Tuesday, 14 February 2012
More Grackles
I thought it was amazing, last month, when the huge flock of grackles made a visitation to BelleWood Gardens.
There were newspaper reports of their appearance, with sound bites from naturalists / biologists, and local people
commenting on their astonishing numbers. I'd seen the birds on other occasions - while driving around in the area
as well as here at home. They were foraging through the woods on 28 and 29 January, turning over fallen leaves to look
for bugs and seeds and stuff to eat. Today they were gleaning in a cornfield along Route 12 in Kingwood Township.
I pulled over to the side of the road for a better look. Apparently I march (or is that drive)
to a different drum. Everyone else kept driving on by. There were a few geese also in the field,
heads straight up and peering around in a befuddled, intimidated fashion. Something startled
the grackles and they began to lift off. It's clear that there are many, many more than before.
I almost ducked down as they swirled across the road. Fortunately no spatters on me or my car!