August 15, 2008 [LINK / comment]
More early fall migrants
After the welcome rain shower yesterday afternoon, the air was pleasant and mild, so we went for our customary walk along Bell's Lane. Sure enough, even more migrant birds (#) were seen:
- Ruby-throated hummingbirds
- Goldfinches
- Baltimore orioles (F/J)
- Cedar waxings
- Least flycatcher #
- Blue-gray gnatcatcher #
- Indigo bunting (M)
"After further reflection," it's possible that the bird which I had previously identified as a Blackpoll warbler was probably just one of the female or juvenile orioles.
Farm pond surprise
On my way to a political event late this afternoon, I caught a glimpse of a Green Heron next to a farm pond right by the road. Since I had my camera with me, I stopped for a photo op, and to my surprise quickly spotted two much bigger wading birds on the opposite bank. It's not often that you see these two species so close to each other:
Great Blue Heron and Great Egret (a migrant) on a pond northwest of Waynesboro.
Also seen: two huge turtles thrashing about (mating?), a noisy Killdeer, and a Kingbird further down the road. After a second rainy day, birds such as Robins and warblers that depend on worms and insects are getting much more nourishment. I think the farmers and gardeners around here can breathe a sigh of relief as well.