Thursday, May 22, 2008

Yesterday was a busy day. In the morning I took an early hike through David Weld Sanctuary before going kayaking later on. The grounds were still very wet from the morning dew and the rains that we had the day before. I was soaked from the knees down in no time. I saw several rabbits with ticks – it must be a bad year for the little buggers – and I was graced with another Ring-necked Pheasant sighting. This guy was strutting and calling from a large rock that is just off one of the main paths. I got a couple of decent shots. I should have gotten more and better ones at that but that’s how it goes. He would only call when I would duck down out of sight so I was unable to get a shot of him crowing but I could hear a great deal of wing flapping as he called. I’d like to know what’s going on there. In my mind’s eye he’s doing a King Kong across his chest. Maybe, if I try hard enough and long enough, and eat all my veggies, I’ll manage to get that magic shot. Don’t hold your breath. JK

Saturday, May 10, 2008

I took a hike through David Weld on Wednesday morning. Birds were everywhere. I went looking for this guy through the open fields. As I was following him I flushed up a hen. I snapped a quick pic but the focus was lousy. This male was content to let me trail him for a bit. I suspect he was leading me away from his loved ones. The colors on these birds really come alive in the sun. That breast flashes just as brilliantly as his red face. I’m not sure the camera truly captures it. Here’s another shot of the same bird. JK