April 28, 2009 by OrientSee.

 I finished my oatmeal this morning and saddled up for my walk. It’s a little more time consuming now that the ticks are here. Bug spray everything including the rubber boots and wear long sleeves. I got to Rosie’s thicket and got to watch this Kestrel having its breakfast. It had caught some smaller bird. For us it would be the equivalent of eating an entire sheep. That prey was small but so is a Kestrel.

There were several Snowy Egrets in Rosie’s but otherwise it was quiet. The Ospreys are definitely making a go of the nest on top of the power pole. I’m surprised that they were able to get one built and now there is always one bird sitting.

On Lawn and Palermo, I was very surprised to see this lone coyote out on the flats. The morning glare made the marsh grass  appear white. The coyote was very conscious of me watching and moved off to the north and disappeared in the reeds on the south dike. Dave Eatough, the local coyote expert, had a look at the picture and thinks that it is a lactating female.

Some Savannah Sparrows were foraging on the grass in front of me while a small bunch of Brown-headed  Cowbirds were hassling each other.

The peach tree on Lawn is in bloom and gorgeous.

Geoff’s path was quiet although I expected to see some warbler action. More blossoms.

Further along I got to see my first Catbird. These endlessly curious birds are fun to have around and are totally fearless of people.

Just before the Overlook, this snake was sprawled across the path and didn’t move until I bent down and touched it. It’s an Eastern Ribbon Snake. There’s a great web resource for Massachusetts snakes at http://www.umass.edu/nrec/snake_pit/pages/eribbon.html .

At the Overlook, I got a photo of a female RedWing Blackbird. This is what all the RedWing fuss is about. Hard to believe that they are the same species.

The park was quiet and again no warbler action. By the side of our house, I got a glimpse of our Magnolia tree in all its glory.

Today was terrific. I didn’t see an elephant but I did see all kinds of things, herons, egrets, snakes, coyotes, catbirds, cowbirds, kestrels and flowers galore. Belle Isle is my constant delight.

Ciao!

-Jorge

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April 26, 2009 by OrientSee.

 Of course, I’m going to complain. The sudden influx of warm air has me reeling. There’s not been any time to adjust and suddenly it’s over 80. There’s no snow and there are no mosquitoes yet but the ticks are back. There’s just never any pleasing some people.

Rosie’s had plenty of robins and sparrows. The tide was out but this Yellowlegs and this Snowy Egret had paired up and were feeding in the mud. Where one went the other followed. They made a strange pair.

Lawn Ave. was quiet while on the way out Geoff’s path to the Overlook, eleven Great Blue Herons flew overhead. It was like watching a fleet of hot air balloons float past.  There seemed to be a lot of Goldfinches about as well.

The Boardwalk was quiet since the tide was out. On the path out of the park by the sumac thicket, a bunch of Yellow-rumped Warblers were in the tangled branches. The yellow rumps were the only clear thing to see.

Out of the park on Bennington St., a group of crows mobbed a RedTail Hawk and drove it off to the east.  They were merciless in their pursuit.

I’m slow to adjust to the heat but it was nice to see all the growing signs of more birds and plants. It looks like full leaf out will be very soon and even more blooms.

Ciao!

-Jorge

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April 24, 2009 by OrientSee.

 Once again a bright windy day. The temperature is warming and it was a more pleasant day. Rosie’s Thicket had the usual suspects but no warblers. With all the reports from Mt. Auburn and Forest Hills, I’ve been expecting the little guys to start showing up at Belle Isle. I watched the Ospreys still trying to build a nest up on a power pole in the train yard. It would be nice for them to discover the new platform in the marsh and give up on the power pole but it probably won’t happen this year. A Redtail Hawk took repeated diving attacks on it by a crow. The crow was so insistent that I wonder if there isn’t a crow nest nearby. A Great Egret floated in for a landing in the flats by Rosie’s and for a moment looked like a model strutting down a fashion show runway.

Lawn Ave. was quiet but along the nearby Geoff’s path, this sparrow was doing what it does best, singing.

The Overlook was empty. A few Snipe were startled out of hiding as I walked over to the Boardwalk. The Green Wing Teal flock is still around and feeding in the panne by the Boardwalk. Looking over the east flats, I saw this pair of egret buddies land and start feeding in the drainage ditches. One was a Great Egret and the other even showier was a Snowy.

On the other side of the Boardwalk by the concrete blocks, this Northern Flicker  was doing a great imitation of a robin grubbing in the grass. I realized that this woodpecker really had all the equipment and moves to do well at feeding this way. It is the first that I ever saw actually doing it.

Surprise! Going out of the park in the sumac thicket by the paved path, this Palm Warbler popped up and I was able to get a picture. The warblers are here and that means a few fun frantic  weeks as their migration moves through.

Finally out in the Beachmont part of the creek, a Yellowlegs complete with head pumping sat calmly for this portrait.

A nice day. I do wish that the wind would let up.  We are now getting into the full  migration days and it will be full of all kinds of  birds, bugs and flowers.

Ciao!

-Jorge

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April 22, 2009 by OrientSee.

 It was bright and warm when I left home. I was admiring a pair of Cardinals, especially the female when I noticed that the sun had highlighted the verdigris coating of moss on a tree trunk. It’s not a copper roof but it is definitely verdigris green.

Rosie’s pond was jumping with Starlings masquerading as shorebirds. They were feeding off the mudflats like Yellowlegs. It was a little strange to see them behave that way. A nearby duck was duckwalking across the same mud.

I came upon my first  Taraxacum officinale of the year.  From Wikipedia, the English name dandelion is a corruption of the French dent de lion meaning “lion’s tooth”, referring to the coarsely-toothed leaves.

I was watching the Ospreys when suddenly I realized a sad fact. A new Osprey platform has been raised in a different part of Belle Isle. There had been incidents in the past with planes passing directly over the old platform. There is probably a least one dead Osprey because of its old location at the end of the Orient Heights train yard. The new platform meant that the old one had to go. Sometime in the last few days the pole was cut and the platform came down.  It was necessary  both for the birds and the planes but after two successful breeding seasons, the Osprey weren’t told. I watched them carry nesting material and then place it atop one of the steel power poles in the yard. Since there is no real platform on these poles, the sticks simply tumbled to the ground. They seemed mightily confused. It was very sad to watch.

Over in the park, this pair of Northern Shovelers were in the Muskrat Pond which has a new higher vantage point to watch from.

The Boardwalk was quiet but as I left, this Snowy Egret plopped down.

The next photo is not very sharp but it is my first butterfly of the year. Bumblebees, spider silk and butterflies are proof positive of Spring’s arrival.

Walking towards the Tower, I noticed a mini-flock of birds banging around a tree. A little closer and I saw that they were Brown-headed Cowbirds just fussing about.

There was a lot to see and enjoy this morning but the Ospreys cast some gloom. I am used to seeing these huge birds on the south flats, perched on the two short poles  or up on the tall telephone pole with the platform. For me, it’s a sign that everything is fine at Belle Isle. To have them pass overhead is a stirring sight that I have enjoyed many times.  I know that they will still be around  but now they will be in a more remote place and not as easy to see.  I wish them well.

Ciao!

-Jorge

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April 19, 2009 by OrientSee.

 Another bright day full of wind. It rained last night and the north wind blew down and cleaned out the air. Unfortunately the cold pushed out the warmth of the last few days. I ended up wearing gloves to keep my fingers functional. Rosie’s thicket was full of loud robins and sparrows were speeding everywhere. The pond was empty except for this one Yellowlegs calmly feeding in the shallow flats.

Further out the two Osprey were about. One on the platform and one sitting on the grass. A few mallards were puttering up and down the ditches. Towards Lawn Ave., a Northern Flicker jumped from tree to tree. At one point it took off and the sun caught the gorgeous gold yellow underwing. It was a moment of sheer beauty. The thicket has some surprises. It is the quintessential urban dump, brick, concrete, tile, broken bottles. You can find almost anything in the thick litter beneath the trees and bushes. Today in a shaft of sunlight, this small clump of flowers glowed.

Lawn Ave. was strangely quiet except for a few Goldfinches but along Geoff’s path, this female Downy Woodpecker nearly sat on my head. She was completely unimpressed with me.

The Overlook panne had just one duck and now without any tree break, the wind wound up and really hit. The Boardwalk and the flats were empty and no wonder with all the cold wind. Finally a Great Egret plopped down and looked miserable with the wind ruffling its plumage.

On the way out of the park, a Kestrel appeared and hovered over the grass. Eagles are certainly impressive but in his own way this small falcon is just as awesome.

Bennington St. is full of pipe and equipment while the water project still goes on. Near the station, two very loud Blue Jays were buzzing around from tree to tree. I’m not sure what was going on with them. I almost expected to see some raptor or an owl because they were making such a racket.

Once again Belle Isle was worth the effort in spite of the wind.

Ciao!

-Jorge

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April 15, 2009 by OrientSee.

 Once again the wind was strong off the ocean which really had most things sheltering from the blast. It was low tide as well which meant little was around. One of the Ospreys was up on the platform while the other was sitting on the grass nearby. A few ducks were sleeping in the grass on the flats but just nothing was moving. Lawn Ave. was much more interesting. A small flock of birds was loudly chasing each other about. Through my binoculars I could see that it was all about the ladies. They were Brown Headed Cowbirds and the females were being hotly courted by the males but they never slowed enough so that I could get a picture. I found my second dead snake of the week. Something is finding garter snakes and then snapping their necks but not feeding on them. The next day the snake corpse is gone so something feeds on them but what is it that gets them in the first place?

Out on Geoff’s path the bugs were flying around while the RedWing Blackbirds were squawking away. I saw my first Bumble Bee which is always a cheery sight. The Overlook panne was empty except for one duck. I flushed two Snipe when I walked over to the Boardwalk.

I found this Tree Swallow resting on the Boardwalk. There will be hundreds of these birds cruising over the marsh snatching flying insects but for now there just seem to be this one.

There were Green Wing Teal by the Boardwalk and a few gulls. I wasn’t expecting any of the bigger birds because it was low tide. Suddenly this Great Blue Heron cruised into view and started feeding in one of the puddles.

This one patch of Foxtails glowed red gold against the sky. Usually the Phragmites is drab and dull by now but a bit of flattering light brings them to life.

On the path out of the park, a group of Goldfinches  was very active calling and moving about. They are a bright loud bunch that brings a grin to your face. It’s like watching a pack of eight year olds at the playground.

At the entrance to the park, is an old pole. Today this squirrel was sitting on the top. All I could think was hawk bait. If there had been a RedTail Hawk within a mile, he could have had a fresh lunch for the asking. This squirrel was a prime target.

It certainly has started to warm up. Our Magnolia tree is about ready to burst into bloom and the daffodils are terrific. The wind is just too much. I haven’t been out on a bike ride but once in the last two weeks. Usually I’m riding every day by now but not this year. Complain, complain, complain! Actually the day has been gorgeous and after the long winter, it is beautiful outside.

Ciao!

-Jorge

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April 13, 2009 by OrientSee.

I finally gave in this afternoon. After too many days of high wind, the bright sun beckoned me and so I went out. It was warmer but the wind was very unpleasant. While I stayed in the thickets or near buildings, it was ok but out in the park, it was not fun except for the two RedWing Hawks dancing over the Julia Ward Howe on the side of Beachmont. Today’s real action was by Rosie’s or out along Geoff’s path.

First off there were four Kildeer in the mud flat while Rosie’s was at low tide. I could see the Osprey, one on the pole and one resting on the grass. As I watched them, a Merlin flew past and over the train yard.  A Downy Woodpecker was busy feeding in the thicket itself.

In the Lawn Ave. park, a pair of Phoebes were flittering back and forth in the reeds.

Just past the peach tree a Northern Flicker was hopping around like a robin.

Right then I looked up and one of the Osprey flew over. They are breathtaking to see like this. Just think of that 5 1/2 foot wing span.

Geoff’s path was full of this Cardinal’s vocal stylistics. He was really really loud.

Because it was midday and the wind was so fierce, there really wasn’t much else to see except for the Teal and a pair of Shovelers (ducks not day laborers). Once again it was terrific to be out after spending too many days inside.

Ciao!

-Jorge

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April 9, 2009 by OrientSee.

 As I walked into Rosie’s Thicket by NE Casket, this robin nearly drowned out the traffic noise with his singing. It was startlingly loud. Surely there wasn’t another robin for miles around that didn’t know about this guy.

Rosie’s Pond was at low tide and empty. Nothing was stirring. Back up in the thicket, this female Downy Woodpecker was busy feeding and jumping from limb to limb. I saw another tantalizing sign of spring, a strand of spider silk strung along the path. It really is happening.

The Lawn Ave. park was bright but empty of birds. Out on the flats, one of the Ospreys was up on the platform while another was sitting nearby on the grass. Three Great Egrets were poking about in the ditches.

Geoff’s path had some dazzling golden catkins.

Just beyond a scruffy Goldfinch was preening and soaking in the sunlight.

The Overlook had some Mallards and some Black Ducks but not much else. The Boardwalk was another story. There were eight Great Blue Herons sitting just out by the pannes. I’ve never seen so many at one time.

The Teal flock was back paddling about. There were six Yellowlegs feeding on the grass and in the water. The other shorebirds will soon be here.

A pair of Shovelers were asleep in the Muskrat Pond but of course, with my customary lack of grace, I woke them up and immediately they flew off. I did get a nice shot of the male taking off.

Another Great Egret flew in to feed in the ponds but the sun glare made any shot impossible. As I walked out of the park, I noticed a very large sparrow in the grass. That didn’t make much sense since the bird was obviously on worm patrol. I looked closer through my binoculars and knew that it wasn’t any sparrow. I suddenly realized after reading my bird book yesterday when I found out a little bit about the robin’s relatives, that this was a thrush. I had learned my lesson well.

The water project on Bennington St is in full swing. The digging and installation of new pipe is scaring off everything but the Grackles. I had a very pleasant surprise when three Tree Swallows flew past.  It has been a warm day and full of neat things to see and appreciate.

Ciao!

-Jorge

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April 7, 2009 by OrientSee.

 Today was heavy with instability clouds and passing showers. The cold grey skies were broken by patches of brighter than bright clear blue. As I started to cross Bennington St. towards Rosie’s, I noticed these industrial strength thorns on a Honey Locust tree. It made me shutter to see the size and sharpness of these barbs. I can only wonder at what the tree is protecting.

I walked to the near end of the thicket and climbed atop a granite block. I turned towards the sewer shack and a Great Egret flew into my lens. It’s opening day for the Red Sox but this is opening day for me. I literally gasped in surprise. Four Great Egrets landed nearby and began to feed in Rosie’s Pond.  It was a terrific start after those cruel locust thorns.

I started back along the thicket and there was was too much to see. This thrush perched on a dead limb and basked in a stray beam of light. A Downy Woodpecker was in a branch directly above  and a Phoebe was just beyond.

It wasn’t long ago when the only thing to watch was the squirrel circus. I noticed this curly stem in the middle of some wild chive. Is this normal chive behavior or just an intruder?

Past the thicket on Palermo St. right at the edge of the marsh boundary, this beautiful bouquet sprouted by some daffodils. Some one had planted a gift for all of us to enjoy.Thank you.

Out on the flats, two Osprey were sitting on the grass not on the poles or up on the platform. I’ve never seen them on the ground except when they had a big fish that they were feeding on. These two just sat there as if they were nesting. Weird behavior.

Geoff’s path to the Overlook was swampy and wet and even the Redwings were quiet. The Overlook was full of great surprises today. There were three Great Blue Herons (the first that I have seen in a long while). Three Northern Shoveler ducks were feeding nearly at the feet of these herons.

To the right of the Overlook, two chilly Snowy Egrets were hunched up enduring the wind. They looked miserable.

The best sight of the day was this Great Egret in full breeding plumage preening while the wind ruffled his feathers.  There are two Shovelers in front of him.

The flats over to the Boardwalk were very wet and very full of Mallard pairs sitting together in the grass. The Boardwalk panne had a few ducks including this male Green Winged Teal whom I inadvertently woke up from his siesta.

The park was empty except for the dogs and walkers. Out by the park entrance, I watched a Harrier being harassed by a pair of crows. Then by the pumping station, a male Grackle put on a display for a female who wasn’t interested in him at all. It was fun to watch. Then just across the train tracks a pair of RedTail hawks cruised past and then rested for a short while in a tree by the racetrack.

It was a great day. I didn’t see an eagle or a unicorn but I enjoyed this walk enormously and I was never a mile away from my house.

Ciao!

-Jorge

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April 1, 2009 by OrientSee.

 Today started off gray and cold. It wasn’t terrible since the wind was just a breeze but Rosie’s Pond was empty and the thicket was quiet. I popped out onto Palermo St. and the day got wonderful. The Ospreys are back. There was a pair who took turns roosting on the platform and sitting on the poles out on the flats. It was great to see these huge birds back again.

The Outlook Path was full of bird noise and the loudest was this Flicker. He wasn’t continuously calling but when he was, even the Redwings could not compete with his volume.

A little further along, I saw my first tree leaves of the year. They’re not Christmas lights but they are bright.

Out at the Overlook, I caught this Redwing male with mouth open sounding off at full volume.

Then came the best part of the day, the Egrets are back.

These two Great Egrets were in the Boardwalk pool and they were terribly unconcerned about my presence. Usually the Greats are far more wary and less tolerant of humans. I was able to get in even closer.

The park was full of Grackles and Bennington St is now being  torn up for some public works project.  I was talking with some one I know. I was telling her about what I had seen today and then about the swans by the BYC.  She hadn’t seen the swans yet and just then the three of them flew right by as if on command. It was another terrific sight.

Today was great. The big birds are coming back and that means all the others will soon be here, swallows, orioles, bobolinks and waxwings.  Hurra!

-Ciao!

-Jorge

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