New arrivals: Orange-crowned Warbler, Towhees, and the amazing Fox Sparrow Phenomenon

As the global conflict with the Ukraine at it's epicenter escalates and the suffering in the Ukraine tears apart my heart, I reached out to my local park here in St. Louis City for solace. Finding an single Orange-crowned Warbler foraging in some ivy growing up a tree, I found myself momentarily enchanted. Finding eight Fox Sparrows in one thicket meant the annual explosion of them in the park was happening, as hundreds would be descending on our area. Two male Eastern Towhees with Cardinals and more White-crowned Sparrows than days were cause for rejoicing as the slow trickle of new arrivals was happening, the slow trickle that would become a cascading waterfall by the end of April. I love this slow trickle, taking my time to appreciate each surprise. A pair of Cardinals were engaging in their courtship ritual, which I tried to get on video, but failed, as each time the male came to give her an offering, I seemed to have the camera off or malfunctioning, so I simply rejoiced. I wish I had a way to share my videos of the Fox Sparrows and the Orange-crowned Warbler, but perhaps a link will have to do. The Great Horned Owl babes were left to themselves in the cavity. They are such a nuisance to Mom as they bop around all eager to escape, not quite ready. Rusties were even more numerous than prior days, if that is possible. I tried looking for a Common Grackle nest in the spruce, but to not avail. As I walked home I come across a piece of bark that looked like a mask that nature had made and I enjoyed a fantasy for a few moments of this fairyland of mine, where I came dressed in little throw-offs of the wild along with others, celebrating.

Fox Sparrows: https://www.flickr.com/photos/wildreturn/51929974885/in/dateposted/
Orange-crowned Warbler: https://www.flickr.com/photos/wildreturn/51929138951/in/photostream/

Posted on 10 March, 2022 06:40 by wildreturn