Kip’s Comments - May 17, 2023
Now That Was Impressive
Imagine seeing a brown bird you don’t quickly recognize sitting stationary on a fence post. When you should have grabbed your camera, the bird flies off the post. The bird leaves its perch and approaches in your direction, stops on the ground, grabs a tan grub from the grass, and eats the meal.
After watching this I have questions. Did the bird know in advance the grub was there? Did the bird see or hear the grub? How did the bird know the movement seen or sound heard equated to an acceptable meal? How did the bird know I was not a threat, or was the bird hungry enough to take a risk?
This avian mystery was a Swainson’s thrush - a bird I don’t often see so close.
Another bird observation for today was this killdeer nest containing three eggs. Unfortunately, the nest is in an area of vehicle travel so I do not know if there will be nesting success or tragedy.
Since wildflowers can be found in many places, I want to share a couple of views of wild geraniums.