Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Birding Connecticut: Gillette’s Castle SP

DSC_0054 Down by the river I could see Gillette's Castle tower above me on the cliff. I followed the road up to the state park but found it all closed except for the restrooms, for which I was grateful.

DSC_0055 I drove down to the picnic area and parked, and though the day was frigid, I got out of my vehicle and walked around looking for birds. I was tempted to follow this trail, but the cold prevented me from following that desire.

DSC_0056 The shallow pond was frozen and I feared I would soon be too!

DSC_0057 I crossed the bridge and walked the trail alone in these cold, clear woods.

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DSC_0061 But once I left the picnic area I suddenly found the birds in herds up along the roadway; juncos, titmice, nuthatches and a red-bellied woodpecker!

DSC_0067 It was a fine place to bird after all!

DSC_0070Birds seen at Gillette’s Castle SP 12-9-10

  1. Red-bellied woodpecker 1
  2. Tufted Titmouse 10
  3. White-breasted Nuthatch 3
  4. Dark-eyed Junco (slate-colored) 30

3 comments:

  1. Hope you go back to see the castle you busy birder.

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  2. We sometimes find yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, Brown creeper, and Bald Eagles during January at Gillette Castle.-Not a bad birding area.Sometimes you'll find Winter Wrens near the ferry boat launch area.Selden Creek preaserve is right near there and Whalebone creek is near the road-also worth checking out.

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  3. Gaelyn, I have been to the castle before. Perhaps I will go back and take pics when it is warmer! It is a great place!

    Larry, I will have to check some of these places out! Thanks for the tips! I would love to see a winter wren in CT. Don't have it on my list there yet!

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Welcome to my nest! I hope you will enjoy spending time here with me and the birds. Thank you for your comments. I will try to get back to you as soon as I get back from counting more birds.