BOOT CAST BIRDING ~ BLOG ONE

Looking for birds!

Breaking your foot at anytime of year isn't fun, but when you're a birder, breaking a bone in your foot on the first day of Spring, just seems extra cruel.

I listened to my doctor and barely moved from my living-room for 3 weeks, giving my foot lots of time to heal. After a month off, I finally returned to work last Wednesday. I'm allowed to be a little more mobile, but have to be careful not to overdue it. I'm not going to lie, getting to work and home again is pretty much all I can handle right now. I am exhausted by day's end. Complicating matters is the fact that I shattered my left femur bone and split my left knee cap when I was 19 in a car accident. My left leg can't handle the extra weight of the boot-cast and trying to support my right leg.

I know Spring migration has started, and it's been frustrating not to be able to go out. This past weekend I finally got out to look for some early Spring arrivals.

Saturday we went to a park about a five minute drive from our home and I was on my feet for only about a half hour. We were treated to some great views of a pair of Great Egrets.

One of the two Great Egrets we saw.

I love watching the Ruby-crowned Kinglets flit around.

I also took the time to make the acquaintance of this lovely dog who reminded me of my childhood dog, George.

Making a furry friend.

I also had my first first of year views of female Red-winged Blackbirds, and Song Sparrows.

Sunday we went to a park a little further from home and I was on my feet for about 90 minutes. It may of been a bit long for the second outing as I am pretty sore today. I may get Rob to set up a lawn chair for me next time so I can take rests when needed, especially on uneven ground.

My first of year Warbler! Yellow-rumped Warbler aka Butter Butt!! 

Our friend Dave pointed out this Winter Wren for us.

Even though I wasn't out long this weekend, it was still good to be out. I'm in the boot cast until at least May 23, when I go back for X-rays. There will be no big birding trips this Spring, but we will make the most of what outings I can handle, and I will be sure to share them with you.