Wile E.

So today, because I'm not working tonight, I decided to go to Roselle Park after my Zoology Class. I had quite a bit of homework to do, but I'm glad I went to Roselle. My goal was to find the Northern Shrike that has been found there recently. I could not find the shrike, but I did find Coyotes! Two of them were in the middle of the field/grassland. Unfortunately, I could not get very close, so the pictures are all cropped. In addition to the Coyotes, I also found Common Merganser and Greater Scaups.

 Not a Coyote

 Coyote (The other coyote was farther left with its head down)

An Eventful Week and a Half

It all started with a Red-shouldered Hawk flying across my yard. Red-shouldered Hawks are rare at this time of year, but my area has been pretty consistent all year round.

Next came another rare county bird: Red-breasted Merganser at Versluis Lake. A journey to Holland State Park marked the first trip I have truly been able to use my new camera. Mergansers, Scoters, Canvasback, and other waterfowl were all in a small unfrozen section of the river/canal, which made for close up shots on some of the birds.

A random trip to the Wege Nature Center (not for birding), yielded female Purple Finches (Also rare for this year).

The climax of my recent birding though, has been a trip to East Hastings, MI. The weather was in the 30's, but it was raining out. After a long, pothole full, one hour, drive, to a private residence, my target life bird, a code 2, was added to the list; Long-eared Owl. The owner of the land, Doug Klein, and I, circle the tree the bird was in for about 15 minutes without seeing the bird we knew was in there. When Kevin Thomas showed up he spotted it right away! Felt pretty stupid, but it didn't matter. Unfortunately, because of the amount of rain coming down, I thought it would be wise not to take out the new camera. Looking forward to spring!

Year List: 48 species

Fourth Times Charm

This winter has been a huge winter for Snowy Owls. At my local airport (Gerald R. Ford Int.) Snowies have been found frequently, with even 3 individuals at the same time! I have made three trips, trying to get them on my year list, but have failed each time. Today, we had some time in between church and going to see my grandparents, so my dad was kind enough to make a quick stop at the airport. After ten minutes of searching by car, we drove into a parking lot to get a better view of the "tundra". On the way out of the parking lot, we saw a small Snowy Owl behind us on the light. We had passed by, without even realizing it!! The worst part, is that I didn't have my new camera with me!

All these photos are from iPhone+Binoculars. Only the second Snowy I have ever seen.

Year List: 40 species

Recent Happenings

This year I have been a bit slow on getting my year list up. Although, I have been able to get a few rare birds for Kent County; White-winged Scoter (Lifer), Surf Scoter, and Hermit Thrush (Rare at this time of year).

 White-winged Scoter at Versluis Lake

 Surf Scoter also at Versluis Lake

 Bald Eagles

My parents surprised me Big Time with a very (very) early birthday gift!!! Canon EOS Rebel T2i with a 300 mm lens!!! Safe to say, I have the best parents. I haven't been able to use it much yet (Especially with this single-digit weather we've been having), but once the temperature gets a little higher, I will be using it every day!!!

2014 Year List: 39 species