The Shagbark Hickory Tree

In the center of the Charles River Peninsula stands a lonely shagbark hickory tree.
Even though it is in the middle of the meadow, I never fail to see squirrels running through its branches (and sometimes bounding through the grass towards it).

Given the number of hawks in the area, this better be worth it.

Some how I think it is. Next fall I plan to get some of that sweet hickory nut action.

[From earlier this fall, when trees still had leaves. The squirrels are still there, though. The gray pictured above was scolding and had to hold its nut in its mouth so it wouldn't fall out. The red can usually be found in or about the hole in the trunk.]

Swans in the mist

There's something about swans and foggy rivers that conjures up old world ideas about swan maidens and animal magic. The fact that mute swans are in fact a bit evil (in the American environment at least) enhances this feeling, I think.

Tree Sparrow with a white tail feather

Spotted at Great Meadows in Concord--this tree sparrow with one white tail feather. Looks like a junco when it's flying away.

Here's a reverse shot.


A little light in general, could be leucistic. Here's a relatively clean profile, and one with a darker companion for comparison.



Or it could be perfectly normal. Of course, I went straight to tree sparrow-junco hybrid (I've read that white-throated sparrows and juncos sometimes hook up), but I don't see any other strange markings that might suggest it. (Sorry for the poor photo quality. It was raining.)

The mighty wren

I am king of the birds, haven't you heard?



Here I stand, atop your "mighty" eagle.


Listen to my roar.


OK, this one might be a little more convincing.


I am old enough to remember when the Carolina Wren was a rare traveler in these parts. But now as soon as the House Wrens leave, the Carolinas swoop in to take their lofty place in the bird hierarchy. (Though they usually rule from under a bush.) I love the way they explore everything, often popping out of little caves in trailside rubble. I still see the one who invaded my house earlier in the year peering through my office window.

White-Throat Cutting Contest at Dawn

The sun is out and the contest for white-throat improv supremacy is ON! A tough audience of accomplished musicians, featuring song sparrow, mrs. cardinal, and badly pixelated fox sparrow.

Round 1.

Nice job with the downward movement. Quite unexpected.

Round 2.

Elegant. Just the essential tones.


Round 3.

Now we're talking! Fire away boys. Oh, a little stumble on that last run. Better luck next time, kid.

And the winner is...

Hey guys! Check out my red squirrel's beat-boxing drum solo!

The white-throated sparrow's song is so familiar and tightly structured that variations are really noticeable. This morning, though, I didn't hear a single "true" version. [UPDATE: I've since consulted the authorities. Elliot features the upward version (which I thought was standard) but Kroodsma actually features the downward. Saunders highlights the variability of the white-throat's song.] I apologize for not getting a good photo of them, they were quite busy chasing each other (hence the singing contest). The fox sparrow photo was a complete accident (can you tell?)--I was firing away at a bush with a cardinal in it and lo and behold...

Great Meadows List Birding

I'm not much for life listing, though I do get a distinct brain thrill when I see something new. So today I stopped at Great Meadows on my way home precisely to check off some boxes, er, I mean gain new wildlife experience. Great Meadows in mid-fall is a sure thing when it comes to ducks and other water birds, and as a newbie I still have so much common goodness to see.
So, check off:
American Coot,

Green-winged Teal,

Northern Shoveler,

Pie-billed Grebe,

and whatever this is.


I'm going to guess Red-necked Grebe Just another PB, I think, now.

Waxwing Insanity at the Charles River Peninsula

Cedar Waxwings. When you see one.

You will surely see more.

And more.

(That is unless the waxwing has decided to consort with robins instead of its own kind.)

In fact, there are enough berries to serve several different flocks of waxwings (and robins) at the CRP.

Waxwings have that starling-like hive mind, supported, it seems, by their incessant buzzing. I find it curious, though understandable, that some writers (Aretas Saunders, e.g.) consider cedar waxwings to be essentially mute. In a different season it would be hard to distinguish their sounds from insect noise. Even in this recording, the waxwings are merely a light buzzy background for other, more prominent, bird sounds.

I haven't actually figured out their relationship with hawks. Are they a food source or just an annoyance? Take our friend, the Cooper's hawk.

Here come the waxwings, a whole flock of them, not mobbing, just oblivious.

Later I'd see the hawk snap at them, and they finally got the message and flew away.

The red-tails, on the other hand, seem much more focused on gettin' some.