Spring friends emerging! Prospect Waterfowl #3

 I was not at all planning to do any birdwatching today. In fact, I didn't expect myself to even spend much time outside, it being so grossly humid and overcast. Somehow I managed to wander out of my apartment and into the neighborhood, though, and it's so great that I did!

The sun came out while I was walking, so I continued on to the park. It was really tranquil there this afternoon. There weren't many people, and the sky was a little hazy. I immediately noticed that this small spot with a few benches was attracting attention from this toddler and her mom. Apparently, the kid had been throwing flower petals into the water, making all the birds in sight think she was offering food. And two swans had decided to stick around the little inlet!

Happy spring little swan!

It was almost too pretty a scene in front of me. Like, something I'd expect to see in an impressionist painting. There was a little green on the still water, from newly pollinated trees, and there was the blurry blue-gray sky, and of course, the giant swans going bottoms up in graceful motion. It looked like a synchronized swimming routine- they sort of made a rotation with their legs up in the air. And since it rained so much yesterday, the lake was at a higher level than I'd ever seen. Water was flooding the concrete I stood on.

The geese that swam lazily over to the area were exceedingly calm too. There was no hint of tension or excitement in any of the birds I saw today, weird for heavily fed and socialized city-fowl. They were truly floating and gliding on the water, rather than putting in the effort or intention that is required for swimming. 

Bottoms up :o}

Just as I was fixated on the sweet swans, I happened to look far to my right. Oh god, imagine my shock when I saw what I thought was a GIANT BAT! And I promise the shock and delight didn't diminish much when, two seconds later, I recognized the bird to be a Double-crested Cormorant!

Look at that beautiful face!!

This species was actually one of the first to really pique my interest in waterbirds. I saw one just off Canarsie Pier about a year ago while looking at the water with my mom and sister. At the time, I had no clue what it was. I was just thrilled to see a bird atypical from my usual seagull and pigeon neighbors. I remember reading all about them once I got home, and learning why they took that dramatic stance (which I saw today). Cormorants have feathers that get waterlogged while diving for food, so they tend to perch with their wings spread apart to dry off. 

Later on, while doing a little research about the species of birds in Prospect Park, I found out that cormorants are often spotted exactly where I saw mine today. It was actually on a branch hanging off one of three tiny islands called the "Three Sisters Islands." I can't believe I've missed this up until today! 

One very exciting sign of the season came in the form of turtles! So many of them, stacked on logs and wading in water. I was really hoping to find one on the coastline of the lake, so I could get a really close picture. No such luck today, but I have a whole spring and summer to keep trying. I think the photos I got were pretty good, anyways. 

Red-eared sliders, apparently... 

I had such a great time outside today. Like, walking back from the park, I was just struck by how at peace and happy I felt. I also made the observation that the thought/worry of bugs around me was much less of an impediment on my day than when I am not focused on birds (and things of that sort). I think having this exciting natural connection is helping me get over my insect anxiety?? That's pretty fucking cool.

Just to wrap this up, I really want to recommend the song  "I Lie Around" by Wings. It was playing as I came across that peaceful springtime wonderland earlier, and I can't put into words how well it fit the moment and made me smile. Please give it a shot. :o)

Thanks for reading!🐣