I decided to spend a solitary afternoon at Mystic Marsh this past Saturday, and was not disappointed by the plethora of winged friends. As I sat in the old adirondak chair eating my alfresco lunch, I was greeted by the sight of eight tree swallows jockeying for the myriad bluebird houses on site. So spirited and friendly was this bunch, that my pate almost became a temporary perch. After a while, they dispersed and I was contented with the twittering blackbirds, pipping robins and two wayward sparrows. Later I strolled down to the picnic table and viewed a fanning turkey, (with no takers), in the distance and heard the raucous call of the resident pheasants. A couple of mallards flew overhead and my beloved Sandhills circled a few times before landing near a distant pond.
As shadows grew long and the afternoon was waning, I headed back to the cabin porch for a nice glass of vino and opera. I'd no sooner started the music, when I caught a flash of blue to my right. Could it be? Yes, it was a bluebird -- the elusive bluebird who I've been trying to lure in for three years. He checked out the houses and actually stuck around for at least 45 minutes. It must have been Renata Tibaldi's voice that appealed to this vibrant little guy. I was enthralled and highly entertained.
The next morning I began gathering my things for my short trek home, when a familiar melodic blend entered the air. A wee male wren had shown up just before my departure. I sat for a bit and reveled in a solo even Caruso would have envied. Giving the trees one last scan, I noticed a rather large bird sitting atop a limb. I didn't immediately recognize the bird, so I grabbed the bird book for a look-see. It was a brown thrasher. This is only the second time I've seen a brown thrasher, the last time being two years ago. I was duly excited and jotted a small note in the book. I hope he sticks around for a while. Ah...two days in aviary heaven--what bliss.
