What Am I?

On Tuesday's hike into Cape May Point State Park, I encountered this creature on the trails.  Usually, animals tend to flee when they see a human.  Not this guy!  He actually approached me as I hiked through an open forested area.  Figure out what it is!

Of type of creature, I'm a fowl
I'm larger than a hawk or owl

Berries, insects, nuts, fruits, and more -
It's clear that I'm an omnivore

Whate're I find, that I'll gobble
From this and that, meals I'll cobble

As birds here go, I am quite tall,
The height of children, if they're small

I have no hair but have a beard
Now, don't you think that's sort of weird?

Just like vultures, my head is bare
And here's a few more clues I'll share:

A bourbon is named after me
Distilled in bluegrass Kentuck-ee

I could grace your Thanksgiving table.
(I'll skip that fate if I am able)

In spring of year, I strut my stuff
For hens to claim; of clues - enough!

That's it
for
clues,
so scroll
D
O
W
N
to reveal
the identity
of this
bird.


Is the picture no more murky?
It should be clear I'm wild turkey!

I reached a section of the trail where there was a wooden rail fence to the left, and a fence gate ahead, blocking a gravel road.  The trail made a sharp turn to the right.  Down the road, perhaps 100 feet, a splendid male turkey stood on the edge of the forest.  I set my camera to maximum zoom and snapped some photos.  Unlike every other turkey I've encountered, this one did not run or fly away.  It just stood there.

So, I thought to myself, "what if I try to get closer for a better photo?" I crawled under the fence gate, and walked slowly towards him, expecting him to move away quickly.  I kept snapping photos every few feet.  To my surprise, the gobbler started walking slowly towards me.  At one point, he did this display with his wings and tail, perhaps a show of dominance.

I stopped and he kept coming.  Did he expect food?  Was he going to get aggressive?  Was he just curious?

When he got about 15 feet from me, I decided that it was too close, so I turned and walked slowly away, and climbed over the fence.  The tom followed me, but did not attempt to go over the fence or under the gate.  He stayed in the grassy area on the other side of the fence, so I took the zoom off the camera and observed him, snapping several more photos.  You can get a good look at his "beard" in this one.

What a cool wildlife experience that was!  I've never been so close to a turkey before.

I like this photo because it shows some of the subtle colors he has when the sun hits his feathers.

This is a wildlife sighting that I will remember for some time!

What Am I?

On my Friday hike through White Oak Canyon, a large bird swooped along Cedar Run.  What I initially thought it was, I was wrong about, as I saw when it eventually landed on a branch over the stream.  I have heard these calling many times, including on my last backpacking trip, but I am not sure if I ever saw one before.  See if you can guess....

You think of me as bird of night
Patrolling when the sun's not bright

But sometimes when its broad daylight,
Think you will see me, you just might

Plumage of brown with streaks of white
I think that I'm a handsome sight

Whether or not you think I'm cute
I really just don't give a hoot

Keep your veggies and keep your fruit
It's mice and such I'm in pursuit

Mice and rats may tremble with fear
If they hear me, and know I'm near

Did all these clues my name reveal?
This final one should seal the deal:

At dusk and dawn, you'll hear my call:
"Who cooks for you?  Who cooks for you-all?"

Got a clue?
Give a hoot?
Is the answer
barred from
your mind?
Scroll
D
O
W
N
and all
will be
revealed!

The proper guess this time?  Barred owl -
If you guessed right, shout, hoot, and howl!

My first thought as the large bird swooped by from behind, flying down the stream, was that it a hawk.  But it seemed too large and wide for a forest hawk.  Fortunately, it landed on a branch.  As I approached, it dove for the stream, like it was hunting, and at that point, I could see that it was a barred owl.  It flew back to the branch, then took off down the stream.  I followed and got a photo.  Then it took off again.

I thought that was my last sighting, but it landed, somewhere in the dense woods above the stream ahead of me, and in a moment, I found the owl again.  This time, it stayed on the branch, just 15-20 feet from me, for a good 10 minutes.  Most of the time, it was turned away, but now and then, it turned its head, owl fashion, towards me.

I didn't know that this type of owl was so active in daylight - it was past 10AM.  It was amazing to see one so close, and it is something that I will remember for a long time.  Eventually, the owl flew as silently as a wraith down the stream one last time, and I didn't see it again.

What Am I?

I'll take a bit of a break from my Scotland posts, lassies and laddies, to post about Friday's (June 6) hike in Shenandoah National Park.  And I am going to do this a little differently, first posting about a couple of critters that I saw, then later about the hike itself, which you can read about here.

I saw three animals that were worthy of posting about, but only got photos of two of them.  This first one should be very easy.  Follow the clues and make your guess....

What I can find is what I'll eat:
Insects and plants, sweet fruits, and meat

I search all day to find these goods
While wondering through the deep woods

I need to eat all that I can
For winter's sleep is my grand plan

It's in the winter, cold and deep,
That you would find me fast asleep

There cubs are born, helpless and small
They'll stay with me til second fall

And by that time, like me they're large
But while they're small, watch out - I'll charge!

I have thick fur, both front and back
To keep me warm - it's deepest black

My fur makes hats for Coldsteam Guards
Who stand their watch near Scootland Yards

That should be enough clues.
Scroll
D
O
W
N
after
making
your guess!

I'm sure that you guessed a black bear
When I'm with cubs, you must beware!

I saw these bears along the road before I got to my hiking point.  While I've seen them while hiking a number of times, I've only gotten photos once, in Grand Tetons National Park.  So I decided to post these photos, even though it was before the hike.

First, I spied what looked like an animal from the distance as I drove north on the Skyline Drive.  I slowed and got close and was thrilled to see a black bear!  The bear began crossing the road, then stopped right in front of me ....

.... and looked back.

And here's why - a tiny cub came out of the brush and joined her.  They crossed to the other side, and the cub disappeared into the dense vegetation.  But a moment later, the bear turned and started to cross back to my left.

Imagine my delight when not one, but two, little cubs joined her.  Clearly, she had gone to get her other cub after seeing me as a potential threat coming between them.

They reached the other side....

Then, one by one, the cubs scampered up the tree that was behind her, I suppose on some signal from their mother.  She began munching on big mouthfuls of this plant.  I watched for a moment, then left them in peace to live their lives.

What a wonderful and fortunate wildlife sighting.  I was annoyed with myself that I had left my house about 30 minutes later than planned.  But had I left on time, I would not have seen these bears, nor would I have seen the other incredible animal after starting my hike.  So I guess that there was a reason that I left late.  We need to be patient and accepting of things, as one never knows where they might lead.

What Am I?

While exploring Cape May Point State Park a couple of weeks ago, I came on this bird sitting in a tree over the water.  It is one that I see from time to time, but never frequently, and not for a few years now.  This is the best look I have ever had at this usually very secretive bird, and I watched him for a good 15 minutes.  Put on your thinking cap, as this may not be an easy one.  The first time I saw one, it was hiding in a marsh up in Maine, making this incredible call.  I kept watching until I found it so I could figure out what the bird was that had such an unusual call.

In wetlands damp I'm always found

It's for my call that I'm renowned

My pattern's brownish and white streaks;

I have a sharp and spear-like beak

And with that beak I'll try to spear

Whatever creatures come too near

Be they frog, mouse, or yummy fish

To catch dinner is my fond wish

My color pattern helps me hide

Tall reeds is where I'm often spied

And so, how are you thus far fairin'?

You guess that I'm a stocky heron?

Now how can I describe my call

Which if you hear it should enthrall?

"Oong-ka-choonk" with pumping sound

Which loudly booms o'er marsh and ground

Not easy, is it?

Well, I threw

a lot of

facts in the

verse above

If you ever

heard one of

these stocky

herons then

you will get

this one.

Scroll

D

O

W

N

for the answer

and photos

Within your brain did the facts churn

To guess American bittern?

I've never before seen this bird when it wasn't hiding.  This one was just sitting up in a lovely flowering tree over the water, maybe catching the morning rays.  I really enjoyed that my day and his intersected for a little while.

I've only heard a bittern a few times.  I used to see them in Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge from time to time, and they were always very secretive.

What Am I?

During my six mile hike / training walk Wednesday after work, I spotted this creature in Maymont.  Maymont has a number of captive creatures on display, but this mammal was wild and uncaged.  I bet you can guess his or her identity.

I am, I state, a herbivore:

Love tender plants, and nothing more

I eat like crazy, put on fat;

Winter arrives in nothing flat

And winter I will spend in sleep

In my burrow, safe and deep

Beneath the snows I hibernate

For spring's fresh green I will await

But humans state I have my day:

In February, so you say

You say I can predict the weather

Emerging from the earth's nether

On just this special winter day

To see my shadow, with dismay

And winter will last six weeks more

While deep beneath the ground I snore

I think

you have

enough

clues now

to guess

correctly

Scroll

D

O

W

N

for the

answer:

How much wood can a woodchuck chuck?

Did you guess right? Were you in luck?

I am pretty sure that woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, don't have the power to predict or change the weather, although they can awaken on a warm winter day, come outside for a bit, then return to hibernation.

What Am I?

As I hiked along the Old Indian Trail in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore last week, I heard an animal moving more or less in my direction through the forest.  I stopped and waited, and waited, and suddenly, there it was - three of this creature.  Although they are very common all across the USA, I have only seen them a handful of times while hiking.  Can you guess?

I'm covered with a thick grey fur
So I'm a mammal, you'll concur

Some people say I wash my food
A silly myth - don't think me crude

For food, I'm not fastidious
I'll eat things you think hideous

I truly am an omnivore
Eat meat and fruit and lots things more

My paws resemble your fine hands
And serve me in my life's demands

Around my tail I've rings of black
I think I am a handsome jack!

I'm quite at home up in a tree
And won't come down despite your plea

And like a robber I've a mask
With this last clue, complete your task!

I think you
should have
plenty of clues
to figure this
out, so
scroll
D
O
W
N
to find the
answer.




Did you just call the proper tune,
And guess that I'm a masked raccoon?

Three of these animals walked through the forest.  They didn't see me, but at one point they began to move away, so I began walking towards them.  Two started running, and the third - a younger one - climbed a tree.  I snapped a couple of photos and then left him alone.  It as an exciting sighting to see something a little different.

What Am I?

On my kayak outing last week in Michigan, I snapped a photo of this bird in flight.  Can you guess what it is?

Far from water I don't roam
And by a stream I make my home

But if you're thinking I'm a duck
Guess one more time, you're out of luck

I perch in trees by water's edge
By borders of cattails and sedge

I have a quite distinctive call
My rattling sound might you enthrall

My feathers are a bluish-gray
I am quite handsome, I must say!

But little fish with no great love
Would call me winged death from above

For my day is a true winner
If I catch a fish for dinner

Into the water I will dive
To snare a fish is what I strive

Need one last clue? Oh, what the heck!
I have a “belt” around my neck.

Enough
clues, don't
you think?
Take a
guess and
scroll
D
O
W
N
to learn
if you
are right!



Belted kingfisher? That’s your choice?
Then whistle, stomp, and raise your voice!

We saw a number of these interesting birds as we kayaked up and down the stream.  We saw them dive into the stream after fish a number of times.  They never seem to tolerate humans, even in a boat, getting very close, and will fly away - usually making their distinctive "rattle" - when one gets too close in their judgement.

What Am I?

I saw this western animal on both the Donner Lake and the Mount Judah hikes in California last week.  Can you guess it?  It is not an easy one to guess from some verse, that is for sure.

Here is a chance to earn your stripes

Come on, think hard, suppress those gripes

For my bright stripes are really clear

You'll notice them, I say with cheer

So are you thinking smelly skunk?

Guess once again if so you thunk

Here's one important little clue

That I'll give right now to just you,

That just might your answer augment:

I am, in fact, a small rodent

So now is it you guess chipmunk

Instead of black and bright white skunk?

Well, you are indeed getting close

Try once more before I expose

The answer to your inquiring mind

So you may guess if so inclined

Around my neck's a golden hue

And sorry, that's my final clue!

It's like I have a shawl of gold

Quite lovely, if I am so bold

Yeah, I know

this is a tough

one unless you

have seen one

of these guys in

the west

and thought "chipmunk,"

and then looked it up

in a field guide.

Well, scroll

D

O

W

N

to catch the

answer.

.

.

.

Well, the answer I now unfurl:

A cute golden-mantled ground squirrel

One of these little squirrels (and after all, any chipmunk that you see is indeed a squirrel) ran about 1 foot from my boots as I stood admiring the view of Donner Lake from Donner Peak.

What Am I?

On my short nature hike last Monday along Donner Lake in the Sierra Nevada, I was fortunate enough to spot this quick and active creature flitting in and out of the rocks.  Can you guess what it is?

There is no doubt that I eat meat,
But not like deer - too big a feat

Nope, nothing large, I do proclaim,
For what I hunt is smaller game

Like chipmunks, and perhaps a mouse -
Why, I'll go right inside their house

For I am built quite long and lean,
And people think I'm kind of mean

But, hey, a fellow's got to eat
It's not my fault that I like meat!

I'm brown right now, but, what delight!
In winter I'll turn purest white

My tail, black tipped, is pretty long.
About me there's this catchy song

Here's one last clue before I stop -
Despite that song, I don't go "pop!"

Come on, you
got this one -
at least close
if not the exact species!
Scroll
D
O
W
N
and see
how you did....

Must I paint with brush and easel
For you to guess long tailed weasel?

We saw this weasel run across the path and disappear.  But we waited, and suddenly, he came back out and entertained us for a good 15 minutes.  He seemed curious but wary, and kept disappearing under rocks.  Then, he would pop out somewhere else after being out of sight.  It was a fascinating thing to watch - unless you are a chipmunk or mouse or small ground squirrel.  Then, it must be terrifying!

What Am I?

Here is the fourth "What Am I?" riddle from my backpacking trip on Shackleford Banks....

I live out on the ocean's floor

But you might find me on the shore

I have five arms, while you have two

Mine are different from those of you

My arms are covered with tube feet

By which I move, and help me eat,

Because my tube feet do real well

When pulling open a clam's shell

My phylum name means "spiny skin"

Sea urchins are among my kin

For yes, I will with pride confirm

Indeed, I'm an echinoderm!

I think

that should

be enough

clues for you.

Take your

guess and

scroll

D

O

W

N

for the answer!

Did you finish ahead of par

And guess I'm a fine sea star?

I saw a number of these sea stars (commonly called star fish, although a fish they are not) washed up on the beach and thought they were really striking.  I shared a few photos of my hike with a coworker, and she liked this one so much she is using it as wallpaper on her computer.  Mother Nature arranged everything so artfully, don't you think?

What Am I?

Here is the third "What Am I?" riddle from my backpacking trip on Shackleford Banks....

Patrolling by the water's edge

In tireless search of food, I pledge

I probe the sand with my long bill
For food my belly with to fill

My feet move fast, can you keep up
While I search for some things to sup?

A sanderling, do you suppose?
No - let's continue with more prose.

For I'm much larger than that bird
You'll have to take me at my word

I'm drab in color but in my flight
I boldly flash both black and white

From market hunting I was rare
But I've come back thanks to man's care

That should
be enough clues
to identify
this common
shorebird.

Do you know it?
Scroll
D
O
W
N
and see if you
got it right!

Did these clues all help you fill it
and determine I'm a willet?

I saw a number of these impressive shorebirds while hiking on Shackleford Banks last month.  The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 helped their populations, decimated from market hunting, recover, and they are now commonly seen along the coast.

What Am I?

Here is the second "What Am I?" riddle from my backpacking trip on Shackleford Banks....

You ever think you've seen a ghost
While walking on the sandy coast?

While not a ghost, my color's pale
I have a shell, but not like snail

I've eight fast legs to move around
But spend much time below the ground

For in the sand I dig a hole
I won't come out, though you cajole

But in the darkness of the night
When the conditions are just right

I'll leave the safety of my lair
And hunt for something to ensnare

By heading down to the dark sea
To search for food.  No guarantee

I won't become someone's quick meal
And if I do, there's no appeal

Perhaps you think I'm large spider
Think again, think hard and wider

Now this last clue should give you pause
I'm armed with two strong pinching claws

Think hard,
enough clues
and I think
you have more
than a ghost of
a chance with
this one.
Scroll
D
O
W
N
for the
answer.


Should you say that I'm a ghost crab
Then the answer you sure did grab!

One sees these crabs often during the day, usually very close to the borrows.  But come out at night, and you will see them all over the place, heading down to the water to hunt, and I suppose, to breed.  I once saw a big one with a much smaller one in its claws.  Life is not easy or gentle for these animals.

What Am I?

It's been four weeks since I was backpacking on Shackleford Banks, and it is past time to document some of the other wildlife that I saw on the two days I was on the island.  I plan on three or four of these posts to wrap up my Shackleford Banks experience.  Here is the first one.  See if you can figure it out.  I saw about 5-6 of these dead on the beach.  I saw a live one once in Bermuda.  It an animal you want to stay away from, despite its beauty.

Beyond the waves I gently float
Perhaps I look like tiny boat

My body's purple with some pink
I look so lovely, you may think

But you should take another look
By cover, do not judge this book!

There's more to me than purplish float
And if you're wise, you will take note

Don't get too close, for here's the thing:
I will inflict a deadly sting!

Far below the water's surface
Are tentacles with deadly purpose

I hope that
this gives you
enough clues.

Scroll
D
O
W
N
for the
answer.

Here, then, I am, washed up on shore:
Deadly Portuguese man 'o war!

Here are two of the specimens that I found.  The colors are beautiful, but even lying on the beach, their long tentacles can pack a deadly sting.

If I recall correctly, this species is not a single animal, but more like a colony of animals.  Finding so many of these washed up would make me very alert upon swimming in this area!

What Am I?

I saw this mercurial creature on my hike two days ago in Staunton River State Park.  It took me persistence and moving at a slow pace, but I was able to get some photos eventually.  See if you can figure it out, but I warn you, this is not an easy one at all!

You humans say my blood runs cold
I say that statement's rather bold!

I just follow natural rule:
My red blood might be warm or cool

My skin is coated in small scales
From tip of snout to end of tail

With my four legs I move quite well;
Unlike a turtle, I have no shell.

I move around as I do please
I climb up trees with complete ease

I'm half a foot or more in size,
On full alert to stay demise

Because I could be tasty meal
For many creatures - that's for real!

Light brownish color is my base
What, puzzled look upon your face?

I've wavy bands across my back
Of lighter color and of black

The bands turn orangish near my tail
Are you now close? Will you prevail?

This one is tough, in your defence
Take your guess now, I'll end suspense!

Hopefully, you
now have enough
clues to at least
get the kind of
animal, if not
the exact species.
Scroll
D
O
W
N
for the
answer!

If you guessed northern fence lizard
I think you're probably a wizard!

There are relatively few kinds of lizards in Virginia, and this must be the biggest.  They are expert climbers, and like a squirrel, will continually move to the other side of the tree as you try to get a good look.  But eventually, this one - a female based on the coloration - settled down and I was able to get some photos of her.  It was pretty neat!

What Am I?

Although I see (and especially hear) these little birds all of the time, I don't usually get a photo of them.  But on Friday's ramble around the Pony Pasture, I was able to capture one in my camera's inner workings, and since they have always been a favorite of mine, I decided to write about it.  Can you guess this one?

Are you prepared right now to start?
My name consists of double parts

The first's the color of my head
But is it black or blue or red?

The second part's the call I make
Come on, think hard; now, stay awake!

I'm state bird of the Pine Tree State
I'm just an ounce or so in weight

I'm gray on wings and on my back
But throat and top of head is black

Upon my head is that a cap?
I must say, I'm a rakish chap!

I make the merriest of calls
It's heard throughout the forest's halls

But should I write down exact call,
The riddle's done; you'll know it all!

My cheeks are snowiest of white
Know me by now? I think you might!

Okay, that's
enough clues
I think that
you know
this one, so
scroll
D
O
W
N
after taking
your guess.



Proclaiming high up from a tree:
I am a Carolina chickadee!

What Am I?

On my nature hike at the Pony Pasture in James River Park yesterday, I saw this commonly seen feathered friend.  Can you guess what it is?  It should be easy, unlike my last one about the duck seen at Back Bay.

For starters, here is this good word -
For many states, I am their bird

Despite my name, I choose no pope.
If you think that then you're a dope

And if you think I'm man of God
I'll tell you now: your logic's flawed

From tail to beak, I'm dressed in red
Except for black on throat and head

With big red bill I crack hard seeds
For energy to meet my needs

I sing my fine song: "Wheat, wheat, wheat..."
To human ears, sounds very sweet

This should be
easy, so
take your
guess and
scroll
D
O
W
N
for the
answer:

A cardinal's quite the proper choice
If you guessed right, then raise your voice!

Commonly heard and seen here, the State bird of Virginia and many other states, there is nothing like the shocking red of a cardinal against the drab woods of winter and early spring!

What Am I?

I saw this animal on my final hike in Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge a few weeks ago.  I already miss going there, but expect I will go back for old times sake at some point.  See if you can figure it out.

How’s this great clue for first clue luck?
I’ll tell you I’m a type of duck

But of the ducks there’re so many
Without more clues I could be any

So what kind of duck could I be?
You’ll find me in a group of three

By that I mean one of three kinds
Come on, think hard - use those sharp minds

It is quite clear from my hooked bill
I don’t eat plants; it’s fish I kill.

Upon my head I have a crest
With reddish band across my breast

Of course that more describes the male
My lady is a bit more pale

Fish eating duck? One of three types?
Come on and guess - let's earn those stripes!

Enough
clues.
Scroll
D
O
W
N
and see if
you guessed
this duck!




I'm a red-breasted merganser
Did you get the correct answer?

When I first saw this dapper duck, he was on shore near a great blue heron that I was watching.  The heron's photo is on the original post about this final hike, noted at the top of this post.

Even though I posed no threat to his well-being, the merganser didn't know that, and quickly moved into the water.  I watched him for a while and took several more photos.  This one shows all the field marks one needs to identify a male red-breasted merganser.

I knew it was a merganser but was not sure which of the three kinds until I got home and looked him up in my field guide.  I was glad to see some wildlife on this last hike to Back Bay, which will always be a special place.

What Am I?

Just over three weeks ago, I was hiking in the Great Dismal Swamp, and I saw an animal that I have only seen three times before in the wild - once from a boat in Lake Clark National Park in Alaska, once from a car in Big Cypress Preserve in Florida, and once while hiking in Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge.  So it was a thrill to see this rarely seen creature once again.  Can you guess it?

For me, I'll take trout for dinner
But any fish I would call winner

My thick fur while in the rivers
Will keep me warm with no shivers

Although I'm clumsy while on land
My swimming style is simply grand

You must swim well to catch a fish
And add them to your dinner dish

I love to play and romp and slide
But if I see you, I will hide

I'm member of the weasel clan
Can you guess me?  What is your plan?

I think
I have
given
enough
clues in
this short
verse, so
take a guess
and
S
C
R
O
L
L
down!





I'm a group of river otters -
perhaps mother and her daughters

I was thrilled to see these four river otters about 3.5 miles into my Great Dismal Swamp hike.  It is a good thing that I was wearing my new binoculars, because when I spotted an animal moving near the edge of the path ahead near the water, I quickly got a look.  I could not believe it when I identified it as an otter.  It seemed to be rolling around in the path, and then it went into the water.

I got my other camera (the Sony with the better lens) out of my pack as quickly as I could, and went to where the otter had been, but there was no sign of it.  But I kept looking, and heard splashing back up the path from where I had been.  In time, using my binoculars, I spotted an otter swimming away from me.  So I moved back up the path several hundred yards, listening so splashes now and again.  Suddenly, I realized that the otter was back on the path and I then I saw that there were four of them.  They were frolicking and playing together.  I quickly got a photo or two from long distance before they all went back in the water.  I had to zoom in digitally back at home to get their image a little bigger.  I wish I could have gotten closer, but it was a thrilling wildlife moment of spotting a creature that is rarely seen by me.

There are four in the photo, although the middle two are very close together, and the leftmost one is lying down in the grass.

What Am I?

It took me a long time to post this because Blogger stopped allowing me to load photos.  But thanks to Google (what an amazing thing), I found a work around.

I saw these animals a month or so ago on my short hike in Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge.  Can you guess what they are?

This time of year I fly down south

Stuff things to eat in my black mouth

And rest, for soon, I'll sally forth

To raise my young so far up north

Like ugly ducklings they may look:

By the cover don't judge the book

Though my offspring aren't real cuties

But when they're grown, they sure are beauties

White feathered neck is curved and long

I fly with ease, with wingbeats strong

I summer up on tundra bleak

A place, to you, with much mystique

Well I think that is enough clues.  If you ever read "The Ugly Duckling," then this one should be a piece of cake.
So, scroll

D

O

W

N
for the

answer!

So easy that I heard you yawn -

I am a lovely tundra swan!

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge has large populations of these birds in the winter.  They fill the air with their wild cries.  And then, suddenly, they are gone - heading thousands of miles north to breed.

What Am I?

On Sunday's hike at the Pony Pasture, a tiny bird flitted down in a tree's branches just a few feet away and spent a minute or two hopping from branch to branch.  I wondered what he was, and then he turned just the right way and I instantly knew.  See if you can guess.

In color I'm an olive green
In forests is where I am seen

In constant motion, I am quick
My wings I rapidly do flick

Despite my name I am no king
I have a white bar on my wing

Insects, spiders, bugs and such
Are what I eat (enjoy them much)

I said before that I'm no king
And that is true but here's the thing:

Just like a king I have a crown
Here's one last clue, then go to town -

A feathered patch of ruby red
Adorns the top of tiny head

I know this one might be kind of tough but that is all I can come up with for clues today.
So take your best guess
and
scroll
D
O
W
N
for the
answer!

Did you the answer run to ground?
I am a kinglet - ruby crowned!

With my digital camera, I was able to get a few photos of this tiny bird.  They are only around three or four inches long in total.  It came pretty close to me a few times.  I digitally zoomed in on the photos back at home.  The kinglet was in constant motion and it was hard to get photos.  Every time I located it in the viewfinder and was ready to press the button, it moved somewhere else.  After 30-45 seconds he climbed higher and higher in the tree and then flitted away.  Here, you can see the eye-ring, one of the field marks for this species.

On this photo, you can see the ruby patch that give him his name, and also its wing bar.