Located not far from downtown Columbus, the Scioto Audubon Park is listed as an "Important Bird Habitat Area". Here are some photos from a walk through the park:
The Daily Bucket is a regular series from the Backyard Science group. Here we talk about Mother Nature in all her glory, especially the parts that live nearby. So let us know (as close as you are comfortable) where you are and what's going on around you. What's the weather like? Seen any interesting plants, bugs or critters? Are there birds at your feeders? Deer, foxes or peahens in your yard? Seen any cool rocks or geological features? Post your observations and notes here. And photos. We like lots of photos. :)
(As usual, I welcome IDs for any of these birdies...Alas, most of them were shot at extreme long distance with full zoom, so they are unavoidably blurry.)
The Audubon Park runs alongside the Scioto River
Two enormously lucky shots.. I noticed a spider web up over my head and was just focusing in on it when a bird (I think it is a Waxwing) suddenly swooped in, hovered for a second or two, and tried to nab the spider off her web. The bird failed on the first try...
..but instantly returned to the other side of the web and successfully made the catch
I thought at first this was a Robin, but it looks different.
This birdie was too silhouetted to see clearly, but the crest looks like a Waxwing...?
A Cormorant coming in for a landing. Are there Double-Crested Cormorants in Ohio, or is this a different species?
A closer view of what I think is the same species from before
Blue flowers of the Chicory plant
A sparkling spider web
OK, it's just a Greenbottle Fly on a pile of poop, but that dazzling green color shines wonderfully in the sunlight. :)
An Egret preens in the distance
This fellow was VERY wary, and it took a lot of stalking to get within photo range of him
Another Waxwing (I think)
There were some hummingbirds darting amongst the Jewelweeds--this was the only non-blurry shot I got (I had to crop it to see the bird)
The turtles here were VERY wary; they didn't mind people walking along the path, but the instant anyone stopped they'd all drop into the water
This Cardinal watched me warily, as well
Turkey Vulture flying overhead
There were lots of Goldfinches flitting around, but this was the only one who would pose for me
And now it is your turn: what's up in your neck of the woods? :)