Sunday, February 8, 2009

Hermit Thrush Brings Life Total to 260!

Last weekend this time there was still several inches of snow on the ground from a recent snowstorm that dropped approx. 14" on the SW side of Indianapolis.  Today (2/9/09), it was 45 degrees, sunny, and a bulk of the snow has melted away.  Despite alot of mud, you couldn't ask for a prettier February day.  As with most Sunday's I birded Eagle Creek Park and as it typically does, it produced some great birds!  The highlight - Hermit Thrush, Life Bird #260!  I was also treated to another show by a group of visiting White-winged Crossbills.  Additional highlight today were... Mute Swan, Black Duck, Common Merganser, Common Goldeneye, Redhead, and Pine Siskin.

Hermit Thrush... Indianapolis, IN.  When I noticed this bird rustling in a shrub at the beginning of the trail, I knew instantly it was a Thrush.  I also knew that it could be a lifer for me so I became extremely nervous thinking that it was going to fly away or get lost in the tangles.  It must have known how badly I wanted to see it because it jumped out of the bush and onto a small branch as if to allow me to take a few pictures.  I took 5 or 6 shots and it hopped back in the bush.  I didn't see it again.  This made become Life Bird #260!  It also made my 60th species in Indiana this year.

Hermit Thrush... Indianapolis, IN.

White-winged Crossbill... Indianapolis, IN.  Who could ever get tired of watching these birds pluck pine cones from the trees.  Today there was a group of 6-12 feeding. 

White-winged Crossbill... Indianapolis, IN.

3 comments:

Kim said...

I can't get over the amount of birds you saw today. That Hermit Thrush is a very nice looking bird!! I so miss the thrill of seeing a lifer! Looks like I am in the wrong part of the country this time of the year! ;o)

Congrats on your find and great pictures.

Kim said...

Oh and I forgot to contratulate you one your birding list of 265. I will get there someday, but not anytime soon! ;o)

Eric Ripma said...

Congrats on 260. I was at Eagle Creek yesterday too but I didn't see you. I did see the Hermit Thrush though.

Indiana State Bird

Indiana State Bird
Northern Cardinal