The Wizard and the Titmouse

Tufted Titmouse is a fitting insult for the quiffed blowhard currently inflicting suffering on so many, but that would insult a welcome and delightful bird. More often heard than seen, this little twitterers are often found at the tiptops of trees, having incessant conversations which we can only dream of understanding.

This one was at Timber Creek, joining the Blue Jays and American Crows in harassing a lingering hawk. The Red-Bellied Woodpeckers were at it, too. The Egrets and Herons haven’t been around. I think the water level is too low for it to be good fishing.

I visited John Heinz Wildlife Refuge in Philly to have better luck, but they had drained the ponds to rid them of invasive Snakehead fish. They quickly get too big for herons to eat, and there’s only so much the resident Bald Eagles can do. Eagly (my name for all Bald Eagles, now that I’ve been watching Peacemaker) flew by me, with a large hawk right after, as soon as I got on the trail, and before I had my camera ready.

I met two birders looking for warblers, specifically a Connecticut Warbler, at a good spot where we saw many Downy Woodpeckers and other songbirds, but no warblers. I found out why, later. We had a nice chat, and I stayed to watch American Robins and Downys, along with chattering Gray Catbirds; this trio of birds are usually active, and can keep your interest.

The Catbirds were in cover and not photogenic that day. I was supposed to join a Walk Philly group and walk ten miles, but I was still feeling worn out, so I opted for four miles at John Heinz at my own pace, which was enough. Not far from where I met the birders was a boardwalk, which I followed to see a female Red-Winged Blackbird who was perched high on a marsh reed. She was scouting, and rightly so. I managed one photo before she dived for cover:

The Blackbirds became quiet, so I scanned the skies, and got lucky. A Merlin was sweeping over the marsh looking for a meal:

This was my first time seeing a Merlin. Or a Peregrine Falcon, which this could also be, according to the guides. Either is a “lifer” for me, in birder parlance. I try not to think too much about life lists, as I find it obsessive and annoying, as many facets of a nice hobby can become when taken to extremes. Likewise with mountain biking; I just want some exercise and some beautiful scenery, I don’t need to jump like Evel Knievel, thank you very much. I’ve gotten some air here and there, but it’s not what gets me out there.

I am glad I saw the Merlin or Falcon, but I had fun watching the woodpeckers and songbirds, no matter how common. I also had a good time watching these American Goldfinches arguing in my backyard:

Goldfinches had eluded my camera until then, so that was a nice catch.

The Timber Fox is feeling a bit less silver today. I managed a ten mile ride at Black Run Preserve. I’m clawing my way back. My Garmin smart watch keeps me apprised of stress levels and heart rate variability, and neither were out of whack. Usually when I’m sick, HRV will plummet. When stress levels are high for days, I expect to feel run down. Neither were the case. Enough rest and I’m back lifting weights and riding multiple times per week. Not at the levels I was earlier in the year, but an improvement. I promise I won’t turn this into an old man health complaints newsletter.

When this posts, weather permitting, I should be birdwatching at Pennypack on the Delaware. You’ll see what I found next week. We’ve got a trip to Montreal planned next, and I’ll try to look for birds in between beer and poutine.