So, with much self-deprecation, I headed back to the west side of town after work. I got the equipment and resigned myself to some local park birding. I wish I could say there was some special sighting, some serendipitous occurrence whereby I was left thinking, "Wow! What great luck that I forgot my stuff earlier and was forced to come here, otherwise I never would have seen this interesting and beautiful rare bird (yes, that IS how I talk to myself)."
Encanto has been a great local patch, and does produce its share of surprises from time to time, including a Lewis's Woodpecker and Townsend's Warblers. But today was just a normal day, and there were just normal birds (life can be so so hard for birders). Now, I know I promised last week that I'd be one and done with duckling photos, but promises mean nothing to the birds! Encanto was overflowing with ducklings. I counted over 8 distinct Mallard families, each with 6 or more ducklings.
The Ducks weren't the only ones with young out and about. The Lovebird population at Encanto has always been pretty loud and large. Their numbers and noises were swelled by the numerous adolescents. The young Lovebirds have much less red on their face, have much darker coloration on their beaks, and they're noticeably smaller.
There were also some young Neotropic Cormorants hanging around. They were more petite than their older counterparts, and a little less shy. I'm assuming they're Neotropics from all of the brown, though to me the beaks actually look more Double-Crested. Any ideas?
This young un' looked to have a soggy diaper...
Birding at Encanto wasn't the original plan, but it was a nice evening. Their were lots of young birds and the weather dropped into the 70s for the first time this week. It's always good to have a Plan B.
That Love Bird image is wonderful Laurence!Love the duckings & Cormorants too!
ReplyDeleteThank you Mia. It's always nice to come away with something.
DeleteGotta love the Love Bird!
ReplyDeleteIt's compulsory!
DeleteOh yeah, I reckon both are Neotropics, that first one is a bit tricky though! Very angled gape, no yellow above the lores though.
ReplyDeleteI believe you're quite right. It takes a Seagull to know a Cormorant. Both of them were just straight up too small to be Double-Crested too. Thanks for the confirmation. When do we get to see the Snowy Plover photos?
DeleteI've done the same thing. And you seem to have a better attitude about it. One time I drove 2 hours....got to the place....discovered I forgot my memory card....realized there were any memory cards for miles around....and what a major disappointment:( But Plan B's are always great. That lovebird shot is wonderful. I hope to find these little guys up in Phoenix at some point. Would love to catch them in flight. Have a good Friday.
ReplyDeleteYikes Chris! That is a terrible tragedy. I've definitely left my battery still plugged into the wall charging a few times...but 2 hours! I would've invented some new expletives of the spot.
DeleteThe Lovebird population is continuing to boom. Next time you're in Phoenix I'm sure you'll be in luck, and I can point out several great locations. Photographing them in flight is pretty tricky; they move very fast.
Hope you have some great birding this weekend.
More adorable ducklings, great photo of them:) Love the soggy diaper comment, that is so funny, and true!
ReplyDeleteThanks Tammy. I've noticed the diapers on lots of geese and ducks too, mostly the domesticated species around the ponds. I wonder if it helps them with buoyancy? At any rate it's looks better when it's under-water/out of sight.
ReplyDeleteSoggy fowl diapers - you crack me up!
ReplyDeleteCheers Lauren. Hoping you're fitting in some birding up in Maine.
DeleteI always get a few good chuckles, too! I often have to return to read the replies to the comments!! Don't want to miss anything!
ReplyDeleteHa! Thanks Karen. I'm glad they're good chuckles, bad chuckles are the worst!
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