Glorious Fall
There is nothing like New England in September and October.. So far we have had one gorgeous day after the other - truly incredible. This morning I went to Bullitt and it was absolutely stunning. I arrived at Bullitt before sunrise - no wind - but warmer than usual - 57 degrees. This past week I bought myself a new lens ( Canon 70-200) and this was my first outing taking it out. A few months ago I bought a new contraption from Cotton Carrier that lets me carry a second camera a lot more easily. I put my new lens on the camera that I would use in my new carrying contraption and carried my big zoom lens and tripod as usual - off I went.
Instantly I heard more chatter than I had been hearing recently. I kept wondering if it was because we finally had some good soaking rains recently - we needed the rain desperately. I decided I would head right up to the upper field. As soon as I arrived I heard a couple of Common Yellowthroats up in from of me. I quietly made my way closer, set up, and waited…. And then as is often the case, just as the sun comes up over the trees behind me activity was in front of me. I could see weeds being tugged at from down below - I kept waiting and just hoping someone would come up higher so I could see them. And then it happened - right in front of me!
After this incredible sighting I decided I would do the Pebble Trail as I wanted to try my new lens on leaves and the colors of fall. It is a short 1 mile loop through the woods. I continued on the path in the field that leads into the woods for this trail. The Pebble Trail is a great name - it is named after an enormous boulder that is on the trail left by glaciers - it is not a pebble at all. . So come along with me as we head to the “Pebble”.
I continued along the trail hearing some bird song but having no luck with spotting anything but I sure saw these beautiful colors.
A little further on -
As I came out of the woods back onto the upper field trail - I saw these beautiful milkweed pods.
I kept going until I was at the edge of the woods where I have had lots of luck this past summer. And sure enough - I saw something flitting to my left….. I am pretty sure that this is a female Magnolia warbler - scored!
Talk about scoring…..! I have had not had luck getting a good look at a male Northern Parula this year - until today! They are stunning -
And then as soon as the Northern Parula was out of my sight - this gorgeous one flew in for a quick second. Not sure who this is…
As if everything else wasn’t enough… a male American Redstart! Tough to see as so much of them is so dark - but wow…. gorgeous!
Over my right shoulder I saw some movement …. and finally through all kinds of branches etc. I was able to spot this beautiful Goldfinch.
I kept wondering if the Black-throated Green Warblers were still here - they sure are!
They are stunning and always so busy…
I spotted this gorgeous one through all kinds of leaves and branches. Does anyone know if this is a type of a Thrush? or??
90% of the time before I leave I go to this tree as usually there are some kind of birds in and around it. There are so many branches and leaves it has been hard for me to get a clean shot of anything in this tree - until today! A gorgeous Hairy Woodpecker - as you can see this is a favorite tree for sure.
Just as I was getting to my car - I always park near the Larch Tree - I saw movement out of the corner of my eye in the tree. I set up and just hoped I could get a clean shot of whoever was flitting around. Finally, it happened - I believe that this is a Kinglet - it sure flitted around like one.
What a morning….. wow!