Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Birding with the Kids!

It's been pretty dreary here in Indianapolis for the past several days. A constant overcast complete with fog has all but sapped most of the happy energy clean out of me. However, my zest for life was reinstalled this past Sunday when me and 3 of my kids went birding at the nearby Southwestway Park. Birds always cheer up a nasty day but when I am able to add my kids to the experience - it becomes quickly apparent of what its all about!


MY Young Birders! Lovin' nature!
Birds seemed all but extinct for the first part of our walk. The snow had just melted and it was fairly warm so I wasn't really sure what we would end up seeing. But, as good birders would, we kept moving forward. We arrived near the bank of the river to be welcomed by a Belted Kingfisher. Shortly nearby we were welcome by a honeypot of birds! Carolina Wrens, Song Sparrows, Cardinals, White-breasted Nuthatches, Downy Woodpeckers, Mourning Doves, Carolina Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, a Red-bellied Woodpecker, and American Goldfinches. For the most part, this whole gang of birds was within a circle of 4 trees. I am not sure what food was there, but they were all taking turns going to the ground to take their share.
Song Sparrow... even in drab lighting, its striking details are awesome!

Carolina Wren... not the best pic but he made such racket, it deserved a picture!

We birded for about two hours. Along the way we found some cool leaves, some good walking sticks, and I listened to my kids share some pretty amazing stories... very exaggerated I might add! A few lat minute birds included a Red-tailed Hawk and some American Crows! We had a great time! I can't wait to go again!

1 comment:

Kelly said...

...sounds like you're having the exact weather we are: gray, gray, gray. Monday's fog was the weirdest. It was like we were at a seaside village! So glad you had fun with your kids. We definitely have to look for the beauty this time of year.

Indiana State Bird

Indiana State Bird
Northern Cardinal