copywrite©Marjie Gemmell

WALKING IN THE RAIN


Is there anything nicer than curling up on the couch and listening to the rain’s pitter-patter on the windows? Isn’t it just the coziest feeling? Yes, it is! But even better, though not exactly cozy, is going for a bird walk in the rain. Unless, of course, a thunder storm is in progress or the rain is like a cloudburst. All in all, rain and birds are good together!

This morning was a perfect example. I grabbed my rain hat and binoculars and headed for the woods, not pausing to think about the cozy couch thing!

Lucky for me, the rain had dwindled down to a drizzle by the time I began to walk. I could hear the leaves gentle drip-drip-dripping, and an occasional louder plop of bigger drops. The forest floor was a bit soggy, but that served to muffle my footsteps, which helped me approach the birds without alerting them to my presence. I needed to get as close as possible to the birds, as my binoculars were not easily accessible. I usually tuck them into or my shirt, or cover them with my jacket, in order to keep them dry as long as possible.

Birding in the rain causes the ‘bird watching lady’ to become a ‘bird listening lady.’ When that happens, this lady is happy and pleased to be able to identify so many birds by hearing their songs and calls. I have taught birding by ear to many, many folks over the years. It isn’t as difficult as you think, and unquestionably adds an extra dimension to bird watching.

This morning for instance, I identified sixteen birds by ear, before I saw the first one! A list of ‘heard’ birds included Blue Jay, Northern Cardinal, Carolina Chickadee, American Robin, Song Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Downy Woodpecker, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Blue-headed Vireo, Mourning Dove, White-breasted Nuthatch, Pileated Woodpecker, Belted Kingfisher, Mallard Duck and American Crow.

Eventually, I did observe several of those ‘heard only’ species and in addition got to view Turkey Vulture, Red-bellied Woodpecker, House Finch, American Goldfinch, Eastern Bluebird, Tree Swallow and a Great Blue Heron. The swallows and vireos are near the end of their summer residence here, and many have already migrated.

So, the next time you hear the pitter-patter of raindrops on your window, and if you have a choice…opt for a bird walk in the rain. I think you’ll enjoy it.

Cheeps & Chirps!
Marjie Gemmell


To learn more about bird identification and bird song go to:
www.easybirdidentification.com

Commentary? E-mail Address: marjie@easybirdidentification.com


Posted by Marjie Gemmell