I've made some time to get out and bird a little over the past few days. As a reward, I've added three birds to my life list: Ovenbird, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, and Common Yellowthroat. I know, these aren't rare or spectacular birds. But each was pretty awesome to see for the first time. The Ovenbird walking through the woods like it was taking a leisurely stroll. The Blue-gray Gnatcatcher hopping around a tree's leaves, hunting for food. The Common Yellowthroat with its bandit mask. All truly beautiful creatures.
Add to these lifers a couple of FOYs—Gray Catbird, Field Sparrow—and a first glimpse of a Northern Bobwhite, and I would say it's been a good few days for me, especially since I haven't had as much time as I wanted to bird (of course, it's never enough time). I've set a goal of 100 species for my home county this year, and as of right now I'm at 64. Decent, but there's still a way to go.
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| Gray Catbird in my backyard. |
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| Common Yellowthroat in a tree in my backyard. |
