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.
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.
The shallow pond was frozen and I feared I would soon be too!
I crossed the bridge and walked the trail alone in these cold, clear woods.
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!
It was a fine place to bird after all!
Birds seen at Gillette’s Castle SP 12-9-10
- Red-bellied woodpecker 1
- Tufted Titmouse 10
- White-breasted Nuthatch 3
- Dark-eyed Junco (slate-colored) 30
Hope you go back to see the castle you busy birder.
ReplyDeleteWe 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.
ReplyDeleteGaelyn, I have been to the castle before. Perhaps I will go back and take pics when it is warmer! It is a great place!
ReplyDeleteLarry, 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!