We went to see the geese family again but the birds weren’t in the basin where they had been the previous week. Both my husband and I had sore muscles so we decided not to walk that day. Instead, we enjoyed the location and had a picnic.
As we ate lunch on the bench, a pair of Mallards swam in the pond. We watched as they dabbled their way around, unconcerned by the spectators on the bench nearby.
In front of us, a Yellow warbler landed on some floating straw, appearing to rest before it went on its way.
On the islands in the basin, the leafless trees made it easy to see the tiny Yellow-rumped warblers which landed among the branches.
A larger bird, a male Bobolink, entertained us with its song for the longest time.
These birds nest in hay fields but cultivation practices and pesticide use has affected the population making it a threatened species. I hope this male found a mate and a safe place to nest.
The noisy male Red-winged blackbirds were everywhere but we don’t often see the females. However, a female stayed on the bulrushes long enough for some photos. She has a touch of colour around her beak.
In the trees behind us, a Northern parula sat and entertained us with his trilling song. It is the first time we’ve seen this bird which looks almost grumpy.
A male Gadwall flew into the basin and spent his time among the bulrushes.
It was a great lunch spot,
the ambiance was perfect and the food was just the way we like it. And the entertainment was world class.