Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Nesting Birds at Lion’s Pond

1. Great Blue heron-kab Great Blue Heron 6-28-13
From the first day I arrived in Colchester until the last I made several visits to Lion’s Pond. Located on Halls Hill Road across from the elementary school, it is a great place to take a quick break and watch birds.
2. bog beyond-kab There is a small parking lot on one side of the pond and beyond the pond lies an inaccessible bog. Often there is a great blue heron perched on a snag in the bog, though sometimes it is hunting or sunning on the near shore. There would be no sunning on this day as it was wet, gray, and dreary. The heron was on the shore when I arrived, but quickly flew to its favorite perch. Can you see it in this photo?
3. heron perch-kab Here is a close-up of the bedraggled bird. Believe me, I felt almost the same way!

4. goose family-kab A family of geese was nesting here again this year.

5. baltimore oriole-kab I kept watching a pair of orioles fly in and out of this maple tree at the edge of the pond near the parking lot. When I saw one of the parents fly out and drop a fecal sac over the water I decided to take a closer look.
6. maple tree-kab Can you see the nest?

7. nest-kab Here’s a closer look with momma bird’s hind end sticking out!

8. female oriole-kab She popped out to check on me and see what I was up too!
In the top of this same tree I also spotted a pair of nesting Eastern Kingbirds! I don’t have any pictures of their nest. It was too high up and obscured by leaves.
9. a place to sit-kab Many mornings I would get my coffee and sit at these tables to relax and watch birds. Lion’s Pond is also a fishing pond, and in the winter it is used for skating. If you are an eBirder, it is also an eBird Hotspot. So, if you are ever in Colchester, grab a coffee and come sit a spell. It’s a tiny bit of nature in my hometown!
10. The Watcher-kab Perhaps the guardian of the pond will be there waiting for you!

Note: I will have more photos of Lion’s Pond and the Goose Family to post later. These pictures were taken at the end of the month of June and the end of my visit. More photos and stories to come and a mystery to solve!

16 comments:

  1. Very pretty spot....and GREEN!! Nice finds on those nests!

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    1. Thanks Chris. I'll have more to say about green tomorrow and in later posts!

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  2. Love Lion's Pond! Glad I got to see it!

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  3. Just the kind of place I would love having my morning coffee. What a treat to find the oriole's nest. And, any time I spot a GBH, I am happy.

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    1. Carole, I know. though they are everywhere I never tire of seeing them!

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  4. Great spotting of the nests Kathie, very nice post!

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  5. A beautiful location to bird and to enjoy a cup of coffee. Lovely images, I especially love the Mom's hind end in the air. Too cute, busy Mom!

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  6. Sheila, I know! Wasn't that funny! Thanks for commenting!

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  7. I guess I thought birds were more used to being out in the rain than us, but maybe not. That oriole's nest is so amazing. Reminds me of the weaver's nests in South Africa.

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    1. Gaelyn, it is an amazing nest. I was glad I found it while it was still active. Often you do not see them until all the leaves fall off the trees in autumn.

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  8. Great post, Kathie! Love the heron shots and great find on the Oriole nest. I love the Orioles. Great shots! Happy Birding!

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    1. Eileen, I'm almost always happy when I am birding, LOL! I am glad you enjoyed these pics!

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  9. Nice set of pictures - I have to say that I like the red picnic table!

    Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

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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.