“People often ask me how it is that I seem to be so much at peace. There is a primary reason — and it is available to all who wish to have it. Here’s a simple prerequisite to attaining peace at that level. I invite you to observe the beasts, birds and fish and let them teach you. Let this be a daily routine and life, as you know it, will never be the same.”
– Eddie Bo

Monday, September 14, 2015

Day 257 - Andree Clark Bird Refuge

This morning I had time for a brief excursion so I met up with George Roland and we explored the very odorous Andree Clark Bird Refuge.  I was not expecting to find any new species today, and I was not disappointed in that regard.  But with migration at hand, anything could appear anytime!

There was a good but not overwhelming variety of birds to be found.  We noticed a jump in the numbers of American Coots and Eared Grebes - recently arrived migrants.  The most unusual birds we found were a pair of White-faced Ibis.

There were a number of interesting ducks loafing around for our inspection.  These eclipse plumages can be very challenging for me.  George provided insight into differentiating between the male and female Northern Shovelers.  We were able to get comfortable with ID on all but one or two of the ducks, which we left at Teal (Blue-winged or Cinnamon).

Another pleasant morning outing.

Some photos from today:

Blue-winged Teal

Northern Pintail

White-faced Ibis, with Northern Shovelers and Coots
(and one Teal)

The saddest specimen of a Long-tailed Grackle I have ever seen.

UPDATE:  As Wim Van Dam has pointed out in the comments, this Grackle has leg bands.  It was Banded By researcher Corina Logan in September of 2104, and was named Michelada.

After today the year's total still stands at 244. 

Today I rode a total of 12.3 miles

More later,
Glenn
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2 comments:

  1. Wim van DamSeptember 14, 2015 at 9:19 PM

    Say, isn't that Long-tailed Grackle color banded?

    See here for more on these birds and where to report them:
    https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/sbcobirding/conversations/messages/22252

    Wim

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. GnTnZSeptember 15, 2015 at 6:45 AM

      Thanks for the heads up Wim, post has been updated to include banding info!
      Glenn

      Delete

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