jul14+Cape+Rock+Chat+08.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The large animals were reticent to
come out and be seen. A whole morning in <b>Pilanesberg</b>
<b>NP</b> passed without a single Big 5
sighting. There were 3 "lucky mongooses" so I was expecting a big day but the <b>White Rhinos</b> and <b>Lions</b> didn't come 'til later in the afternoon which gave the day a “quiet” feel.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y15u3rb1uz4/U9EiWxzq2pI/AAAAAAAAK_w/8-vUHa7omwU/s1600/JNB+19Jul14+White+Rhino+01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y15u3rb1uz4/U9EiWxzq2pI/AAAAAAAAK_w/8-vUHa7omwU/s1600/JNB+19Jul14+White+Rhino+01.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The last morning was spent trying to
get pictures of the <b>Black (Verreaux’s)
Eagles</b> that are nesting on the cliffs by the waterfall in <b>Walter Sisulu Botanic Gardens</b>. The male
(I was reliably informed by the eagle watchers) caught a Hyrax and ate it
without offering any to the female or the chick back on the nest (yet the
relationship persists).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L2N_ZkcDFOU/U9EiXFDkyDI/AAAAAAAAK_0/vrn9kq-Pt1c/s1600/JNB+20Jul14+Black+Eagle+01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L2N_ZkcDFOU/U9EiXFDkyDI/AAAAAAAAK_0/vrn9kq-Pt1c/s1600/JNB+20Jul14+Black+Eagle+01.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It will take a little time to delete all the rubbish photos and find a few usable ones, but I will make links to the respective posts once they are
published.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If you need any information in the meantime, visit the <a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/p/africa.html">dedicated Africa page</a> for details of sites in South Africa.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Redgannethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17453869909278728690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7465222688340467790.post-75399028973772574932014-07-25T00:31:00.000+01:002014-07-25T00:31:00.734+01:00Olympic Forest Park, Beijing, July 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The <b>Olympic Forest Park in Beijing</b> turned out to be a treasure of green
in the huge city. My colleague and I set off for the park together, but split
up on arrival as he intended to run the 10 kilometer circuit round the park
whereas I just wished to amble cluelessly through the green stuff looking for
birds. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H27p2w_mu7s/U9BCK3j9xjI/AAAAAAAAK-4/e7Rq7MpdfrE/s1600/PEK+10Jul14+Jogger+Seth+01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H27p2w_mu7s/U9BCK3j9xjI/AAAAAAAAK-4/e7Rq7MpdfrE/s1600/PEK+10Jul14+Jogger+Seth+01.tif" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Beijing Metro dropped us at the
south gate of the park (Google Earth ref; 40 00 33.61N 116 23 10.04E ) where a
large lawn swept down to a lake that is supposed to represent the head of a
serpentine dragon that insinuates its way through the Olympic complex. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4kQ3bZY93S8/U9BCI5KM-vI/AAAAAAAAK-E/5pX6BmDP_TM/s1600/20140713_44.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4kQ3bZY93S8/U9BCI5KM-vI/AAAAAAAAK-E/5pX6BmDP_TM/s1600/20140713_44.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Black-billed Magpies</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> were abundant and obvious while <b>Eurasian
Tree Sparrows</b> kept catching my eye and diverting my attention. I wandered
down towards the lake where a <b>Coal Tit</b>
called and a <b>Chinese Bulbul</b> sat at
the top of a willow. Then I heard the call of a <b>Common Cuckoo</b>. It was very unexpected and I really wanted to find
it, so went back up towards the entrance to follow the call. I was feeling very
pleased with myself after a distant look at the cuckoo at the top of a pine
tree when a second call and then a third came from across the lake.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GBOfLNrqJoE/U9BCK9Lb99I/AAAAAAAAK-c/dOXrccHkqOw/s1600/PEK+10Jul14+Common+Cuckoo+01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GBOfLNrqJoE/U9BCK9Lb99I/AAAAAAAAK-c/dOXrccHkqOw/s1600/PEK+10Jul14+Common+Cuckoo+01.tif" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Cuckoos became the focus of the day
after that and even a group of big cameras on the far side of the lake was
deferred until later.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uzf8Vj34kRw/U9BCKLTB9kI/AAAAAAAAK-Q/LxgtRgux5Hw/s1600/PEK+10Jul14+Common+Cuckoo+04.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uzf8Vj34kRw/U9BCKLTB9kI/AAAAAAAAK-Q/LxgtRgux5Hw/s1600/PEK+10Jul14+Common+Cuckoo+04.tif" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Perhaps there could have been as many as 15 Common
Cuckoos calling and chasing each other around. Certainly there were at least 10,
with 4 in sight at one time and others calling in the distance. It was a real
cuckoo fest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-joreY1Rtd6E/U9BDCzSnFRI/AAAAAAAAK_E/mVwmhCRjkeg/s1600/PEK+10Jul14+Common+Cuckoo+09.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-joreY1Rtd6E/U9BDCzSnFRI/AAAAAAAAK_E/mVwmhCRjkeg/s1600/PEK+10Jul14+Common+Cuckoo+09.tif" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Part of the lake is fringed with
reeds and large <b>Oriental Reed Warblers</b>
were found there. A rope guide keeps hired rowing boats from coming too close
to the reeds and <b>Black-crowned Night
Herons</b> used it as a roosting and hunting perch. The group of photographers
were taking pictures of the herons catching goldfish.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d5bpQNVtPGc/U9BCJV-RDRI/AAAAAAAAK-I/X6xJvPfiwuQ/s1600/PEK+10Jul14+Black-crowned+Night+Heron+01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d5bpQNVtPGc/U9BCJV-RDRI/AAAAAAAAK-I/X6xJvPfiwuQ/s1600/PEK+10Jul14+Black-crowned+Night+Heron+01.tif" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Google Earth does not give a good
impression of the park. I guess that the satellite passed over during the
winter. Most of the trees are leafless and the grass is brown. The margins of
the lake look clear from reeds or any bank-side vegetation. The reality in this
second week of July is a lush and leafy park, popular with the people, but not
too crowded on a Thursday morning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hAPszzf3Pak/U9BCLOVHyhI/AAAAAAAAK-k/HlIOgObhEpo/s1600/PEK+10Jul14+Olympic+Forest+Park+01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hAPszzf3Pak/U9BCLOVHyhI/AAAAAAAAK-k/HlIOgObhEpo/s1600/PEK+10Jul14+Olympic+Forest+Park+01.tif" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I was too taken with the cuckoos to venture
very far around the park, but my colleague completed his 10K run and tells me
that the northern part of the park has a more wild feel to it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Birds seen at Olympic Forest Park; 17<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Mallard 8, Little Grebe 4, Yellow
Bittern 4, Grey Heron 1, Great Egret 1, Striated Heron 1, Black-crowned Night
Heron 16, Eurasian Moorhen 4, Eurasian Collared Dove 1, Common Cuckoo 10,
Common Swift 25, Eurasian Magpie 15, Barn Swallow 30, Coal Tit 1, Light-vented
Bulbul 2, Oriental Reed Warbler 8, Eurasian Tree Sparrow 50.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sWIRba9yzx0/U9BCLh2lpTI/AAAAAAAAK-o/5eVaxa2Kqzc/s1600/PEK+10Jul14+Olympic+Forest+Park+map+01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sWIRba9yzx0/U9BCLh2lpTI/AAAAAAAAK-o/5eVaxa2Kqzc/s1600/PEK+10Jul14+Olympic+Forest+Park+map+01.tif" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Olympic Forest Park is 680
hectares in two blocks separated by a motorway, but joined by an ecological
corridor that bridges the road. It opens at 06.00 every morning and closes at
21.00 (please be out by 22.00) in the summer, an hour earlier (please be out by
21.00) in the winter. There is no entrance charge. There were restrooms and
refreshment stalls at the entrance close to the metro station. Metro Station is
Olympic Forest Park, South Entrance. Metro Fare is 2 Yuan.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FPXmOQqpEt8/U9BCKUgOGlI/AAAAAAAAK-U/oo2s6-IYDWo/s1600/PEK+10Jul14+Common+Cuckoo+05.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FPXmOQqpEt8/U9BCKUgOGlI/AAAAAAAAK-U/oo2s6-IYDWo/s1600/PEK+10Jul14+Common+Cuckoo+05.tif" /></a></div>
<br />
Visit the <a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/p/asia.html">dedicated Oriental page</a> for more posts from Beijing and China.<br />
<br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
Redgannethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17453869909278728690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7465222688340467790.post-83510363462479355522014-07-23T17:11:00.001+01:002014-07-23T17:11:13.099+01:00Long Island, New York, July 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This blog has slipped so far behind
that this entry refers to a time, way back, when England was still in
contention for the World Cup in Brazil. It was a Long Island JFK and Corey came
to pick me up from the hotel there. We headed out to the beach where a nesting
colony of <b>Black Skimmers</b>, <b>Common Terns</b> and <b>Piping Plovers</b> on <b>Nickerson
Beach</b> made for easy watching.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8V4xQKAEWFk/U8_dHZtv5aI/AAAAAAAAK9k/XzC6OhQCreo/s1600/JFK+03Jul14+Common+Tern+04.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8V4xQKAEWFk/U8_dHZtv5aI/AAAAAAAAK9k/XzC6OhQCreo/s1600/JFK+03Jul14+Common+Tern+04.tif" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The nesting area is on the beach side
of the dunes at Point Lookout. eBird is slightly cagey about the exact
positioning of the colony, so I will follow suit and be discrete. This begs the
question; why am I blogging about it? Redgannet is written to encourage people
out into the open by telling them where to go and what they might see when they
get there, so being a bit secretive goes against the grain. But look, I have
all these pictures and need to offload them somehow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gN5jO9AXoyE/U8_dHmzkrDI/AAAAAAAAK9c/n8_uQZY_59A/s1600/JFK+03Jul14+Common+Tern+06.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gN5jO9AXoyE/U8_dHmzkrDI/AAAAAAAAK9c/n8_uQZY_59A/s1600/JFK+03Jul14+Common+Tern+06.tif" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Some of the Common Terns were feeding
tiny chicks, while others were still sitting on eggs. Some inclement weather
the night before may have disrupted a few of the families and adult birds
called for chicks that did not reply. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yWh5kg4qyLI/U8_dG7T-nXI/AAAAAAAAK9M/YkT7RjRYvnE/s1600/JFK+03Jul14+Common+Tern+03.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yWh5kg4qyLI/U8_dG7T-nXI/AAAAAAAAK9M/YkT7RjRYvnE/s1600/JFK+03Jul14+Common+Tern+03.tif" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Hungry chicks, missing their own parents sought sustenance by any means. A displaced chick was chased off by an
adult protecting its own part of the beach.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8JaV1YUF26o/U8_dGpafBII/AAAAAAAAK9I/zYm0W_HyFjk/s1600/JFK+03Jul14+Common+Tern+02.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8JaV1YUF26o/U8_dGpafBII/AAAAAAAAK9I/zYm0W_HyFjk/s1600/JFK+03Jul14+Common+Tern+02.tif" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Skimmers were not as advanced.
They may have been on eggs further into the wispy beach grasses, but many roosted
on the beach, showing little or no interest in reproduction. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N0_XN7NrWu0/U8_dFtaTaHI/AAAAAAAAK94/7R6lHPlhN6g/s1600/JFK+03Jul14+Black+Skimmer+05.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N0_XN7NrWu0/U8_dFtaTaHI/AAAAAAAAK94/7R6lHPlhN6g/s1600/JFK+03Jul14+Black+Skimmer+05.tif" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A single Piping Plover flew up into
the dunes. Here, their nests have been protected by wildlife rangers who cover
them with a cage which allows the tiny plovers in and out but prevents Racoons from
stealing eggs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">American Oystercatcher</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> chicks were the furthest advanced and were almost as large
as their parents. They were actively feeding or staying hidden amongst clumps
of washed up seaweed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0JzjjbLBxOI/U8_dF8t3QlI/AAAAAAAAK84/w3ugFGisrdE/s1600/JFK+03Jul14+American+Oystercatcher+02.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0JzjjbLBxOI/U8_dF8t3QlI/AAAAAAAAK84/w3ugFGisrdE/s1600/JFK+03Jul14+American+Oystercatcher+02.tif" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The colony is in use from mid-April
when the oystercatchers and plovers begin to arrive. The terns and skimmers wait
for the warmer weather of May before they start to show.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WDuTfstLBLE/U8_dFp38xYI/AAAAAAAAK9E/ydwIYi3OwbM/s1600/JFK+03Jul14+Black+Skimmer+04.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WDuTfstLBLE/U8_dFp38xYI/AAAAAAAAK9E/ydwIYi3OwbM/s1600/JFK+03Jul14+Black+Skimmer+04.tif" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">From here we went on to Oceanside
Marine Nature Study Area. Corey was on a mission to find a life tick </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Saltmarsh Sparrow</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> for me. A boardwalk passes out
through saltmarsh that harboured a flushing </span><b style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Clapper Rail</b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> and a stalking </span><b style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Yellow-crowned
Night Heron</b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3cEBrn0kiho/U8_dJCExRhI/AAAAAAAAK9s/YdNpYvZs8lE/s1600/JFK+03Jul14+Yellow-crowned+Night+Heron+01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3cEBrn0kiho/U8_dJCExRhI/AAAAAAAAK9s/YdNpYvZs8lE/s1600/JFK+03Jul14+Yellow-crowned+Night+Heron+01.tif" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">At the top of the path a pair of <b>Osprey</b> was nesting on a platform. As
one bird watched the nest, the partner had been out fishing and came in with its
catch as we approached. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FkBk1e2RFQ8/U8_dH40b6zI/AAAAAAAAK9Q/RSPMiw7Kzac/s1600/JFK+03Jul14+Osprey+01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FkBk1e2RFQ8/U8_dH40b6zI/AAAAAAAAK9Q/RSPMiw7Kzac/s1600/JFK+03Jul14+Osprey+01.tif" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Fleeting shapes in the grass
eventually materialised into a <b><span style="color: red;">Saltmarsh
Sparrow</span></b> as one popped up to be ticked. A subsequent bird sat long enough to
get a record.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p0ay0yRqje0/U8_dIwrWIyI/AAAAAAAAK9o/eywTURFfOpk/s1600/JFK+03Jul14+Saltmarsh+Sparrow+01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p0ay0yRqje0/U8_dIwrWIyI/AAAAAAAAK9o/eywTURFfOpk/s1600/JFK+03Jul14+Saltmarsh+Sparrow+01.tif" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Visit the <a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/p/usa-and-canada.html">dedicated USA and Canada page</a> for more posts from New York. . <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Redgannethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17453869909278728690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7465222688340467790.post-9915248908190609282014-06-28T23:17:00.000+01:002014-07-12T14:27:42.774+01:00Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary, Houston, June 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I was caught on the back foot today
when we rolled up outside an unfamiliar hotel on the edge of a freeway in
Houston. First things first, I had to find my bearings and then decide where I
could reach on a bike when the temperature was pushing 95F. I had hoped to
visit <b>Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary</b>,
but my new starting point added 15kms to the round trip, so I saved myself ‘til
the morning when the temperature would hopefully be more tolerable for a
cyclist.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I arrived at 07.15, shortly after the
timed gate self-opened. There is a feeder area around the log cabin and <b>Blue Jays</b> filled the top slot, bullying
<b>Northern Cardinals</b>, <b>House Finches</b> and <b>Red-bellied Woodpeckers</b> from the hanging containers. The path leads
to a small pond that serves as a dipping experience for children later in the
day. A small <b>Broad-banded Water Snake </b>crossed
the pool faster than I could unship my camera. The humidity would have spoiled
the shot anyway, it was horrible today and my glasses continually fogged up if
I stood still for too long.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aXlyo7nH-u4/U6yaazEDgJI/AAAAAAAAK8Q/HnZTCXcGAGs/s1600/IAH+24Jun14+Northern+Cardinal+01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aXlyo7nH-u4/U6yaazEDgJI/AAAAAAAAK8Q/HnZTCXcGAGs/s1600/IAH+24Jun14+Northern+Cardinal+01.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A bridge crosses a tributary of
Buffalo Bayou and gives access to the east side of the reserve.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Northern Cardinals, <b>Carolina Wrens</b> and <b>Blue Jays</b> provided most of the bird song today. <b>Carolina Chickadees</b> gave their quick “<i>Chicka – dee,dee,dee,dee,dee,dee,dee” </i>and a
coarse-sounding “<i>Kreeeep” </i>made me
look up to see a <b>Great Crested
Flycatcher</b>.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rLpzoM9tXjg/U6yaZJgeBjI/AAAAAAAAK74/2wYxTmxZqNI/s1600/IAH+24Jun14+Great+Crested+Flycatcher+01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rLpzoM9tXjg/U6yaZJgeBjI/AAAAAAAAK74/2wYxTmxZqNI/s1600/IAH+24Jun14+Great+Crested+Flycatcher+01.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The sanctuary is a mixed woodland,
predominantly Loblolly Pine, but there are plenty of leafy oaks. A <b>Great Horned Owl</b> flushed from an oak
beside the path ahead of me and I was able to follow it by listening for the
frantic mobbing of the <b>American Robins</b> and Blue Jays.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IafQTm_W0pQ/U6yaaTBJ6uI/AAAAAAAAK8I/2jc_rhu0RwE/s1600/IAH+24Jun14+Great+Horned+Owl+01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IafQTm_W0pQ/U6yaaTBJ6uI/AAAAAAAAK8I/2jc_rhu0RwE/s1600/IAH+24Jun14+Great+Horned+Owl+01.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It had landed in full view in one of
the oaks and its eyes were wide open. Whilst this makes for a good picture, I
have come to realise that this is an indication of <a href="https://draft.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_1389828497"></span>an owl under stres<span id="goog_1389828498"></span></a>s, so I
took the picture and moved on. I found the owl again (I assume it was the same
one) a little later and the Blue Jays were still mobbing it. Despite being harassed
by the birds, it saved most of its attention for me. I was 40 meters away and it
was 10 meters up, so it obviously didn’t like people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The protected area is only 17.5
acres, so it didn’t take too long to complete the paths and return to the log
cabin which was now playing host to a couple of groups of school children.
Dipping nets and plastic dishes had been positioned near to the small pond and
I took a quick look before the classes arrived and disturbed the water. I was
pleased to find another small snake and a few moments later, a third. The light
was too poor to get a decent shot even though the snake (number 2) moved quite
slowly and despite high ISO and wide aperture settings.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Birds seen;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Broad-winged Hawk (en-route) 1,
White-winged Dove 2, Mourning Dove 2, Great Horned Owl 1, Chimney Swift 3,
Red-bellied Woodpecker 3, Downy Woodpecker 1, Great Crested Flycatcher 2, Blue
Jay 12, American Crow 1, Carolina Chickadee 3, Tufted Titmouse 1, Carolina Wren
5, American Robin 6, Northern Mockingbird 2, European Starling 1, Northern
Cardinal 15, Great-tailed Grackle 3, House Finch 2, House Sparrow 2.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-diBJx1dg4hw/U6yaZPKgY4I/AAAAAAAAK8A/ybnKk2Z2FwU/s1600/IAH+24Jun14+Bull+Frog+01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-diBJx1dg4hw/U6yaZPKgY4I/AAAAAAAAK8A/ybnKk2Z2FwU/s1600/IAH+24Jun14+Bull+Frog+01.tif" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Terry Hershey Hike and Bike Trail</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> is very close by and I took a few moments to see if I could
find a <a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/terry-hershey-bike-and-hike-trail.html">Mississippi Kite</a>. They can be seen hunting over the meadows here for
dragonflies that chase above Buffalo Bayou. Instead I found a bird that I am
more accustomed to finding on the other side of the Atlantic. <b>Cattle Egrets</b>
were stalking the rough grass along the trail.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Jt7uxHUh2I/U6yaZN1fBkI/AAAAAAAAK70/Z4W5oEUECUA/s1600/IAH+24Jun14+Cattle+Egret+01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Jt7uxHUh2I/U6yaZN1fBkI/AAAAAAAAK70/Z4W5oEUECUA/s1600/IAH+24Jun14+Cattle+Egret+01.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Birds seen; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Great Blue Heron 1, Cattle Egret 15,
White Ibis 2, Turkey Vulture 1, Mississippi Kite 1, Chimney Swift 4, Blue Jay
3, Barn Swallow 5, American Robin 2, Northern Mockingbird 5, Great-tailed
Grackle 4.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">For a couple of Terry Hershey posts,
follow the links below;<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/terry-hershey-houston-jan-2013.html">http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/terry-hershey-houston-jan-2013.html</a></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/terry-hershey-bike-and-hike-trail.html">http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/terry-hershey-bike-and-hike-trail.html</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary is open from 07.00
until 17.00 with electronically timed gates. There is no charge for entry and
it houses the <b>Houston Audobon Headquarters</b>. The property and the log cabin were
left to the society by Edith to protect it from development.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The ride along Memorial Drive was
very pleasant, passing some high end real-estate on an easily navigable route.
It took 45 minutes to ride the 14kms on a flat road with light traffic and
plenty of overtaking space for passing vehicles. Stay on Memorial, head west
and cross Sam Houston Tollway (Texas Beltway 8). Take the first left,
Wilchester Blvd, after crossing the freeway and the sanctuary is signposted. It
can be seen at Google Earth ref; 29 46 17.22N 95 34 14.28W.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Memorial Drive is unusual in that it
does not describe a straight line, but meanders through the leafy suburbs. Bus
70 <a href="http://schedule-bus.com/bus-houston/199/70">($1.25 per ride, It runs twice an hour during morning and afternoon peak,but only once an hour through the late morning and early afternoon)</a> plies the
route and will accept a bike on the front rack. Leave the bus at Gessner, 3kms
before the sanctuary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Visit the <a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/p/usa-and-canada.html">dedicated USA and Canada page</a> for more posts from Houston.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Birding, Birdwatching, Houston, Texas.</div>
Redgannethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17453869909278728690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7465222688340467790.post-28243661399547498952014-06-26T23:26:00.000+01:002014-06-26T23:26:00.252+01:00Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore, June 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It is hard to resist the lure of <b>Singapore’s
Botanic Gardens</b> and in particular the Heliconia Walk. I am supposed to be
exploring pastures new, but it’s hot and the gardens are cool. Why make life
difficult?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1JcxShgujfQ/U6Ngp_SOE0I/AAAAAAAAK68/QAJY1ozENsA/s1600/SIN+19Jun14+Olive-backed+Sunbird+12.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1JcxShgujfQ/U6Ngp_SOE0I/AAAAAAAAK68/QAJY1ozENsA/s1600/SIN+19Jun14+Olive-backed+Sunbird+12.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Metro station is just outside the
gate at Google Earth ref; 1 19 19.22N 103 48 55.20E. From here, the gardens
open out into the Ecopond area. <b>Javan Mynas</b> and <b>Asian Glossy Starlings</b> were
seen immediately with a small group of <b>Oriental White-eye </b>shortly after passing
through the gate.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wfHmIx4jkyg/U6Ngr--21tI/AAAAAAAAK7k/u_vB92GHf_Q/s1600/SIN+19Jun14+Singapore+Botanic+Gardens+01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wfHmIx4jkyg/U6Ngr--21tI/AAAAAAAAK7k/u_vB92GHf_Q/s1600/SIN+19Jun14+Singapore+Botanic+Gardens+01.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A park worker was walking through the
shallows of the ecopond which may have spoiled my chances of rails or Yellow
Bitterns, but the <b>Lesser Whistling Ducks</b> still made good subjects. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DSoaKV5sdig/U6NgosQHRuI/AAAAAAAAK64/wgKRiTtV1zI/s1600/SIN+19Jun14+Lesser+Whistling-Duck+04.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DSoaKV5sdig/U6NgosQHRuI/AAAAAAAAK64/wgKRiTtV1zI/s1600/SIN+19Jun14+Lesser+Whistling-Duck+04.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In the
spirit of exploration, I took a path less travelled and found myself looking
over a tiny pond with mosquito fish in the open water and a <b>White-breasted
Waterhen</b> skulking around the edges keeping an eye on her chick.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JMtAN8ycNmA/U6NgsYBz_9I/AAAAAAAAK7o/ArgjoASrJSU/s1600/SIN+19Jun14+White-breasted+Waterhen+01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JMtAN8ycNmA/U6NgsYBz_9I/AAAAAAAAK7o/ArgjoASrJSU/s1600/SIN+19Jun14+White-breasted+Waterhen+01.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Heliconia Walk was as delightful as
ever. For a little while the sun stubbornly refused to cast any light on them,
but the <b>Olive-backed Sunbirds</b> didn’t seem to mind. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--ATLD0bxiro/U6NgolNaczI/AAAAAAAAK60/c_YVSdOpDbE/s1600/SIN+19Jun14+Olive-backed+Sunbird+07.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--ATLD0bxiro/U6NgolNaczI/AAAAAAAAK60/c_YVSdOpDbE/s1600/SIN+19Jun14+Olive-backed+Sunbird+07.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Once the sun cleared the
trees though, it became too hot to stand still and my glasses steamed up for
lack of a breeze.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w6hDgGrnjBA/U6Ngr3tBHDI/AAAAAAAAK7c/VT-Xm2cMjtE/s1600/SIN+19Jun14+Water+Monitor+01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w6hDgGrnjBA/U6Ngr3tBHDI/AAAAAAAAK7c/VT-Xm2cMjtE/s1600/SIN+19Jun14+Water+Monitor+01.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">No bitterns could be found in the
Symphony Lake either, but a large <b>Water Monitor Lizard</b> was on the prowl for
something to eat.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DOHwyszmVm0/U6NgqLYigUI/AAAAAAAAK7Q/OVzVJG1QqSI/s1600/SIN+19Jun14+Plain-throated+Sunbird+02.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DOHwyszmVm0/U6NgqLYigUI/AAAAAAAAK7Q/OVzVJG1QqSI/s1600/SIN+19Jun14+Plain-throated+Sunbird+02.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The remnant forest and the Ginger
garden were similarly quiet as the day became unbearably hot. A<b> Plain-throated
Sunbird</b> came to feed at a Cannia Lily near Swan Lake, but I had to call it a
day after that. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7KMOLcFF_Ng/U6NgqUGur3I/AAAAAAAAK7M/rDPsznqqVGg/s1600/SIN+19Jun14+Red+Junglefowl+01.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7KMOLcFF_Ng/U6NgqUGur3I/AAAAAAAAK7M/rDPsznqqVGg/s1600/SIN+19Jun14+Red+Junglefowl+01.tif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">On the way home a fine looking <b>Red
Junglefowl</b> crossed the lawn ahead and an <b>Ashy Tailorbird </b>responded to a
half-hearted “pish”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H6s9izn2YEI/U6NgogobOvI/AAAAAAAAK6w/bNHSqRgT_I4/s1600/SIN+19Jun14+Ashy+Tailorbird+05.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H6s9izn2YEI/U6NgogobOvI/AAAAAAAAK6w/bNHSqRgT_I4/s1600/SIN+19Jun14+Ashy+Tailorbird+05.tif" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Bird list for Singapore Botanic Gardens;
22<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Lesser Whistling-Duck 18, Red
Junglefowl 4, White-breasted Waterhen 5, Spotted Dove 8, Pink-necked Pigeon 15,
Blue-crowned Hanging-Parrot 1, Germain’s Swiftlet 30, Common Flameback 2,
Common Iora 1, Black-naped Oriole 2, Pacific Swallow 5, Yellow-vented Bulbul
15, Dark-necked Tailorbird 2, Ashy Tailorbird 3, Oriental White-eye 5, Oriental
Magpie Robin 5, Asian Glossy Starling 60, Common Hill Myna 5, Javan Myna 80,
Plain-throated Sunbird 2, Olive-backed Sunbird 8, Eurasian Tree Swallow 6.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The park has two main access points.
The gate at the northwest corner is served by the Botanic Garden Metro Station
and buses 7 and 77 pass the gate in the southeast on their way to and from Somerset.
Gates open from dawn to dusk and there is no charge for admission.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">For previous posts from Singapore
Botanic Gardens, follow the links below;<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2009/12/singapore-botanical-gardens.html">http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2009/12/singapore-botanical-gardens.html</a></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2010/07/singapore-botanical-gardens-paser-ris.html">http://redgannet.blogspot.com/2010/07/singapore-botanical-gardens-paser-ris.html</a></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><a href="http://redgannetsdragonflies.blogspot.com/2009/12/singapore-botanic-gardens.html">http://redgannetsdragonflies.blogspot.com/2009/12/singapore-botanic-gardens.html</a></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/botanic-gardens-in-singapore-june-2012.html">http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/botanic-gardens-in-singapore-june-2012.html</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/singapore-botanic-gardens-singapore.html">http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/singapore-botanic-gardens-singapore.html</a></div>
<a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/singapore-botanic-gardens-singapore-may.html">http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/singapore-botanic-gardens-singapore-may.html</a><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Visit the <a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/p/asia.html">dedicated Asia page</a> for
more posts from Singapore, including; <a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/day-of-days-at-paser-ris-singapore.html">Paser Ris</a>, <a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/sungei-buloh-singapore-may-2013.html">Sungei Buloh</a> and <a href="http://redgannet.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/fort-canning-park-singapore-march-2014.html">Fort Canning.</a><o:p></o:p></span><br />
Birding, Birdwatching in Singapore</div>
</div>
Redgannethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17453869909278728690noreply@blogger.com0