June, Week 2, 2008

Sunday, 6

Went to get the mail today and a male Red-Winged Blackbird was perching on the mailbox. A juvenile robin fed in the yard, while I watched several Cedar Waxwings chirp and fly around the yard. As usual, I saw cowbirds, goldfinches, house sparrows, etc. At about 2:30 pm, I came across a new species (for me). I think it is an American Pipit, and I recently left a post about the identification of this bird. Other birds viewed include: Horned Lark, Great Blue Heron, Barn Swallow & Common Grackle. Also, a Mourning Dove was inspecting a wooden Cardinal on our fence.

If it is indeed an American Pipit (which I think was a solitary female - the breast markings are fainter) then this can be added to my Year List (2008-2009):

 91. American Pipit        Anthus rubescens       2:34 PM     7/6     Woodstock, Illinois

Unfortunately, Raptor just informed me that American Pipits aren't presently migrating, which leaves my only possibly label as a juvenile Horned Lark.