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:
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.
Oh and I forgot to contratulate you one your birding list of 265. I will get there someday, but not anytime soon! ;o)
Congrats on 260. I was at Eagle Creek yesterday too but I didn't see you. I did see the Hermit Thrush though.
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