Pics from the Patch

I am a fan of something called "patch birding". No doubt many of you also participate in patch birding but may not have labeled it as such. Patch birding is when you regularly bird in a certain area close to your home. It could be your backyard, a nearby park, a grove of trees or a small pond. It is a great way to hone your birding skills and learn about your neighborhood birds.

I did not intentionally look for a bird patch. In reality, a patch adopted me. A nearby city park kept calling my name when I had the urge to bird for an hour or two and I found myself completely immersed in the space when I arrived, birds or no birds.

My bird patch was once an old quarry site that hearkens back to the early days of my home city of Sioux Falls. In 1887, the Sioux Falls Granite Company opened several quarries to mine the beautiful and rugged red quartzite stone that was abundant in our area. Eventually, the quarries closed and water filled in the open mine areas. Many years later, some of the quarries were designated as park sites. And for that, I am grateful.

The park I frequent is call Arrowhead Park. It is a great mix of open prairie grasses, clusters of deciduous and coniferous trees and, of course, ponds of water surrounded by quartzite. The habitat's diversity naturally attracts a variety of birds. In contrast, the park does not attract the cool kids which is one reason I like it so much. I am happy tromping around with regular folks and I will leave the flashier dashier parks to the masses.

Here are a few pics from the patch.

This is my happy place. I often stop here after I have walked the trails. I enjoy soaking in the sights and sounds of the pond. The quartzite rock provides a natural chair for me. I would prefer an added armrest but you can't have everything.

I am often joined by a few turtle friends basking in the sun. Sometimes they let out a shriek when I arrive and plop themselves into the water. I try to assure them that I am harmless. And I do not swim.

In a discreet corner of the pond is a spot I call the bird bathtub. Robins and grackles often splash around in the water as they enjoy a quick rinse-and-go. If you squint just right at the picture you can see a grackle in the tub.

After a month of squawking geese participating in questionable mating behaviors, the results are finally here. This little goose family is adorable. I am waiting for papa goose to get crabby with me for invading his family space but so far he has ignored me. I must look like a low threat entity.

The tree across the pond is a favorite resting spot for eastern kingbirds, goldfinches and other park birds. There is a bird perched in this tree who often graces me with his presence. His scientific name is Megaceryle alcyon. If you are a fish, look out!

Birds are not my only friends at the park. This guy often greets me on my walks. He has no hands so it is a subtle greeting. On one occasion he flung himself into the pond when I arrived. He remained underwater for quite some time so I assume he paid close attention in his scuba diving class.

I followed these two bossy characters (Hirundo rustica) into the women's bathroom at the park. I hope they plan carefully when it is time to build their mud nest.

That's it for now from the patch. I hope you have a very Hoppy Memorial Day weekend!