[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]

Loons, CBC, and backyard



Howdy,

As usual, I had a great time birding at the CBC meeting. It's also fun to hook up with friends and make new ones.

The birding highlight for me was Sunday morning at the Sheraton Pier on Atlantic Beach at 10 am. Joe and I were looking for loons when Debi and Mark arrived. There were several Red-throated Loons, but there was one that was particularly close, giving us great views. As I was looking through the scope, the loon looked at me occasionally. As some of you know, loons are my favorite bird (along with  chickadees), so I said "hi there." A few seconds later the loon opened his bill and gave a short yoddle call. Oh my gosh! The four of us were surprised and thrilled to listen and watch as the loon called several more times, before diving into the water. What a special treat to hear in January on the beach!! 

Wade led a nice trip to Lake Ellis and Simon where we saw several species of ducks. Jim was the leader to Theodore Roosevelt SP where we had nice views of Tricolored Herons, Greater Yellowlegs, and Ruby-crowned Kinglets.  John led a large group to the Davis Impoundment and Cedar Marshes. I was happy to see Common Loons and Oystercatchers, plus seven of us stuck it out till dusk and sighted a Short-eared Owl.

Back home in Raleigh I'm happy to see the Baltimore Oriole is still eating suet in the backyard. Saw my first Hermit Thrush this year eating crumbs under the feeder as the oriole was feeding. Four Cedar Waxwings flew by on my walk in the neighborhood. The bluebirds are becoming more active and vocal.  Heard a Pine Warbler yesterday, so spring must be around the corner!

I remembered to tape the Sargeant's on A&E Saturday. It was a short segment on Travel's with Harry. Bob and Martha have such a dedication to the birds, especially hummingbirds. Very inspiring! I would love to visit their place in Alabama someday. 

Happy birding! Karen Bearden
Raleigh, NC
birders@aol.comHowdy,

As usual, I had a great time birding at the CBC meeting. It's also fun to hook up with friends and make new ones.

The birding highlight for me was Sunday morning at the Sheraton Pier on Atlantic Beach at 10 am. Joe and I were looking for loons when Debi and Mark arrived. There were several Red-throated Loons, but there was one that was particularly close, giving us great views. As I was looking through the scope, the loon looked at me occasionally. As some of you know, loons are my favorite bird (along with  chickadees), so I said "hi there." A few seconds later the loon opened his bill and gave a short yoddle call. Oh my gosh! The four of us were surprised and thrilled to listen and watch as the loon called several more times, before diving into the water. What a special treat to hear in January on the beach!! 

Wade led a nice trip to Lake Ellis and Simon where we saw several species of ducks. Jim was the leader to Theodore Roosevelt SP where we had nice views of Tricolored Herons, Greater Yellowlegs, and Ruby-crowned Kinglets.  John led a large group to the Davis Impoundment and Cedar Marshes. I was happy to see Common Loons and Oystercatchers, plus seven of us stuck it out till dusk and sighted a Short-eared Owl.

Back home in Raleigh I'm happy to see the Baltimore Oriole is still eating suet in the backyard. Saw my first Hermit Thrush this year eating crumbs under the feeder as the oriole was feeding. Four Cedar Waxwings flew by on my walk in the neighborhood. The bluebirds and Carolina Wrens are becoming more active and vocal.  Heard a Pine Warbler yesterday, so spring must be around the corner!

I remembered to tape the Sargeant's on A&E Saturday. It was a short segment on Travel's with Harry. Bob and Martha have such a dedication to the birds, especially hummingbirds. Very inspiring! I would love to visit their place in Alabama someday. 

Happy birding! Karen Bearden
Raleigh, NC
birders@aol.com