Two Firsts at Thickson's Woods.

[angieinto]

Today we visited Thickson's Woods for the first time. I was a little worried about the day when it got off to a not so good start with a very unfriendly birder in the parking lot, but after that we had a great day!

We saw today, for the the first time, a Great Horned Owl, he was fast asleep in the tree, but easily seen on a branch without leaf cover. I walked around with my mouth open in total awe. I know a lot of you have already seen owls, but seeing this guy for the first time was amazing to me.    

We also were treated to a Winter Wren sighting and song for a few minutes as he hopped up on a dead tree branch and broke into song, like he wanted the audience, it was our first time seeing one of these too, and a big thank you to the friendly birder who pointed him out to us!

We also saw through out our time there:
Tree Swallows
White-Throated Sparrow
Vireo (not sure what kind, we think Blue-headed Vireo)
A pair of Flickers
Lots of Hermit Thrushes
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Cardinals
Cowbirds
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Turkey Vultures

and I'm sure I'm forgetting something. I loved the area and am sure we will be going back.

[Rob'in'To]

And we saw Ruby Crowned Kinglets (quick little buggers)...  but this is not a photo of a Ruby Crown   :wink:

[Moira]

You were lucky - the GHO hasn't been out in the open too much lately.  Although I wasn't there today, I had several people tell me there was a blue headed vireo there.  It's one of my favourite spots.

[angieinto]

It's a lovely area, I like how on one side of the road is a "woods" area, and the meadow on the other.

[David Shilman]

... I was a little worried about the day when it got off to a not so good start with a very unfriendly birder in the parking lot, but after that we had a great day!

What was the rudeness you experienced (and what parking lot do you mean)?

[angieinto]

Not really rude, just unfriendly. I have a tendency to chat to people, especially if they have binoculars around their necks. Sometimes people are friendly back, sometimes they aren't. No worries, it didn't ruin my day.

[mr.sharp-photo]

actually, Thickson Woods and Lynde Marsh are pretty good at times (esp Lynde Marsh conservatory. I'm amazed at how nice the locals are).

but....i find that its the non-birders that are nice.
birders tend to be a little ungreat around there.

[ravynne40]

Wow Angie great shot and sighting.
I'm like you I say hi to every one too, or a nod, if they respond great, if not...i keep on walking! LOL

[egret]

Great picture
and a lovely place to visit as well

Actually, we have on occasion
experienced unfriendly
takes all kinds

Some you can not say a word

others are very helpful

I just carry on

It is such an enjoyable outing

Have Fun!



Egret

[angieinto]

Thanks! I can't take credit for the picture, my boyfriend took it, no flash, we didn't want to wake him! The owl did make it very easy for us, he was pretty out in the open the day we went, hard to miss.

[Rob'in'To]

Yes, we certainly did not want to disturb this guy.  And we were definitely lucky...  even blessed to see him.  A first for us.

As for the unfriendly person...  he was just cold and short.  No big deal, just hope he doesn't run out of gas on the way out and need assitance...  ha ha ha...  *kidding*

[cocosally]

Me and my husbnad were there last weekend and we were so blessed to meet a very very friendly birder, she didn't mind we join her for the walk and she explains a lot to me! We also see Mr/Mrs Owl up on the pine tree, zzzz, my husband took a few pictures and we left.