Birds From the Office Window

Although we would prefer to be outside, the windows at the Audubon Center at Francis Beidler Forest never fail to provide us with an opportunity to vicariously experience nature.  Previously, we have reported our sightings out the office window, but yesterday's activity produced an new set of images.

Three just-fledged Carolina Wrens learning to dust-bathe from their parents.

Male Northern Parula posing for pictures.

Carolina Chickadee searching curled leaves for a meal and...

being harassed by a male Northern Cardinal.

Although we couldn't get the camera pointed quickly enough, a Red-shouldered Hawk landed within six feet of the window.  This image is of one along the boardwalk several years ago.  The hawk by the office window may have been attracted by the erratic flights of the young Carolina Wrens.  However, our movement within the building, slight though it may have been, was sufficient to alert the hawk and send it flying though the forest.

Although we could not see the waterfowl from our office, we could hear them and we made a quick dash behind the outdoor classroom to take a look.  With water pooling behind the beaver dam, the area under the power line looks more like a pond than a swamp.  The changing habitat has attracted a Muscovy Duck (Cairina moschata), which based on the color is likely an escaped domesticated bird.

The flooded area under the power line is also favored Wood Ducks, including this hen and her four or five ducklings.

While trying to get the shot of the newly-arrived Muscovy Duck, a Pileated Woodpecker landed overhead.

At the tree line, a male Blue Grosbeak (Guiraca caerulea) ate seeds from the grasses growing in the flooded area.  Shortly after spying the grosbeak, a male Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea) arrived and kept watch nearby.

To put a wrap on today, a Carolina Anole worked his way into the sun to do a few pushups and show off his dewlap.  The air temperature may not have reached 70F today, so the lizard was not his bright green self.

Although we would almost always opt to be outdoors, it sure is nice to have an office with a view!

Images by Mark Musselman