Birding at the Noland Trail

What a day! I got up at the crack of dawn to hit the Noland Trail today in the hopes of trying out a new landscape lens, and seeing if I could capture a few birds as well.

What was great about this outing was that I was finally able to get good pictures of a few birds that I’d seen before in the wild.

First, the hermit thrush.

I had seen one of these at the Newport News Park a few months ago, but as daylight was fading, I was only able to take one grainy photo. But today, this guy perched just a few feet away from me, and he was more than happy to model for a few minutes.

Several times along the five miles a bird would dip out of view or fly away as soon as I locked in with my camera. But each time, mere minutes later, I’d come across another one ready with a pose. Such was the case with the pileated woodpecker, a bird I’d seen and snapped from afar (and in overcast weather) on a recent trip to Tallahassee. I have a much better picture now!

In fact, I was able to take pictures of all three major woodpecker types on this hike!

This red-bellied woodpecker was the first bird to greet me!

Finishing out the set at the tail end of the hike, the downy woodpecker! I didn’t expect them to be so small!

On the same tree, I spotted another bird I’d been wanting a photo of for a while: the white-breasted nuthatch. This was another one I’d seen on a visit to Tallahassee, but he flew away before I could get out my camera.

I was lucky to catch him hopping down the tree trunk – a well-known quirk of theirs.

Finally, the one I was most excited for. The double-crested cormorant. I’d seen these twice before – once in Savannah, and another on my recent trip to York River State Park. Both times they were pretty far away, and swimming away from me, and I came away with a subpar photo each time. I’d been waiting and waiting for the chance to get a close-up, and today, I was rewarded with a whole flock!

I’ve never seen a green-eyed bird before, have you?

Besides birds I’d been wanting to see for a long time, I also came across some familiar favorites.

As soon as I saw a round white orb atop a tree branch, I knew this was a Northern mockingbird.

I finally have a (very dramatic) picture of the Carolina chickadee, my current favorite bird! I love seeing them when they visit my window feeder, but haven’t ever been ready with a camera.

This tufted titmouse gave me a very strong side-eye when I approached his abode.

I ran into an old nemesis, the ruby-crowned kinglet. I can’t stay mad when he’s so round and fluffy, though.

I also came across a tree filled with American robins. I see these at work and around my apartment, though I’ve missed them the past few months.

Besides birds altogether, I also came across some other forms of wildlife.

Two deer, desperately trying to escape my notice.

And a turtle, having a good old stretch-and-sun on a log. Apparently these are called red-eared sliders.

And now for the grand finale. I was walking across one of the last few bridges before the trail exit. A lady stopped me and said, “There’s a beautiful bird just up there by those rocks.” I think I would have completely missed it without her help, and I’m so glad I didn’t.

A great blue heron, just a few feet away! I’d seen them flying around on the hike, but they hadn’t ever landed close by.

I was able to capture his more devious side. What is he scheming?

There’s murder in his eyes. I’d better get out of here!