Message:

[

Previous   Next

]

By Topic:

[

Previous   Next

]

Subject:

Carroll Co. Birds 4/8/10

From:

Gerald & Laura Tarbell

Reply-To:

Gerald & Laura Tarbell

Date:

Fri, 9 Apr 2010 12:51:47 -0400

Wandered over to Hashawa this AM. Thanks to excellent training from my Dad I am incapable of finding a direct route to anywhere, hence the wandering tactic. Works every time.

Three birds of note amongst the cacophony of FINCHES, BLUEBIRDS, SPARROWS, CHICKADEES and TOWHEES:

1) When I got around the little lake I heard a WILD TURKEY calling from up on the ridge. Beginners take note - vets like me know that the only way to actually see the turkey is to walk in the general direction of the gobble you just heard. Using this tactic (not a wander) I found it up there but he didn't stay long. He was extremely annoyed by some nut staring at him thru binoculars.

2) Heard a somewhat familiar song near a little bridge that crosses a small feeder to Bear Branch. This time the tactic I used is called persistence. Eventually I found the RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET. I was hoping he would display his little red crown but no luck.

3) As I made my way back to the truck via another wandering route, near the swamp along John Owings Road, I deployed another valuable tactic for finding birds - pure luck. As I reached the swamp, up popped an AMERICAN BITTERN. This is only the second one I recall seeing in Carroll County. I'm sure Bob Ringler can find all sorts of records for them, but I know they ain't common here at all. He landed over nearer the road and immediately pointed his bill skyward and froze. His imitation of some nearby reeds was very convincing.

Also had a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK perched down at the swamp. 

Nice day for birding. And you are all welcome to borrow my valuable tactics. The pure luck one is particularly useful.

Jerry Tarbell
Carroll County