BIRDWATCHING IN RIDGFIELD

With new binoculars swinging akimbo on a very cold foggy/frosty morning last week, the twins and I joined a BackYard Bird Shop guided walk in the Ridgefield Carty Unit. Our guide has 16 years experience leading groups and was interested in seeing that the girls had every chance to succeed among the fifteen or more adults also along on the outing. Many of our companions on this event were impressed that the girls already could identify several of the birds encountered. Indeed, they are familiar with most of the common backyard varities, but even I was surprised at their acuity at picking them out of the woods and grasses of the natural habitat (as opposed to knowing them on a birdfeeder). Sorry I did not get a chance to snap any good closeups of birds on this morning, just some of the granddaughters, sweet chicks that they are.

New field glasses not withstanding, the leader's spotting scope provided an extra close up advantage when looking at the red-tailed hawk in a nearby oak tree. We were able to make positive identifications on thirty-five specific kinds of birds, saw a dozen or more nearby that we did not solidly identify, and we were able to observe several types of field behaviors among those we watch closely. At times flocks of Canadian Geese, Tundra Swans and hundreds of waterfowl soared overhead, one massive fly-by consisting of several thousand birds and in formation. That was a most impressive display! The walk ended more warmly than it started and all present agreed it was a worthwhile activity. Still, one very popular find of the morning was the "Chocolate-Thermosed Hot Drink" found in the van after the tour was completed. Thanks, Grandma Betty!