Lakes, marshes, and woodlands...

I've been to a wide variety of habitats this week. So many different species are on the move that one can no longer make repeated trips to the same locations, as is done with winter birding. It is very rewarding to visit spots that sit idle through the cold months, and come back to life with the longer days and warmth of spring.

At Collins Lake in Scotia on Monday, two Horned Grebes, including a handsome breeding-plumaged bird, were moving quickly around the lake and diving frequently. It was difficult to get extended views of the birds, and even harder to get photos. They spent a lot of time underwater. 

Horned Grebe disappearing, Collins Lake, Scotia

Horned Grebe, transitional plumage, Collins Lake

 Horned Grebe, breeding plumage, Collins Lake

 Horned Grebe, breeding plumage, Collins Lake

On Tuesday, I found Eastern Meadowlarks singing in two different locations. At Black Creek Marsh near Voorheesville, Swamp Sparrows have returned, and Virginia Rails were calling from multiple areas of the cattails. Soon it will be time for Sora and American Bittern, hopefully, to arrive there. I was also happy to see a small group of Rusty Blackbirds, they prefer flooded woodlands like the kind adjacent to Black Creek.

At Five Rivers EEC in Delmar, I watched a Winter Wren scramble up and down the banks of the Vlomankill, exploring all the nooks and openings amongst the tree roots. Then a familiar song rang out downstream, and I started following it until I caught up to a Louisiana Waterthrush. It was hopping along the stream bank, going to low perches, and even venturing out to rocks jutting out of the water.

 Louisiana Waterthrush, at water's edge, Five Rivers

 Louisiana Waterthrush at Five Rivers

   Louisiana Waterthrush, mid-stream, at Five Rivers

Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers have suddenly arrived in good numbers, I saw one at home in Colonie, and one at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve. I was unable to detect any Pine Warblers there, but I came across two very confiding Golden-crowned Kinglets that allowed me to get within five feet of them. They are such a small bird, it is amazing that they can overwinter at our latitudes with no problem. 

 Golden-crowned Kinglet, Albany Pine Bush Preserve

Golden-crowned Kinglet, Albany Pine Bush Preserve

Golden-crowned Kinglet, Albany Pine Bush Preserve

TW