Rising up to meet the challenge!

As I prepare these blogs, I learn new things all the time.  For example, because this Belted Kingfisher has one dark band across his breast, and some rufous along the side that doesn’t extend all the way across, it is a juvenile.  Which explains its comical attempts to land on the power line overlooking the lake!  He gave his rattle cry while moving, which sounds something like a toy machine gun.  I am amazed at how large his bill is and how small his feet!  You can hear his call by clicking here: http://www.birdjam.com/birdsong.php?id=45

About to hang himself! Look at those tiny feet.

Steady now!

Trying to balance

Got it!

Other juveniles that we came across at Rose Valley Lake that day were some scattered Wood Ducks.  Brightly colored males lose their gorgeous coloring in late summer except for their bright red eyes and beaks.  I’m guessing that the birds here are juveniles and females.  Unlike most other ducks, Wood Ducks nest in tree cavities and can be found roosting or flying in the woods.  They take to man-made boxes like these for nesting.

Hanging out around the nest boxes

Hanging out around the nest boxes

Wood Ducks