Scarlet Tanager (female)
I decided to take a walk around the Portage last Sunday. It was my first birding outing since my return from Ecuador. I was almost more interested to see if there were any butterflies since I have noticed a distinct lack of them this year and I am not happy about that.
I got out a bit later than I should have, and I forgot the insect repellent which might have afforded me a few more butterflies, but I came away determined to go back this coming Sunday, get up earlier, and maybe visit McGinnis Slough too. We shall see how far I get with that thought.
There were some butterflies so I have to go through my once-a-year trying-to-identify routine. I figured out the two above, a Silver-Spotted Skipper and an Eastern Comma, but I am stumped by the one below. It appears to be in the Brush-Footed family but I haven’t managed to match it up exactly with anything yet. Identification is most welcome.
There were not a lot of birds, but I found more of them in my pictures later than I could see with my binoculars at the time. A recent visit to the eye doctor has helped me figure out why this is and I am scheduled for the first of two cataract surgeries next month. Maybe I can forego buying new binoculars.
Song Sparrows above, Indigo Buntings (male and female) below…
It’s always encouraging to see a Green Heron, although I haven’t seen two in at least a couple years, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t another one around.
Green Heron
Below on the left, two Cedar Waxwings my camera discovered, and a juvenile American Robin.
The water level is very low and what water there is, is covered with duckweed. I guess this is good for the American Goldfinches below.
Indigo Bunting Female
I will be back very soon with more from Ecuador.
Wonderful photographs!
Thank you so much! Greetings! 🙂
Your Portage area is just amazing.
Hi, Syl! Thanks. I guess I like the Portage because I feel like I have some ownership (nobody else bothers with it too much) and familiarity makes even the most subtle changes seem like a big deal. 🙂
I can see that the Portage is active with beautiful birds. Great opportunity for photography. Thanks for the post Lisa! 🙂
Thanks, H.J.!
The butterfly looks like it may be a Hackberry Emperor (http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Asterocampa-celtis)
Thanks for the pix Lisa.
I think you’re right, MaryLee. Thanks for the ID!
I am glad that you saw a butterfly. They are very scarce here this year.
Abnormal weather patterns seem to be suspect in the UK, but I wonder here if we are seeing effects of pesticides and/or habitat loss as well.
Wet and cold late springs in particular but both your other suggestions too.
Very nice, but rather pedestrian after the Ecuadorian Amazon.
Yeah but I didn’t want to blow all my exotic pictures at once. Thanks. 🙂
Just kidding.