Papa Parsons Birding Adventures

2011-05-07T17:37:00.000-07:00

It was awful early when the alarm went off at 5:30 am! But it was the only day that I would be able to go down and join the group watching for new warblers during this spring migration in Rock Creek Park. There is a wonderful group of birders that meet every morning---and have for years!

Daniel and I made it down there and spent a few hours searching the tops of the oak trees. After holding the binoculars and bending your neck scanning the tops of trees for several hours, you end up with what affectionately referred to as "warbler neck." Unfortunately it was a slow day for migrants---but just as we were getting ready to leave, we spotted the striking Blackburnian Warbler. This is one of the most gorgeous birds in the United States (of course some of us think all birds are in their own way), with a bright orange face and neck that just blows you mind when the suns catches it just right!

Many a birder have started their birding lives after seeing this bird! Every time I see this bird, I can understand wow! One lady that was with our group had never seen one before. After watching this orange fireball dance around in the branches, she dropped her binoculars and literally yelled out in joy.

St Thomas Birding Adventures

2011-04-30T16:03:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful spring break in St. Thomas. Of course, I spent time every day checking out the birds of both St. Thomas and St. Johns. After birding St. Thomas four or five times, I didn't expect to find any new birds. But, it was a great week. I saw 39 species, including one new lifer! But more to come on that in a minute!

At the Ritz, where we stayed, I saw 21 species including a White-crowned Pigeon, Smooth-billed Ani, White-winged Dove and a Ruddy Turnstone (complete with its bright orange legs) that I had not seen around the hotel before. We also found a Green-throated Carib sitting on a nest about ten feet up in a tree and a pair of Kestrels that Katharine and I found while kayaking to "Secret Beach" and which screeched at us as they were determine to defend their nesting site.

The highlight of the week, however, was my morning trip to St. Johns. I caught the 6:30 am car ferry from Red Hook and landed in St. Johns just before 7:00 am. Within minutes of driving out from the ferry landing, I had stopped and watched a pair of Lesser Antillean Bullfinches jumping from branch to branch as they grabbed some breakfast, with their reddish throat and under-tail coverts contrasting with their black bodies and flashing in the early morning sun rays.

But I had other goals. For three years I have come to St. Johns and looked for the elusive Bridled Quail-Dove. This ground dwelling plump dove can only be found in dense mountain forests with thick undergrowth in a few of the islands in the Lesser Antilles and Virgin Islands. It looks like a large brownish dove, but with a large white strip below its eye and greenish iridescence on the back of its neck. I headed up Centerline Road and stopped at the head of a hiking trail to Cinnamon Bay. I hiked the entire length of the road, sweating pouring off my head as the sun begin to beat down. Around each bend I searched the trail scanning up and down the mountainside on each side and finally ending up at Cinnamon Bay, but no Quail-Dove. I was disappointed, thinking that once again, I had failed in my quest! However, on the way back, just 20 feet in front of me, I found the treasure, as the beautiful bird walked across the trail and then graciously posed on the side giving me the looks that I wanted. As it slowly made its way up the steep embankment on the other side of the trail, I did my best to quietly follow it for another 100 yards or so. Success! I throw up both arms and silently mouthed "YEAH!"

Before heading back home, I spent an hour at Francis Bay, picking up the normal species around the pond, including a pair of Clapper Rails and lots of Antillean Crested Hummingbirds, with their short bills, and pointed green crest.

Mangrove Cuckoos, Brown-throated Parakeets, Scaly-napped Pigeon, Sandwich Tern and White-checked Pintail were all nice additions to the week.

Finally got it! Prairie Falcon.

2010-03-26T21:47:00.000-07:00

Went birding in Utah with my dad and Nathan. We spent some time on the Provo River, and found some Dippers in a snow storm. Later in the morning, down by Utah Lake, we were looking for a Harris Sparrow, when a Prairie Falcon flew by, not 50 yards away. I have missed this bird a number of times and was thrilled to finally pick it up. ABA Number 531.

2008-02-07T21:16:00.000-08:00

In late January, while on a business trip to Grand Cayman, I was able to sneak in a morning of birding. I had a great guide and found most of my target birds.

2008-02-07T21:05:00.000-08:00

In mid January, I was able to get in a day of birding while in Utah for some meetings. We visited the Riverside Golf Course, as well as other areas near Salem. I found my first Red-breasted Merganzer, got a great look at a Lewis Woodpecker and we also found a nice flock of Bohemian Waxwings

2008-01-26T16:16:00.000-08:00

Today was a real treat. Right here at home in Rockville, Maryland, we were able to find a Northern Saw-whet Owl. This cute little owl is only eight inches tall and was roosting in a Juniper Tree about nine feet off the ground. This was a life bird for me.

2008-01-17T20:12:00.000-08:00

We are in Utah for Amy and Nathan's Open House. I was able to do some birding with daddy. On Thursday, in Salem, we saw two Red-breasted Mergansers--a life bird for me. We also were able to watch a large flock of Bohemian Waxwings in Provo.

2008-01-17T20:11:00.000-08:00

I spent a few quick hours in Central Park in New York. It was a cold morning, but the highlight was finding a Screech Owl sitting in a cavity in a tree. Can you believe that I forgot my camera!

2008-01-17T20:10:00.001-08:00

St. Thomas in November.

2008-01-17T20:09:00.000-08:00

Our big trip to Africa. We spent two weeks in South Africa, mostly seeing wildlife, but we did find a little time to go birding.

2008-01-17T20:08:00.000-08:00

My first big trip to Costa Rica. We had three great days of birding and saw 200 species of birds.

2008-01-17T19:56:00.000-08:00

Our family headed out to Utah today for Amy and Nathan's Open House. Robert was able to sneak in a few hours of birding with grandpa----and saw one new life bird, a Red-breasted Merganser. Wow!!!

2008-01-17T19:52:00.000-08:00

Daniel has been working hard. We were able to get him to squeeze in some time to power wash the swing set in our back yard. It is freezing outside, but he was determined to get the job done.

2008-01-17T19:46:00.000-08:00

We have had an exciting few days. Last Saturday we had a fun trip to the zoo. Daniel has been very busy working. In this picture he is power washing the swing set in our back yard.

Today we headed out to Utah for Amy and Nathan's Utah Open House. Robert was able to catch a few hours of birding with his dad.

2008-01-01T20:10:00.000-08:00

The first day of birdng in 2008. New Years Day. We saw xx species as we spent half a day birding in several spots in Washington DC.