Mason, Ivy, and I made the scene this weekend at Mendon Ponds in order to meet up with the notorious noflickster (Mike of The Feather and the Flower) along with his beautiful young daughter, Reina. Mason and Reina are almost exactly the same age so Mike and I had high hopes of interesting birding while the kids entertained each other. Of course experience teaches us that no plan survives contact with the enemy. This excursion was no exception to that rule. Not only did Mason have a problem with overfriendly ants that required my full attention but the birding was rather prosaic. I won’t bore you with the day list - name the ten species most likely to turn up midsummer in an upstate New York forest and you’ll undoubtedly enumerate our sightings. It is worth noting, though, that I spotted plenty of American Kestrels that morning stalking farms and fields from atop telephone wires.

The birding was bland but we had a great time with Mike and Reina. Mendon Ponds impressed once again so come fall, I’m hoping Mike and I can really scour this spot for fall migrants.

Fun

Fungus