Rose of Sharon are in full bloom around Connecticut. This Hummingbird was attracted to the back of the blooms, both the white and pink variety.
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Hummingbird on Rose of Sharon
Category Archives: Birds
Hummers At Rest
I’ve seen Hummingbirds sit on a feeder while drinking sugar water and assumed they must really rest some time when not feeding.
This group showed me how it was done in small bursts on a recent sunny afternoon. They sat for up to five minutes at a time in a tree, ever watchful of the competition. Then, zip, they were off to a feeder or garden of Bee Balm that were near by.
Bird Sanctuary
Once again a Bluebird welcomed us to the Audubon Sanctuary at Bent of the River.
A large tree in the cedar family played host to a number of birds feeding their young and resting in the hot summer afternoon.
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Pond Activity
It was too hot today to take a trek so we settled on a quick tour of a few local ponds.
One rewarded with a Great Blue Heron.
The pond at the entrance to Cedar Hill Cemetery has a family of ducks who were playing peak-a-boo in the lily pads. Do ducks feel the heat?
Near another pond in the middle of the cemetery a parent waited patiently for us to move along before delivering lunch.
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo
We read some tips on taking photos through fences and headed out to the zoo in Bridgeport to try our hand at some different wildlife.
The Amur Tiger and Amur Leopard are both part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan, where endangered animals are part of a captive breeding program to help ensure their survival.
The zoo is home to a number of un-releasable birds, including this Bald Eagle and Barn Owl. Both quite distinctive, Guinea Fowl and Peafowl roam free around the zoo grounds.
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Barn Owl
Bald Eagle
A colony of Prairie Dogs was quite comical.
Peacock
Guinea Hens roam free.
Pygmy Goat
Amur Tiger laying in pool
Amur Leopard
Rock for a pillow.
Spurred Toroise
Peacock
A fast approaching thunderstorm shortened our visit so we’ll have to go back to see the Toucan, Ocelot, and the not yet open Pampas Plains exhibit that was having some finishing touches worked on the day we were there.
The Road Unintended
We seldom leave the house without a destination in mind. Mindful of the holiday traffic, today we headed south with a plan to cross the Connecticut River on the East Haddam Bridge then poke around headed towards Lyme.
As we were approaching the bridge cars were stopped ahead of us with the gate signaling that the swing bridge was about to open or close. The line of cars was short so we were able to turn into Eagle Landing State Park hoping to get some shots.
The bridge was just opening as we parked. After two boats passed through and the bridge closed we strolled down the park. We spotted the Osprey who reside on top of the moving portion of the bridge on the community funded platform.
Other small birds were hanging around.
The Becky Thatcher headed north which could only mean that the Essex Steam Train would be coming into Deep River Landing to swap passengers.
We jumped in the car and made it to Deep River Landing well ahead of the train.
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A little further south we saw the train again as it passed Pratt Cove.
Lyme will have to wait for another day.
Red-winged BlackbIrds
A small pond at the rear of Cedar Hill Cemetery in Hartford is hosting a growing flock of Red-winged Blackbirds. I was drawn in by the racket they were making then an adult male worked to divert my attention away from his family.
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Last year’s cat-tails make good camouflage for the drab females and young.
Small Things: Elizabeth Park
Hartford’s Elizabeth Park is full of delightful images everywhere you turn.
Roses, of course, are the most well known flowers there but plenty of other specimens vie for attention.
And there are plenty of small critters running about.
Found something!
Great form and color.
Moving Up
Last week I photographed Swallows feeding their young at a nest box. At Hammonasset Beach State Park the Menunkatuck Audubon Society has placed nesting boxes with the openings facing away from the path where human visitors are invited to observe.
Yesterday, the young from one of those boxes had made it to the roof. At the neighboring boxes all of the activity was on the side away from observation, with the parents bringing a steady supply of food. (Click photo for larger view.)
Heron in the Swamp
The duck seemed oblivious to what was going on around him. At first it looked like a piece of trash when his head was tucked under his wing, but then his head popped up.
The Heron kept busy going back and forth, with graceful take-offs and landings. 
The turtles seemed to be looking up at him, but the didn’t seem to care either. 
Nice, easy touch down. 
An extra shake for good measure.
Before taking off again.
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