The much anticipated(at least for me!) bird walk at Two Ponds NWR was excellent! We had a turn out of around 30 people and spent an hour birding the refuge. Once again I took my group along the Loop 2 trail and my dad the Loop 1. It was a beautiful day for birding. The weather was nice, in the 40's, the sun was out and there was no wind. We had a wonderful time viewing birds and were able to get some nice close-up views of a
Say's Phoebe and a pair of
American Kestrels. We were also treated to the sight of a group of three
Blue Jays harassing a
Cooper's Hawk in a tree. In the end, the Jays gave up their harassment and left the
Cooper's Hawk in peace, at least until a
Black-billed Magpie chased it off a few minutes later. Gotta love
Corvids. Red-winged Blackbirds were out en force, filling the air with their "
honk-a-ree" call and many other sounds they make. My dad's group was able to spot a
White Crowned Sparrow, a good bird to see at the refuge. In total, 28 bird species were seen or heard at the refuge. A few people were able to see some
Bushtits that have been at the refuge. My dad and I were also able to see a male
Wood Duck when we first got to the refuge, but he flew off before the walk started.
A squirrel to greet us.
Apple blossoms were everywhere!
The refuge in the morning.
The male Wood Duck.
Closer shot.
A Great Blue Heron. There were two that were perched in the top of two trees. Always a strange sight.
The Say's Phoebe. We were able to get wonderful close-up views and listen to it calling.
Lower right hand corner. Off to get a bug!
The Say's Phoebe on the left, and Red-winged Blackbird on the right.
Most of our group that went on the bird walk. Thank you all for coming and making this a great time!
