There are signs I’m shaking off my torpor and am preparing for spring. I’ve been out a few times, let’s see what I’ve found.
First, the signs that spring is indeed here. The Middletons returned last week and the Westons showed up yesterday. Bluebirds have been checking out the box on the deck – and so far, the camera is working again. The song sparrow that summers in the azalea near the deck has returned. He’s been sitting on the deck railing calling out to declare that the lands between the driveways and from the road to the trees are his territory and beware all who enter. Ducks and turtles are out already. And our road is turning to mud.
I made several trips to the coast looking for birds, with some success.
On my first trip I spotted a familiar face swimming in the Hampton Harbor Inlet. I asked about his plans for the summer. He was a bit vague, but the plans included finding a nice pond with a cute lady loon and fish. Lots of fish.
There were a few snowy owls still around. Here’s one sunning on the dunes by the beach.
It was a pleasant day and our owl nodded off for a bit.
Before waking to laugh at the photographers.
Not far from the beach was a road with not one, but two screech owls. Here’s a red morph snoozing in his nest hole.
And his neighbor, a grey morph napping in the limited sun, confident he was well camouflaged.
Parker River had a few coots out and about. I was unable to determine their age.
And here’s a fellow I’ve been looking for since being sent on my first snipe hunt as a Tenderfoot back a few years ago. This is Wilson’s snipe.
The killdeer were out and about. They get their name from their call, they’re no threat to deer.
There was a small number of swans at Parker River, none very cooperative with photographers.
The highlight of my trips to the coast was finding this long-eared owl. He lives in a small clump of trees in a public area. I sat and watched the trees for over 40 hours, hoping he’d show himself. Photographers kept stopping by and showing me pix of him sitting fully in the open – in sunlight. He didn’t cooperate for me and this was the clearest shot I could get of him, hidden back in the brush.
Last week, I made it down to southern Vermont where spring had been fully installed. Peepers were peeping and turtles basking confirmed it. I found a pair of ducks foraging before stopping to take a bath.
Mrs. was graceful with her bathing.
Mr. not so much….
Then they were back at work, there are ducklings to be made.
A friend helped me find another screech owl. I spent a few hours sitting staring at a hole in the tree before the little guy put in an appearance.
The kayak is out of the basement, the roof rack is on the car. As soon as we get a decent morning, I’ll be out visiting with the loons.
I’m also looking for mammals. Anyone have bobcats, foxes or coyotes kits around? I’m always on the lookout for any mammal larger than a squirrel. Also looking for owl and woodpecker nests. If you’ve got critters where I can come and go without bothering you or them, I’d love a chance to photograph them.
What a treat this was! The photos and the delightful and informative commentary.
Vermont Spring illustrated 🥳
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks, great shots of spring awakening
Thank you!
Wow, Ian, another delightful array of photos. Breathtaking and just what I needed. Thank you.
Thanks!
Enjoyed this and will keep an eye out for local critters! Thank you.
Thank you!
It is wonderful to have you back. Great photographs.