Life Birds at Work

Had great looks at an Eurasian Wigeon at Parker NWR and two Yellow-headed Blackbirds in Salisbury while I was traveling for work today. I'd call that a good day!

One Piping Plover's Incredible Journey

On August 31, 2014 I photographed a banded Piping Plover at Bolivar Flat Shorebird Sanctuary in Bolivar, Texas. I submitted the band information and recently received word that this particular bird was banded on June 19, 2013 as a one day old chick on the East Side of Lake Sakakawea, North Dakota. Then seen in Florida in the winter of 2013-2014. That's a minimum 2,100 mile one way trip!  This 2 oz. bird that's the size of a tennis ball traveled roughly the distance from Boston to Salt Lake City in twelve months. It is a perfect example of why we should all have the utmost respect for nature.


My photo is on its way. This one is courtesy of Jennifer Wilson.

Year Bird #300: Sedge Wren

Thanks to the super accurate and helpful coordinates provided by Ryan D. I was able to relocate Anthony L's Sedge Wren at Dunback Meadows. A life bird for me, I was struck by how small the bird was. It popped up out of the marsh grass and perched in a shrub inquisitively. It made very little sound only occasionally "buzzing" as it cocked its stubby tail. It disappeared again into the grass and I headed off to work as large group was assembling to continue the hunt.