Hi all:
Driving along while in north Arlington, I saw a house sparrow flash in
front of my car.
Wierdly enough; this sparrow had a big white squarish patch covering
its back.
(Note: no this was not a flicker.)
I doubt that this would be a genetic abberation. I am more inclined to
think that the
bird somehow squeezed through something that was just recently painted
white.
Apparently it didn't notice the Wet Paint sign!
Another small non-bird related item.
A dozen kids were going down the trail just past Matildaville in Great
Falls park.
One of the boys noticed something on the gravelly path.
It turned out to be a good sized crayfish.
For some reason the kids lost interest in this beast rather quickly.
Strange.
Maybe I put my hand near to it to make sure it was alive.
Very much so, as it lifted its claws to try to pinch my hand.
I shooed to the edge of the path. At least it wouldn't be crushed
there.
Maybe it couldn't find a mate, and was looking for a more promising
creek.
Very strange to see one so far away from water.
It is always fun to see one of this aggressive little beasties.
Good birding all.
Naturalist-at-large,
Stuart Kent Merrell
.
