14 November 2020

 eBird data:  https://ebird.org/checklist/S76250967

Weather:  8 am 0C, wind WSW 2kph;  12m 7C ESE 10

Tide:  10 am 2.6m

High cloud at 8 am, darkening as the day wore on

The morning began with a wind warning, but a calm and bright morning.  There was frost throughout the Estuary.  

 

A golden-crowned sparrow was feeding on the crabapples.


 


 

 

The Arrowsmith massif and the mountain tops to the north are showing more snow.

 

It was a relatively quiet morning birdwise -- for the first time there was a northern pintail on the Pond, but too distant to get a particularly useful photo.  

The far shore was distant, with the low tide.  There were flocks of mallards and gulls and eagles, both mature and young, busily harassing them.


A flock of about 100 siskins moved into the tree near my bench.  


It was calm, and although cold, the day felt mild.  I've always loved the transitions of seasons and today was a fine example.

The river was quieter than it has been.  There were three common goldeneyes, two adult females and one transitional male (I think)--new to the river.  I've seen them offshore at times.


I didn't get all three, but this is one of the females.   

There were several families with young children on the path by the river.  They were noisy and cheerful.  Although I love the peace of this area, I'm always pleased to see families sharing nature with kids.  

By the end of the morning it was definitely looking like mid-November.


This afternoon has become decidedly wintry and the wind warning has proven true.  It's a fine afternoon to cook up a pot of pea soup and write a blog. 

 


 


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