Wren and more at James Gardens

[Palo]

Today, I had the morning off and decided to see if I could get a shot at the Green Finch at the feeder.  However, there were too many people lined up before me, so I went looking for others.  I ran into a fellow birder that was kind enough to directed me to where there were two wintering Wrens.  Since I've never seen one before I went looking.

I believe they are Carolina Wrens... please correct me if I'm wrong.  It took a while to get close as they keep their distance and stay in the brushes and shade.  But with some patience, I managed to get some shots of one... Enjoy







Here are other, what I thought are interesting birds I photographed today.

Common Merganser having a large lunch! Can you see the size of that fish? That's just the head!


Belted Kingfisher having a lighter lunch.  He was very vocal today, so you can hear him before you see him.
Sorry, this was the closest I could get...  He was on the other side of the river.


In-coming Mallard.  I know, they are very common, but when they are flying, you get to see all the other beautiful colours they have.


Thx for looking

[thouc]

The wren is a Winter Wren, tiny with a short tail sticking up. Nice pictures of it!

[Palo]

Thanks for the correction Thouc. Maybe the gentleman I ran into did say "Winter Wren" and not "wintering Wren".  Yes, I'm new at this.

[JW Mills]

Hey Palo, I believe that was me!
Glad you got some good pics!

[Palo]

Hey Zed, thanks very much for the tip! It worked out like you said... as soon as I got to the marshy area by the boardwalk, it was right there!  I only wish I had better light... or brighter lens.  I had to hike up my ISO much higher than I'd liked to get a fast enough shutter speed to catch that little guy in the shade.  I'll be dropping by again today for an hour or so, to see if my luck will change with that Green Finch.  Thanks again man, very appreciated.

[Rotarran]

Hey Palo that's a cool bird.  Haha I never knew Wrens looked so cute.  Nice pics..would you be able to guide me on how to find the Wren if I went back on the weekend?

[farmer]

All very nice pics!

[Palo]

All very nice pics!

Thx Farmer, I hope to spot one of em Bluebirds one day myself.

Hey Palo that's a cool bird.  Haha I never knew Wrens looked so cute.  Nice pics..would you be able to guide me on how to find the Wren if I went back on the weekend?

Sorry for the late response, I was out all day... birding of coarse.

They are very cute!  You will find them just a few steps south of the parking lot. There is a small wooden bridge very close to the parking lot itself, leading to a boardwalk through a marshy area. From that bridge to the boardwalk, you'll eventually spot them. Good luck!

I was there today (Wednesday) and did not see them. I did however, hear them.