Waking up on Saturday morning, I went down to the old reliable birding spot. The birds present were the usual cast of characters. You know Canada Geese, Mallards, Gadwalls, Northern Shovelers, Cinnamon Teals, and American Coots. The hordes of male Red-winged and Yellow-headed Blackbirds called from the cattails. The first female Red-winged Blackbirds had also arrived. I had an amazing opportunity to photography a rather cooperative Northern Shoveler drake, a species that I have never gotten a decent image of in the past. What a beautiful morning.
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After some lunch, I decided to go a for hike in the sun up Sypes Canyon. This trail was full of first of season flowers and butterflies. In the forest, Ruby-crowned Kinglets sang from the tops of Douglas-firs. Many Dark-eyed juncos were also giving their song. The first Mourning Cloaks and Spring Azures of the season were in flight.
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On Sunday evening, I took a short hike in the Triple Tree area. As I was meandering along I heard a vaguely familiar song. There amongst of the black hawthorns was a lone, fearless Fox Sparrow. He was singing at a frantic rate of effort. In the past, I have managed only bad, I stress bad, images of this species in Glacier National Park. He landed on a few different perches, all of which were in the good light. I was like a pig in slop. The hike itself reminiscent of my childhood wanderings. No real destination, just looking at everything…taking it all in with no agenda.
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