A Gaggle of Goslings

The highlight of my Fontenelle Forest visit was watching several Canadian Geese and their goslings.  They were nibbling on the tender shoots of new grass.  The  proud parents were cautious but willing to show off their brood to me.

I had another opportunity to photograph a Yellow Warbler today.

The Common Yellowthroat Warbler nests in Fontenelle Forest.  This is the first one that I've seen this year.

The Yellow Rumped Warbler was moving from log to log near the stream.

This Northern Waterthrush was hunting for bugs in and near the water.

This Lesser Yellowlegs looks like it is standing on a giant toadstool  It is actually a stump that accumulated debris in the 2011 flood.  The Fontenelle Forest wetlands are still recovering from the flood.  In some places 90% of the trees are dead.

Before the flood, mink lived along the stream.  They were rarely seen.  Their habitat was completely flooded for months and I was afraid they was gone for good.  This morning, I spotted one again.  I wasn't able to get a photo.  When I do, that will be the highlight of another visit.

Fontenelle Forest Wetlands - June 2 2012

This Gray Catbird was very cooperative today.

Most of the warblers have moved on but this Common Yellowthroat Warbler is nesting in the wetlands

The Belted Kingfisher has returned

This Double-Crested Cormorant is sitting in his favorite spot again today.

A Song Sparrow has captured a bit of lunch.

Lady's Thumb grows wild along the trail

Birds are Everywhere Today - May 27 2012

The wetlands are recovering from the flooding much faster than I thought possible.  On change has been in the distribution of vegetation.  I've noticed that there is a bumper crop of wild marijuana this year.  Thistles are more common as well.  This goldfinch is using the thistle as a source of nesting material.

It's been a tough year for the snapping turtles.  The racoons are eating their eggs as soon as they lay them.  This big turtle attempted to hide from my camera.

I was surprised to see how large these Canada Goose goslings are already.

This female Red-breasted Grosbeak found a tasty treat attached to this branch.

I'm not sure what this bird is - some sort of Vireo is my best identification. 

1/200th of a second shutter speed was barely adequate to capture this Great Blue Heron taking off.

I normally avoid taking photos of the rear of birds.  This Catbird is an exception because it shows colorful feathers that are usually not seen.

The male Orchard Oriole was calling for any single female.

The Common Yellowthroat Warbler is an amazing singer.

This female Redstart attempted to hide in a bush.

This Red-winged Blackbird took a break to eat a few mulberries.