February 8, 2008
Athenian birding
I spent an exhausting but enjoyable week in Athens, Georgia meeting various members of the ecology faculty. My schedule didn't allow much time for birding, but my camera came along with me for my walks through the university campus.
The campus is one of the largest I've seen, sporting a cinema, 2 olympic-sized swimming pools and a huge stadium.
One of the things I love about US birding is just how co-operative the birds can be. This Cooper's Hawk flew into a tree just ahead of me...
... and didn't budge when I walked underneath it!
The extraordinary Cardinal was one of the most ubiquitous birds here.
Blue Jay, another corking eastern bird.
Two birds restricted to the south-east US, Carolina Wren and Carolina Chickadee, were both present.
Other eastern forms included Myrtle Warbler and Yellow-shafted Flicker.
Zonotrichia in residence was the attractive White-throated Sparrow.
Song Sparrows were dotted about in ones and twos.
House Finch and American Goldfinch were frequently hanging around the bird feeders.
A backlit Mockingbird.
Robins galore.
This Ruby-crowned Kinglet was probing around some fresh Yellow-bellied Sapsucker holes.
Not a great shot, but the first I've managed to get of this species with its ruby crown showing.
Dawg.
BBQ, Georgia style.
Athens' take on Mardi Gras.
