Back in the Saddle

I haven't been birding in Rhode Island much since I got back from South Africa. I've been busy with presentations and parties and such. My body was screaming at me on Tuesday this week and I was pleased to be able to get an appointment with my Middletown-based Chiropractor on Wednesday. Since early in the year there was a Short-eared Owl hunting in Sachuest Salt Marsh, I decided to go there before sunrise and try my luck. Now I had a Short-eared Owl in January at Mud Pond, but still I always love to see them and some friends of mine still needed one for the year.

I pulled into the Third Beach Parking lot and pulled in to the back of the lot that has a good view of the hill next to the marsh. Even before I stopped, I spotted the Owl flying just above the hill. By the time I stopped the car and grabbed my camera it had descended into the darkness on the east side of the marsh and I never saw it again. I told a few of my friends including one who lives in Aquidneck Island and (much) later that day, she saw it and had some quality time with it (I am more than a little envious). It is the first time I have been the first one to spot one of the less common Owls, so I didn't post it to Group Me or eBird -- turns out its ok to post it to eBird, just not to Group Me -- learn something new every day. The Owl has been spotted on and off since then and I think it is still around. The most exciting thing that happen for me this week.

I also took a swing down Ocean Drive in Newport -- and it was a beautiful day for photos.

Buoy that washed ashore...

Common Eider

Harlequin Duck

Quack- Common Eider

Bufflehead

Brant

Purple Sandpiper

Harlequin Duck

Purple Sandpiper

Had another swing around Ocean Drive in Newport on Saturday and had a few fun perspectives.

Coopers Hawk

Common Goldeneye

Purple Sandpipers

Common Eider & Harlequin Duck

Harlequin Duck

So that's it for the first few days back. It was good for me to take a bit of a break and next year I'm not going to be focused on the Rhode Island year list as I have been in the past. Just going to get out there and enjoy the birds! Happy Holidays