A Few Interesting Pics
You recall last Friday’s GBP Photograph of the Week was of a Cedar Waxwing. Submitted by eschwister, he noted that there was an object extending from the vent of the bird. Here’s a closeup of the object:
James Babbitt was the first to respond and probably got it right. He said, “[It’s a ]seed being passed in feces. Unlike most birds that regurgitate the seeds of berries and fruits, Waxwings pass them in their feces.” An interesting fact, to be sure; Waxwings seem to be pretty unique in this respect. It certainly looks like a fruit seed, perhaps still encased in its skin, although it doesn’t explain why the object is sticking out from the vent – a stem perhaps? Let’s assume it will pass with some more time.
Here are some other birds I found of interest in the past few months:
A Swainson’s Hawk is pretty rare for the Illinois area. While up at Illinois State Beach Park looking for another bird we spotted this one soaring overhead.
I was down on Montrose Beach on May 1, 2022 and found Monte the Piping Plover there awaiting the return of his mate Rose. Alas she didn’t return that year and her whereabouts are unknown. Twelve days later Monte died of a severe respiratory illness. Or was it from a broken heart?
This Tree Swallow has taken residence in a Bluebird house. It obviously didn’t read the warning on the box before moving in. I hope it doesn’t get in trouble with the feds.
We found this Canada Warbler along a stream in McClaughry Springs Woods FP. These are uncommon warblers for us so I was eager to get some pictures of it but it kept moving downstream every time I set up for a shot. I probably followed it along the stream for a good 200 yards before I was able to get a decent shot of it.
Stay Safe. Go Birding. Take Pics. Share Here. Repeat.
Mike
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