So far February has been cloudy and rainy. Some days complete wash outs...like buckets of water...so on the sunny breaks I'm ready to get out and go someplace! I took a short ride over to this spot called the Clemson Sandhills Experimental Station. It's a pretty cool spot to hike, dog walk, and bird! I packed a sack lunch and drove over, its not too far away like 18 miles. There's 2 ponds and a lake. I hiked the lake trail it's about 2.1 miles, outlined in blue... 
The trail meanders over the dam, over an eagle scout project boardwalk and
through the woods....
Lots of American Robins up high picking berries I ran into them throughout my hike....maybe 50 in total
They did have some competition the cedar waxwings...saw about 10 darting in and out of this tangle of brier.
In the woods area I saw 2 pair of Northern Cardinal, and they appeared to be searching for a nest spot...just the way they called to each other and the way they behaved made me think of Amor'e.
Near one of the smaller ponds this Eastern Bluebird was hunting in the Sycamore trees...
In the water I spotted 4 Pied Billed Grebes, and 8 Double Crested Cormorants...all pretty far from the edge,
I found a bench to sit down and eat my sandwich this Carolina Wren started to have a fit...
carolina wren
I enjoyed his antics, and he stirred up a few more birds in the woods. A Hermit Thrush in the edge gave me a quick peek and higher up the Red Bellied Woodpecker squealed his displeasure too!
Hope this one gets put back right before nest building gets underway
Love the white bark on the tall Sycamore Trees.
The bark...
After the lunch break I finished the lake hike and stirred up the interest of this Myrtle Yellow Rump Warbler.
There is a young Pecan Orchard on the grounds and a few Northern Mockingbirds were patrolling the branches...
There is an open area where they experiment with sod of various kinds, about the time I got over there an Eagle flew over way up high...and down on the fence line another Eastern Bluebird...
a heavy crop to pull this one out of this shot...
I would def go around here again...there is enough hardwood to make some pretty fall color behind the lake, so I must make a mental note!
PEACE
Every day is a new Adventure.
It looks a good park. Lots of species, I'm always amazed that in such a vast area you find so many types, but then as you once said you know where to look. Another park near you is Goodale, have you been there recently? I like the lighting on your shot of the Myrtle Yellow Rump Warbler.
ReplyDeleteYes I go to Goodale quite frequently but I haven't seen much there lately. Another birder listed 15 wood duck but honestly I haven't seen more than one at a time there for a long time. I usually zero in on sound and then try to find the source of the call.
DeleteA terrific walk with a very pleasing range of species. I am sure that you will be making a return visit.
ReplyDeleteMy first visit there and I know I would enjoy another trip there!
DeleteAnother wonderful day of birding. So many and I can't even tell you which are my favorites. I love the waxwing, and of course the little eastern blue bird, n. cardinals are always and eye catcher and the robin is a memory bird for me. Then of course the bald eagle oh my. Thank You for another wonderful adventure
ReplyDeleteThanks Jo, when I just want to really enjoy a day outside going to a spot where I can see, hear, and maybe catch a photo of a bird really makes me feel good! And I always meet people who want to talk to me about what I'm doing and this trip was no exception. Meet a nice lady who had never seen a Waxwing and I was able to point it out to her, she was amazed at how beautiful it was.
DeleteIt's a lovely place and you got some great photos of the birds. I love the Waxwings, they're a bit hit and miss here, they over winter only and this year there has only been a handful come from the continent so we haven't seen any, last year was a good year and we had a large flock in our town for almost two months!
ReplyDeleteI will never forget the very first time I saw cedar waxwings...It was strangely enough in a Mall Parking Lot...a flock flew out of a tree in the lot so I followed them all over the lot trying to get a better look, my Mom was saying "look where you're going, we're going to crash into a car." LoL, but we didn't crash and I got a good look.
DeleteThey do like their parking lots! Thank goodness you didn't crash....but it might almost have been worth it lol!
DeleteSo many birds! What a nice nature walk.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sharon, I enjoyed your Shadow Shots so much!
DeleteHello, it is a beautiful park and a lovely walk. Wonderful captures of the birds. I love especially love the Waxwings and the sweet Bluebirds! Great photos and post. Have a happy day and weekend!
ReplyDeleteWaxwings are always a delight to see...I am always looking for one to have a peachy bum hoping for the bohemian!
DeleteWaxwings and bluebirds -- be still my heart!!!!!
ReplyDelete