Sorry it took so long to post an update. Aside from work and everything, I was asked to help out at the Allegany Nature Pilgrimage this last weekend. I led the 6am bird walks and presented a workshop on wildlife photography. The event was one of the most magical and amazing things I have ever been a part of. If you are looking for a way to connect you and your family to nature, I implore you to check out their website and make sure to sign up for next year's event: Allegany Nature Pilgrimage. The birding was fantastic there, and although I could't really take many pictures because of my responsibilities, I managed to snag a few. Highlights were a beautiful Yellow-throated Warbler, a seemingly mated pair of Orchard Orioles, and the bird of all birds on this trip: the White-eyed Vireo. It was the first time one had been recorded at the Pilgrimage, and it had to be added to the checklist by hand. That's when you know you have a good bird! There were countless other birds, but nothing much matters without a picture I guess. All the birds aside, I actually learned a ton while I was there. My strong areas in birding are all on the visual end, and I consider myself a point-of-id birder. I'm admittedly weak in the ear birding department. I was lucky enough to bird alongside some greats that taught me a ton whether they knew it or not. I picked up lots of mnemonics from great local birders like Willie D'Anna, Betsy Potter, Frank Gardner, Celeste Morien, Jay Whopperer, and Tom Kerr. My ear birding skills more than doubled on this one trip! Life is a constant lesson, especially in the world of birding, and there is always more to learn. That's probably why so many of us are attracted to the hobby.
In other news, I finally checked up on the Great Horned Owls at Forest Lawn Cemetery. I gave them all the space they needed to raise young since the time I discovered the nest. I'm happy to say that they fledged an owlet! Just awesome! Here are a few pictures from the last few days:
In other news, I finally checked up on the Great Horned Owls at Forest Lawn Cemetery. I gave them all the space they needed to raise young since the time I discovered the nest. I'm happy to say that they fledged an owlet! Just awesome! Here are a few pictures from the last few days: