Light and Shadow
  • Home
  • The Rains Come
  • ecographs
  • Monochrome

April Observations

4/26/2018

2 Comments

 
Here are a few notes on April observations.
April 9
I visited Amnicola Marsh and spent a pleasant morning there. I had seen a report of ten Great Egrets were hanging out there and decided to see if they were still present. Not only were they still present, but their numbers had grown to 15. Most stood still, waiting for a fishy meal while one flew across the marsh to roost nearer the highway.

As I watched the egrets, I saw a bird take off from a nearby snag. It plunged into the water and returned to the snag. The morning light clearly revealed it as a male Kingfisher. I am not sure why kingfishers delight me so, but it is always a pleasure to see them, particularly in hunting mode. This one dove again and again, possibly harvesting small prey, or missing altogether. He soon flew off with a chortle.

A flock of small ducks took to the air from nearby water weeds and revealed the blue of their upper wings. I suspected these Blue-winged Teal would soon be off to nesting grounds, but I later saw a pair swimming in stately grandeur. The white crescent on the male’s face was clearly visible.

I was also delighted to see that the Red-winged Blackbirds had returned. Males sang their three-syllable proclamation from every prominent branch. Energetic swallows flew past them swooping down to collect meals of insects.  

As I worked my way around the pond, the usual suspects appeared. Cardinals, chickadees, titmice, and robins sang from many branches as Mourning Doves lifted from the ground to take refuge in thickets.

At the far side of the pond, a pair of Canada Geese shepherded a clutch of five young away at my approach. Another goose flew a bit close and one of the parents gave a loud hiss with outstretched neck and open beak. One of the Egrets suspiciously eyed the goslings.

​A few coots swam out beyond the Canada Geese, and I returned to my car without further sightings. 
2 Comments
Ray Zimmerman link
4/26/2018 03:25:08 am

The Great Egrets at Amnicola Marsh first came to my attention through the tn-bird mailing list.
My notes from the visit
Still present this morning and growing in numbers. Counted 15. Also saw a Kingfisher working the pond from an overhanging branch. Very active location this morning.

I later noted
A pleasant morning at Amnicola marsh April 9.
15 great egrets
Kingfisher working the pond
Blue-winged Teal - saw a flock fly off early and then got a good look at a pair swimming later. The white Crescent on the male’s head was clearly visible as were the dark spots on the tails of both birds. (The dark spots are actually on the rump.)
Canada goose with young
Coots
Cardinal
Carolina chickadee
Red-winged Blackbird have returned
Robin
Titmouse
Swallows


On April 15, I noted a Solitary Sandpiper.
The Egrets were still present.

Reply
Ray Zimmerman link
4/30/2018 11:04:15 am

April 24
Today at Amnicola Marsh
More than 20 American egrets
Two kingfishers performing an aerial ballet
A family of Canada geese - five goslings
Numerous Red-winged blackbirds and Swallows
2 solitary sandpipers
great blue heron
Green heron
Common grackle
Yellow rumped warbler

April 29
Walked in Coolidge Park and noticed a plethora of swallows nesting underneath the Walnut Street Bridge.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Picture

    ​Archives                

    March 2023
    February 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    March 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    November 2016
    October 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    October 2012

    Categories

    All
    Environment
    Literacy
    Nature

    RSS Feed

Proudly powered by Weebly