We desperately needed rain, but it had not materialized. There had been endless days of sun and summer temperatures without too much humidity and with cooler temperatures at night. It was best to make the most of such weather while we could!
We did a circuit of the Coves. Although we only had 12 species of birds, there was a nice variety and a few photo opportunities.
In one of the ponds, we found a Great Egret and a Great Blue Heron fishing with great success.
There were Mallards dabbling in the pond. On the far side of the pond, we spotted an immature Wood Duck and two adults in eclipse plumage perched in the shade.
We heard a Kingfisher in flight along the pond. The female landed in the open, surveying the pond for prey. The bird was far away, but recognizable.
Red-eared Sliders, released pets, now populate the pond.
Along the wooded path, we heard chickadees and a Gray Catbird. Then we saw a bird moving rapidly high in a tree. We thought it had to be either a kinglet or a warbler. With difficulty, Glenn was able to get some photos to identify a Bay-breasted Warbler (in fall plumage).
The path leads through fields of goldenrod at this time of year. It was here that we found a variety of pollinators busy on the blossoms.
Below: Western Honey Bee, a member of Ground Yellowjackets, Common Eastern Bumble Bee, Western Honey Bee, Aster Cellophane Bee, Fraternal Potter Wasp, Northern Paper Wasp (2 photos), Locust Borer.
A new butterfly for us! A Common Checkered-Skipper. There was also a Crescent that was in poor shape…
Snail, Asian Lady Beetle, Common Whitetail dragonfly
There were other plants in bloom, in addition to goldenrod, and some plants that were going to seed:
Pale-leaved Woodland Sunflower, Sweet Everlasting, Tall Thimbleweed (seedhead), Queen Anne’s Lace in seed, Arrow-leaved Aster.
Flower Farm Flowers
On the streets of London…
Osprey Nest Update
We had not seen the Osprey for a few days. We knew that he must have started his migration south when we saw a Red-tailed Hawk perched on the Osprey nest on September 7th.
Nice Surprise
Because I have listened to several versions of White Rabbit on YouTube, the first song was recommended automatically to me. I found several other songs by the same duo recorded over a few years. Here is a playlist of seven songs I continue to enjoy.