Today we did our second CLLS trip. We had a great day and had the opportunity to see the eggs, the mom on the eggs, and the dad. It was a little windy but very nice. On our last check we only spotted one loon, three Great Blue Herons, one Common Goldeneye, and a Broad-winged Hawk. This time we went back into the part of the lake where we saw the Goldeneye and where we had the close-up with the Heron. As we went in we noticed there was a Goldeneye and up came four chicks plus 3 stragglers. They must have nested in a nearby cavity.
I was thinking I am going to name my pair of loons and use the same names every year, as they usually return to the same lake. If you would like to vote you can do so
Here
Last week I did a post about the Song Sparrow chicks leaving the nest. Well some good news today I saw three chicks that have made it to 18 days of age. They where first heard calling the as I approach I knew it was them. Darkly streaked breasts and short stubby tails. The parent was as always not too happy with my presence. But I was stuck in the moment; I could not believe that these are where same guys I saw only 15 days ago. With just patches of fur and eyes completely closed. The little ones willing to accept food from me like I was there parent. Lots of people always ask me why I enjoy birds. Well quite simply magical moments like this are what make birding so amazing. At the time you don't think about daily stresses and whatnot. I'm very glad I found a hobby like this. Its incredible what you can see and hear when you take the time to do so. Things you never thought existed appear before your eyes. To me the bird world is amazing!
Over the next 18-20 day the Song Sparrow chicks will leave for good. Between now and then mom should be picking another nesting location and constructing a new nest, presumably close to the first. I'll have to watch her closely to see where our next clutch will be.
So as the Song Sparrows grow bigger the Tree Swallows Pika and Zoom are preparing for their first clutch to hatch. The clock is ticking and the eggs should all hatch between tomorrow and Wednesday. Convenient timing they have just before my exams! Yay! We just have to wait and see......... Tick .........Tock
Pika with a snack
Some Pictures taken this week:
Thanks for reading,
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