Friday, April 30, 2010

It's not JUST about the flowers

So I'm learning quickly that Flora-Quest isn't just about the flowers. For example, who knew that I would get to hear AND see a Chuck Will's Widow while I was here?! Life bird boogie, anyone? Yes, thank you! There was some speculation that such a thing COULD happen, but no one was placing any bets on them being here.

Blue Grosbeak is also being hoped for, but none yet that we've seen. Right before the Chuck Will's we were treated to some Henslow's Sparrows in an open grassy field. This is a bird I was introduced to last year while birding by ear at the Wilds, but it was certainly cool to see it again.



Searching for Henslow's Sparrow.

The great thing about coming to events like that is that there are so many interests that overlap (botany, birding, butterflies/moths/other bugs), so you're guaranteed to learn about more than just the topic at hand.

Oh, and a Bobcat ran in front of our van as we were driving up to the lodge parking lot. How cool is that?  Things are looking up already, and it's only Friday night!

P.S.  The Chuck Will's sighting inspired a quickly cobbled together poem.  You can read it over at Writing on the Page if you are so inclined.

4 comments:

Monika said...

Congrats on the fantastic bird and mammal sightings, how cool!

KaHolly said...

Sounds like lots of fun!! Love your picture of 'geeky birders'! Congratulations on your first Chuck Wills Widow and good luck finding your Henslow! Keep having fun! I'm envious. ~karen

Kelly said...

Cool!!! I'd love to see a Chuck Will's Widow. Say hi to Jenny for me! Glad the rain escaped you.

Heather said...

Monika - Thanks, it was very cool indeed.

Karen - I always have to remember to take a picture or two of the other folks in my group, to show how serious we are about "geeking out"!

Kelly - Maybe you'll see a Chuck Will's up at Magee! I see they already had a Whip-poor-will come through the banding station up there. Unfortunately I missed Jenny's presentation because I was off on the trip that scared up the Chuck Will's, but what little time I was around her... well, I can tell she loves what she does and is very enthusiastic.