In thinking...teachers...
Just a few weeks ago, my birding buddy Stephen Z calls me and Roy saying he
has Cackling Geese nearby...there at Bedford Lake he taught us about the
head difference...and size.....bill length...the works...
My Cackling Geese this past weekend I would have never taken the second
look...one month ago I would have ever known to look at a distant flock of
Canada Geese for a closer look...At Wings of Winter, while I attempted to
brave the sloshy icy road, Joan pulled up and told me the bird I was
hopeful of seeing was a Mute Swan.... I asked Julie Z and Brian Ellis and
texted Zipperer how does one know....each told me about the Bill...but in
that same field were very few Canada Geese and a bunch of Cackling
Geese....and I could tell...all by myself... Then I watched this Greater
White Fronted come in for a landing, showing their banded tail...I am
reminded when it sunk in about this...just a few hours prior this
viewing...for...
At beginning birding, Joan reminded the group of the brown and white of the
Greater White Fronted Geese's tail in flight stayed in my mind as I watched
the Mute Swan, Cackling Geese, a few Canada, and Greater White Fronted
Geese...
While watching Lapland Longspurs, Cyndi and Joan commented on their
swirling on the air...I had seen these before and probably even seen
this...but this was the wow that moment...
Never doubt the value of a hint or teachable moment regarding birds... I
hound some to death ( you know who you are!!)with questions but I learn
from those who know
Thanks to all the teachers!!
Melissa Turrentine
Bedford Co
