Eastern Towhees and the Killdeer show
June 27th, 2017
In the early morning of the 7th the Burnt Lands were alive with the sound of towhees. From one spot I could hear three males singing! I'm accustomed to seeing these handsome, red-eyed sparrows only at Carp Ridge. It seems Burnt Lands may be an even better place to find them.
The nearest male tolerated me close enough for some pictures.
In previous recent outings to this park, I searched in vain for adorable Killdeer chicks. It was obvious Killdeer bred in the park--they were all over the open alvar and got agitated when I approached, scolding and doing broken-wing and fake-nest displays. But I couldn't find any chicks. This time I found out why: the Killdeer chicks were already Killdeer teenagers! At a glance they looked just like their parents. It took a closer view to reveal the subtle marks of immaturity: scruffy plumage, eyes a little paler and less colorful. This one didn't seem able to fly just yet.
Mom or dad trying to draw me off:
"This is totally my nest."
"Did I say that was my nest? No, this is my nest. Yep, tasty killdeer eggs right this way."
"Is she still there?"
Some sort of crane fly, I think.
Hard to resist the columbine, even if I have already posted three photos of it this spring :-)
June 27th, 2017
In the early morning of the 7th the Burnt Lands were alive with the sound of towhees. From one spot I could hear three males singing! I'm accustomed to seeing these handsome, red-eyed sparrows only at Carp Ridge. It seems Burnt Lands may be an even better place to find them.
The nearest male tolerated me close enough for some pictures.
In previous recent outings to this park, I searched in vain for adorable Killdeer chicks. It was obvious Killdeer bred in the park--they were all over the open alvar and got agitated when I approached, scolding and doing broken-wing and fake-nest displays. But I couldn't find any chicks. This time I found out why: the Killdeer chicks were already Killdeer teenagers! At a glance they looked just like their parents. It took a closer view to reveal the subtle marks of immaturity: scruffy plumage, eyes a little paler and less colorful. This one didn't seem able to fly just yet.
Mom or dad trying to draw me off:
"This is totally my nest."
"Did I say that was my nest? No, this is my nest. Yep, tasty killdeer eggs right this way."
"Is she still there?"
Some sort of crane fly, I think.
Hard to resist the columbine, even if I have already posted three photos of it this spring :-)
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Mustang Sallie
June 27th, 2017 at 8:20 pm
You are sooo funny!
Mike
June 28th, 2017 at 7:21 am
Love the colors on the Towhees, the first shot is very painting-like.
I think one of the things that make Killdeer so en"deer"ing is the way they always seem to have a slightly worried expression.
The cranefly is an interesting catch.
Columbine in a patch of sunlight is always worth a look!
The Afternoon Birder
June 28th, 2017 at 11:04 am
Looks like you got some nice Towhee views as well! I've never been to Burnt Lands, but it's on my list to visit :)
Suzanne
June 28th, 2017 at 7:39 pm
Thanks, Laura. I went in at March and Golden Line, and there was a singing towhee not far down the dirt road. He sure was easier to see than the towhees at Carp Ridge!