July 22, 2007 [LINK / comment]

Mild day at Augusta Springs

I spent much of the day hiking around the Augusta Springs wetlands and nearby trails, joined by Bill Funk, who has worked on various conservation programs in this area. The temperature was surprisingly mild, and the insects were few in number as well. We didn't see any particularly spectacular birds, but I did get a fairly decent shot of this Great Blue Heron. There were at least three Green herons as well. Also, Bill pointed out a Snapping turtle in one of the ponds, along with a Painted turtle. Today's highlights:

• Meadowlark
• Indigo buntings
• Red-eyed vireos
• Louisiana waterthrush
• Goldfinches
• Red-shouldered hawk
• Great Blue Heron
• Green herons (3)
• Black vulture
• Cedar waxwings
• Scarlet tanager (F)
• Black and white warbler (J)
• Blue-gray gnatcatcher
• Downy woodpecker (F)
• Wood ducks (F, J)

Near the end of our hike, I spotted this huge fungus, nearly 12 inches across, which I believe is a "Chicken mushroom":