Four Beauties

It has been ages since my last post. You would think now that I’m one quarter retired, I’d find more time for things like posting, but somehow the time gets away.

This is another “Quick Post” with four pictures and just a bit of text.

Spring (proper) has finally arrived at the pond. Going back through the last month’s pictures, it’s amazing to see the change from leafless branches to green.

From back in March, here’s a male Ruby-crowned Kinglet. It has been more than a week since I last saw or heard one, so I think they’re on their way north now.

Two of my favorite summertime birds at the pond are the Great Crested Flycatchers and Eastern Kingbirds. Usually both are difficult to photograph, because they’re often found in the tops of the tallest trees. Last week they both appeared well within photographing range on just about the same branch, one right after the other.

I like the Great Crested Flycatchers because of their distinctive police whistle call, along with their sharp ascending call. Both calls mark the arrival of summer. I also think the color of their bellies is one of the most pleasing colors I know.

Eastern Kingbirds stand out because of the white band across the end of their tail. They’re some of the most aggressive birds I know. I’ve seen them chase hawks and crows away with no fear at all.

In past summers, I’ve encountered Spotted Sandpipers around the pond and in the settling pond behind the Seagroves townhouses. Last week I got a surprise to encounter a Solitary Sandpiper, in its breeding plumage, at the settling pond. I saw a pair of sandpipers flying today, but didn’t get a close enough look at them to get an identification.

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