Sheldon's Follies Autumn 2010

If you would like to view the previous thread here is the link http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1115679/

Well I,m a couple days early starting the fall thread but thought Id start it now. With the migrating birds arriving daily...I want to be at the marsh whenever I can...unfortunately I cannot be there in the evening (work) when all the birds get really active...my trips I take before work average an about 1hr and at that time the Warblers are really quiet and not showing themselves...an occasional Blackpoll is usually all I'll see, so the weekend will be best for Warblers when I can get there when their active.
Did get some photo's today of some other birds.
Tufted Titmouse...this photo is a little dark but I really liked it.

Trying to mock the White-throated Sparrow's little peeps I was able to get one to peek out. lol

Here I have a larger set of a Great Blue Heron who decided he was not having fish again for lunch.

He was about 50ft away at first...but then starting walking in my direction in a faster pace than the norm.

Spotted something...

then Bamm!! he had grabbed a Garter Snake and flew back to his original spot..

the snake was grabbed right behind the head like it should be...not bad for having only one eye.

Nice catch! At this point he was just squeezing its neck trying to kill it...

last shot..didn't stick around for the finish, went looking for Warbler's. lol Till next time.

Well can't believe I finally was able to get back to the marsh...seemed like forever between the weather and other things that kept me from getting there. I am marking this week in my field guide for future reference as today I seen many many birds. I had to fight the light today but plenty of sunshine is on the way and the marsh has completely filled with water again.
Here are a few shots from today.

Myrtle Warbler... the most common sight today.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Black-throated Blue Warbler...the lighting does get better eventually....

seen Hermit Thrushes

Northern Flickers were all over the place...

Not only did I see the White-crowned and White-throated Sparrow's but some Dark-eyed Juncos were present also.

there are quite a few Golden-crowned Kinglet's near the beach boardwalk.

ahhh some good light finally...Black-throated Green Warbler

a close-up of the B-tGW...

a female Cape May Warbler..

was very close to this Great Blue Heron...

very close..lol

last shot for today....till next time.

Wonderful shots Burd! Love the Heron and Warblers!

Wow, what a beautiful variety of pretty birds. I'd say you were enjoying yourself as you clicked away with the camera. Great job on each one.

Wonderful thread, Burd. You sure do have the art of capturing small birds. Your Warbler, Thrush and Kinglet shots are brilliant.

I missed the start of this somehow!!

The first GBH series of photos with the snake are so cool!

Beautiful Hermit Thrush shot...Looked like it posed just for you! I haven't seen any yet but have been looking. More robins are flocking up here right now.

I love seeing all your warblers too of course!

The lack of bad weather seems to have migration on the fast track this year here. Birds are not staying around long or so it it seems anyway.

Thanks all!! Heading back to the marsh tomorrow...its the right time for folks south of me to keep their eyes open. I,m seeing more birds than last year at this time and expect everyone south will see more also within the next 10 days or so. Ive been keeping track of things at Sheldon's, since I know of no one else who is monitoring the migration of the warblers etc.

I know a woman up in Michigan who has had loads of warblers passing thru the last few days. She also reported lots of White-crowned Sparrows moving thru. So the birds are on the move big time now!

Can't wait to see what you get today!

Well I did visit the marsh on the 6th but it was one of those days and only had minimal production. However today's visit produced quite a large variety of birds. May have ended up with some new birds in the process. Will be throwing those over on the Id forum for confirmations. Lots of shots gang so here we go. Start off with a couple shots of the Myrtle Warbler aka (Butterbutt).

Every where you look there are Myrtle Warbler's...lots of them.

A male Downy Woodpecker

A little closer...

An American Robin

A Northern Cardinal

A Red-bellied Woodpecker

A European Starling

A White-throated Sparrow

A White-crowned Sparrow

American Tree Sparrow's are back from the edge of the Arctic tundra.

a more classic look of the American Tree Sparrow...