Over the summer the Halibut Point meadow was more an insect domain than avian habitat as pollinators fulfilled their bargain with flowers. A second bargain is now upon us as birds help disperse the seeds while foraging for their own nourishment.
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American Goldfinch finding thistle seeds |
The brilliantly floriferous landscape has receded. You have to go looking for quieter delights within the skeletal remnants of summer.
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Song and White-throated Sparrows |
Of course clambering around in the countryside is as likely to scare off the inhabitants as to reveal them for observation...
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Great Blue Heron |
...except for the rare creature tall enough to meet you eye to eye.
The various possibilities of flying, hopping, slithering, or burrowing prey attracted a Great Blue Heron up from the wetlands to investigate.
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Common Yellowthroat |
Mostly, though, the birds are inconspicuous and wary.
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Palm Warbler |
These circumstances suggest an alternative to getting good looks at birds: The Big Sit.
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Wilson's Warbler 1 |
It's a tradeoff of roaming versus stationing with the hope they'll come to you. The name is a tongue-in-cheek play on The Big Day scramble of the 24-hour Birdathon during spring migration.
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Wilson's Warbler 2 |
Being accepted into the landscape can bring small charms into close focus.
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Wilson's Warbler 3 |
A Big Sit has the further advantage of not being strenuous.
Humans sitting quietly in one place does confound the curiosity of local wildlife.
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