Did I mention how much I like tree sparrows?

Glitter Graphics

Early November at Cutler

Overcast, drizzly day, but my walk started off swell: super cool black squirrel.

Take a peek at its sweet smile.

Field note 1: Twittery invasion. Goldfinches everywhere.
Field note 2: And Purple Finches. First time I've seen them in years. (The feeders around here are dominated by the House variety).

Field note 3: Tree sparrows! (Please indulge my newbie enthusiasm. Remember, I hadn't really noticed chipping sparrows until this year).


Field note 4: The song sparrows are singing a lot, though some of them sound like they're singing with their mouths full... [Here's some counter-singing]

Field note 5: The chickadees and the titmouse (and even a downy) are in the marsh among the cat-tails.
Field note 6: Little frogs in the trail puddles. I think something's messed up.

Sad Chickadee and Scary Kinglet

I don't buy that folk wisdom about the ever-cheerful chickadee. This chickadee is not at all cheerful. (OK, maybe it's a little bit cheerful...) [UPDATE: Something has gone terribly wrong for this little bird. It is having trouble cracking open a sunflower seed that's already been shelled and is (obviously) unable to preen itself. Still it shows up at least once a day at the feeder.]
And one more stab at the golden-crowned kinglet. How about using the flash? Maybe that will improve the focus.
Uh oh...

Adventures in Colorblind Birding 2: Grasshopper Sparrow

Swamp Sparrow?! I perch here and pose and show off my beautiful orange chest and you wonder if I'm a Swamp Sparrow?

Can you say, "Am-mo-dra-mus?"

Help me out here, Chipmunk.

"Am-mo-dra-mus."

(Thanks, Lily and Anna, for help with the ID. The Grasshopper Sparrow is a "threatened" species in Massachusetts, though this one is most likely a (very) late migrant passing through).

Lots of flocks

An overcast day at the CRP, bad for zoom photography, but what the heck.
Field note 1: Flocks a'plenty. Mourning Doves (over 50), Robins (a zillion), Juncos, Goldfinches, House Finches, and today...drum roll...Cedar Waxwings.
Field note 2: Chasers. Robins, Juncos, Goldfinches.
Field note 3: Flock behavior of Cedar Waxwings is similar to Starlings, though less organized. Bug catching from tree tops reminiscent of Bluebirds.
Field note 4: The young light-morph Red-tailed Hawk is very excited about the prospect of catching a Cedar Waxwing today.
Field note 5: lots of light singing, from House Finches, Goldfinches, Song Sparrows, White-throated Sparrows, and I do believe our friend, the White-crowned Sparrow too.
Below: low res photos of some charmers.

I went to Crane Beach and all I got was this photo of a blue jay

Who cares. What an utterly gorgeous place. With endless vistas. And a sandy pitch pine forest.

Frosty morning

It's November for sure. Ice on puddles. Frost coating the freshly mown field.

The right place for a white-throated sparrow.

Not for a mockingbird. Very cranky. Chasing starlings.