Hooks and Flags

The temps are dropping and the leaves are falling – we be in November and “winter is coming” for all you GOT fans out there. It also means we are making our plans for our winter migration. There is a new wrinkle to deal with as there is a Screwworm outbreak in the western part of the Rio Grande Valley – most concerning is the infections in the Falcon State Park and Salineño areas, which are some of the areas I like to bird when we are down there. Not going to take our furry boys into that area with their quarantining process that has just been implemented there. Will it stay contained there, move east, where are the quarantine checks occurring (in that area or at the BP points that sit many miles from there) etc – all things we need to figure out before making our usual trek down there. In the meantime, I am trying to get caught up on all the busy work that needs to get done and (fingers crossed) push through some of the image backlog. With the Arizona 2025 trip now done, my backlog has shrunk to ONLY 1.5 years – trust me, that is quite the accomplishment for me ha. Also happy to report I am fully recovered from the October race and now in maintain mode with my running which is in the 8 to 10 miles ~3 times a week (a mere pittance). I will be back at my annual target of 1,000+ miles by the time you are reading this and my logged weekly outside activity streak currently sits at 54 consecutive weeks – take that you petulant ankle.

Enough preamble, the sign above the desk reminds me why you are here “It’s All About the Wildlife” so let’s continue our “lifer” series for at least one more post. Ladies and gentlemen, say hello to our latest(ish) addition to our checklist.

Ruby-Crowned Kinglet found at Madera Canyon, AZ in March 2025

Admittedly, not the most colorful bird in North America, but it definitely has a high level of cuteness. Hit the jump to learn more about our featured feathered friend.

Continue reading Hooks and Flags

Good to be the King

It appears this may be an apex week for the virus in the States.  Based on the numbers I am seeing there appears to be some nuance of stabilization in the hospital numbers which seems right as I am pretty convinced the models that are being applied are way over estimated.  I’ll spare you my soapbox regarding social distancing in urban cities equating to invasion of personal space for those of us naturally separated by 10’s of acres out in the country.  Instead, I’ll continue to build my birding confidence back with another fairly easily identified feathered friend.

Ruby-Crowned Kinglet found at Chain O' Lakes State Park, Spring Grove, IL in April 2017

Hit the jump to reveal a secret about this little guy.

Continue reading Good to be the King

Tally Up Another Kinglet

Having spent the entire day power washing the house – probably the best to-do task you can ask for on a wicked humid day.  In the flip side, I can safely say I’m totally exhausted.  There is something to be said from a total body workout trying to hold rains over a firehose hell bent on ripping your skin off.  I chose that over going for a run today to appease Linda who hasn’t let the incident go yet.  We’ll make up that long run early tomorrow morning, but for now let’s take care of a little bird business.

Ruby-Crowned Kinglet Shot At Allerton Park in Monticello IL

That my friends is a new check in my Birding Life List.  It was shot while birding with my brother Ron at Allerton Park earlier in the year.  This one actually had me stumped.  I was looking at all the Warblers and even the Vireos trying to identify a yellow bird with a nice white eye ring.  No luck with those attempts so opted for some help!  That assist came from Ron who was able to identify this bird – still not exactly sure how he did it, but his suggestion of a Ruby-Crowned Kinglet seems to match with all the described characteristics.  That is with the exception of the actual ruby crown.  The next shot kinda gives a little hint of on in the sun if you look close and let your imagination run a bit.

Ruby-Crowned Kinglet Shot At Allerton Park in Monticello IL

Hit the jump to read a bit more about this cute little bird

Continue reading Tally Up Another Kinglet