These past two weeks were challenging to find time to get outdoors and enjoy the highlights of spring birding and butterflies. But I did manage to sneak off for an hour or two here and there.  My busy schedule did make my journeys with my camera all the more sweeter due to the rarity. 

I took time one morning to hike Embudito canyon. The weather was very nice and I ended up hiking around the canyon for a couple of hours.

I thoroughly enjoyed watching a Scott’s Oriole sing. Such beautiful birds. I also saw a Bewick Wren…my favorite wren. I love their personalities.

I ventured to Bill Spring in the Sandias several times during the past couple of weeks since it is so close to home. It was so peaceful to sit still and listen to the flowing spring and birdsong. Very therapeutic for my stressful life these days. One of my favorite singers is the Hermit Thrush. I love the haunting quality of their voice as it echoes through the canyon.

Sitting quietly near the spring I was gifted with the sight of several different birds coming in to drink and bathe. Always makes me feel blessed to see the beauties of nature.

On one occasion I met up with my new friend Joe to search for birds and butterflies in the area around Bill Spring. We tried finding the Northern Pygmy Owl but no luck. Third time to strike out for me. But while searching for him I did get two new lifer birds. A red-naped sapsucker (beautiful bird!) and a Warbliing Vireo. 

We also saw lots of very pretty butterflies. They were enjoying the warm sunny morning.

Just yesterday in my own back yard I got another lifer bird…a Gray Vireo. I have heard him singing for the past couple weeks. But couldn’t get a photo until yesterday. I’ve been so busy I haven’t had time to update my bird list so I’m not sure how many sightings I have to date. But it’s somewhere in the 320s.

Also during the last couple weeks I had to travel to Sapello, NM. While there I took about an hour to bird next to the Sapello River.  I heard lots of Chestnut-sided Warblers but they were on the other side of the river and couldn’t get a photo. But I did get a few nice photos while there.

I also took the opportunity to drive through Stanley on the way to Sapello. Got a few nice sightings there including a lifer for me.  A gray flycatcher.

I’m finally getting more caught up with work. Scarlett is getting her third booster shot today. So soon I will be able to get her and I out more often.  Yay!