Michelle
Forum Replies Created
Viewing 3 posts - 1 through 3 (of 3 total)
-
I live in Central Ontario near Georgian Bay. For Activity 1, I tried using Merlin for the first time even though I've had it on my phone for months. It was pretty fun looking for keys to bird identification using the easy questions Merlin poses. Because it was snowing (in May!!!) I stuck to viewing birds through my window :) For Activity 2, Merlin's "Most Likely" told me that Baltimore Orioles should be back in the area so I added an orange half to my bird feeder. Bingo! This morning a male oriole visited and I expect to see him back. Hopefully he will bring a friend. For Activity 3, I used Merlin's birdsongs to check and hear whether the new song I was hearing came from visiting White-Crowned Sparrows or if I'd have to continue my quest to discover the singer. Sure enough, the new song matched the one on Merlin for the White-Crowned Sparrow. They visit my feeder every fall and spring but I don't think I'd heard their song before. These lessons have been great for making me look and listen more intently. I'm hoping to head out later this week to Stayner Lagoon which is a local hotspot. Taking Merlin with me as my new aide.
-
I'm enjoying the course so far with so much more to learn. I've been a casual birdwatcher for years now with my children. Slowly I've been able to add to my knowledge and identification abilities (key word: slowly). The Wall of Birds was great for exploring bird types. I voted for the Red-breasted Nuthatch which is one of my favourite backyard birds. We have several who love to hang from my peanut feeder. I also love the White-breasted Nuthatch who seems a little more elusive around here in Central Ontario, Canada. I was out walking today and am almost 99% positive that I finally IDed a Cooper's Hawk soaring above my neighbourhood. Yay! I'm new to photographing birds. A few recent photos: White-breasted Nuthatch, Red-breasted Nuthatch, and Cedar Waxwing.
-
Wonderful photos! I just bought the Nikon P900, too. I'm loving the zoom with great detail. Are you having any luck with "action" shots? I'm still figuring out the best settings which means a lot of blur so far :) Thanks for sharing your sketching/painting from the Cornell class. Looks fantastic and you're a good advertisement: makes me want to sign up!
Viewing 3 posts - 1 through 3 (of 3 total)