July 1 & 2 - The Cottage

It took me a while to shrink & upload these pictures, and then even longer to post... Sorry!

So I went back down to the Cottage for the 4th of July weekend.  As usual I was out on the boat a lot, and saw some nice scenery.  I even made it to a state park nearby to try to bird, although it was a short trip.  I got two lifers, *Summer Tanager (which was perched right in front of Carlos and I for a long time, but flew as soon as I finally got my lens cap off) and *Hooded Warbler.  I also saw several Scarlet Tanagers, which I have only seen once before and that I think are beautiful.  I was proud of myself that I was able to recognize their song enough to know it was something I wanted to look harder for!

Carlos came with me and liked seeing the birds, although instead of a Life List he wants to have a "Pretty List," where only colorful birds count

Around the house were the usual Tufted Titmice, Cardinals, Canada Geese, Turkey Vultures, and Ospreys.  I forget if we saw Eagles this time, I think we didn't.

Now it's picture time!  (Many are x-posted from my regular Xanga so sorry if you see them twice)

Birds and Bugs from the state park:

Tree Swallow says what?

Birds and Animals from the area:

One of a few rays (probably Cownosed) that we saw in our creek.

And then scenery:

I always bring a sunset picture back from the Cottage!

I tried out the telephoto with the sun... I don't know whose boat that is.

Boardwalk through the swamp/marsh at Westmoreland State Park

Migration is starting up again, so I really need to get back out and bird regularly (especially at my poor neglected nature center).  I hope to have more birds and bugs and pictures to talk about soon!