Cool Canatara Critters

Soaring overhead like a kite, this light morph Red-tailed Hawk paused above me for several seconds before continuing on his journey. I was standing on Canatara Beach at the time scanning for birds.

A Black-throated Blue Warbler "posed" for several pictures as it hunted for food in the leaf litter!

I watched it enjoy a smorgasbord of insects found in the leaf layer in Canatara Park. It consumed a minimum of 2 Crane flies and 3 worms/caterpillars, exemplifying the importance of leaves to insect life! Leaving leaves in the garden over the winter helps to provide food for birds the following summer! 

A Nashville Warbler was also busy searching for food. He landed on the top of several plants, plucking insects that were hiding under leaves.

Hundreds of White-throated Sparrows are passing through during migration. Their quick movements make them difficult to photograph, but one finally paused in the sunlight!

A chatty Carolina Wren, posed on goldenrod in the meadow.

An American Robin seems to be checking out the fall colours and possibly wondering if its about time to head south. Many Robins will spend the winter locally if they can find sufficient food.

Hermit Thrush searching for food on the forest floor.

Female Red-bellied Woodpecker: I have been hearing them through the summer but they have been difficult to locate through the leafy canopy above.

The reflection of fall colours in the water gives the illusion of Northern Lights, surrounding the Great Blue Heron.