FOWT News, Updates & Posts

19

Mar

Wolf Trap Birds

Blog, News Article, Uncategorized

This page will be a repository of bird photos from the Wolf Trap park (work in progress). For a more comprehensive coverage of our fliers, check out the bird section of the iNaturalist.

(most of these were taken with my old iPhone, so they have more documentary than photographic value)

Blue Heron

A blue heron overlooking the pond.

It used to perch on a bent tree…

… across from the Hidden Bench.

In the Spring it can be seen wading alongside the shore…

…and looking for food.

There it is!

Barred Owl

Owl is a night bird, but in the Spring, when it has to feed a few extra beaks, it has to get up early and you can easily spot it in late afternoon.

Mostly just before sunset, when you can only see their silhouettes against the bright sky.

But with a bit of luck, you will catch sunshine on their feathers.

This one thought it was well hidden by the bush, so it let me get a bit closer.

So I took the opportunity.

If you want to see them, the best spot is the pond bench by the Info Board. Be there towards the end of the day and follow their hooting.

Black Vulture

Black vultures love the tree stump overlooking the pond.

Not sure whether this was a mating call or issuing the parking ticket.

Two seconds later, I am betting on a fly instructor.

Three vultures in a tree overlooking the ridge trail as it starts its final climb from the Pond Bridge area.

Two seconds later in detail (sort of – not much is seen against the sky).

One day I caught a perching vulture in the Terrace Parking Lot.

Although I tried to tip toe, it flew away too soon.

Here is one from the Washout area.

And here is one in flight
(although this may be a different bird of prey)

Canada Goose

The pond is frequented by the Canada Geese.

A welcome place to rest…

… and even stretch your limbs

One late Autumn afternoon, they staged an invasion of a grassy slope above the East Lot.

Here is a pair with a gosling.

…and the rest

This is a relatively rare guest in the park: Green Heron

You can see it in the Fall, patiently waiting for its pray.

In the Spring the birds get often confused by their reflections in glass. This poor wren hit my window and knocked itself out

But after a few minutes it recuperated and flew away.

Here is a wren fledgling, just learning to fly…

American Robin – one of the more common species in the park.

Cardinal – one of the most beautiful birds in the park.

Finally, Mr. Woodpecker doing his thing…

— honza —

birds, herons, owls

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