I went up to what is now officially called Goose Lake Conservation Area in McHenry County on June 2, to see and hear the Yellow-headed Blackbirds that return every spring. I had to psych myself up for a drive that was even longer than the usual hour-and-a-half, due to the extra weekday traffic. But it was worth it, even if the birds were still quite far out from the observation deck. I envisioned returning later this month before my surgery, but decided to get some extra rest instead. Now that July looms ahead as a vast recovery experiment, maybe I can think about returning in a couple weeks.
My first photo was of an Eastern Bluebird. I think this is my first of this species this year.
Next I found a couple usual suspects, a Common Yellowthroat and a Song Sparrow, although there were fewer of the sparrows that morning.
I don’t have to ignore Red-winged Blackbirds all the time…
The Dickcissels were nice to see and hear.
I never ignore an American Crow.
When I could finally spot male Yellow-headed Blackbirds, they were extremely far away even for the 400mm extension of the lens, but I managed to get a few images. I always hope for closer encounters and I am betting they might be easier later in the season as the offspring fledge.
I can usually count on Willow Flycatchers here. These two were a bit hidden.
I found a Northern Yellow Warbler as well. I have heard them elsewhere, but this is the first one I’ve been able to photograph.
There were several Indigo Buntings singing.
Here’s one more Common Yellowthroat.
Well, I had my carpal tunnel release surgery yesterday, my surgeon said it went well, and I am feeling quite good this morning. It’s harder than ever to type with the dressing that won’t come off for three days, but I hope to play a little piano this afternoon and see what it’s like to move my car to the other side of the street for tomorrow, if not actually drive somewhere. I will know more about possibly swimming after I get the stitches removed in two weeks. Recovery is so far proving interesting. As long as I can take care of the birds, all is well. They are my best therapists.
Glad the surgery went well. Nice photos of the Yellow-headed Blackbirds. As a sidebar I was at the Lockport Prairie Nature Preserve this week. I heard the loud repetitive singing of a Dickcissel. He posed and sang for some time. That was my first one of t he year.
Pace your recovery and read that camera manual.
Thanks, Bob. Congrats on the Dickcissel. They are a proud lot. Actually I saw them rarely at this location if at all, but I guess the habitat has changed a bit more to their liking.
I managed to drive to grocery stores today, so every day is a little bit better. I will probably go out with the Sony long before I have checked out the entire manual but now I have time to get familiar with it again. I might be up for a walk at least this weekend. You’ll have to show me your new haunts one of these days.
Glad to hear you are improving slowly but in a positive manner. The weather looks a tad warm this week. I am looking at a few more sites out my way. Are you able to hold the camera and take pictures on a walk yet?
I’m not quite there yet. I found the small camera hard to hold when I went outside this morning. I get to take the dressing off my arm tomorrow and I think I’ll try a walk early, see what happens.
Ok pace yourself and enjoy some downtime.
I am finding enforced downtime frustrating, but I’ll meet you after the heatwave. Issues with the camera this morning, but now I can hold it…
Well one step at a time. No need to rush, the heat wave will keep you inside. Manual reading can be frustrating.