Monday, November 11, 2013

Golden-crowned Kinglets at the Cox Arboretum Metropark in Dayton

Rick and I visited the Cox Arboretum MetroPark in Dayton, OH Sunday afternoon. It was our first time there, and I'm glad we went. We didn't know anything about the park, so after looking at the trail map, we decided to take the 1.8 mile "yellow" trail. According to the map, it wound through a mature deciduous forest interspersed with cedar groves. It promised to be birdy, and after only a few minutes, a Brown Creeper started his high-pitched peeping, and we soon saw him spiraling up a tree just off the path. Within seconds of our "ooohhing" and "ahhhhing" over the creeper, a little band of Golden-crowned Kinglets dropped in on us. The intrepid little birds came in so close I was amazed and wondered if they would try to land on us. They were scouring the branches in a flurry of movement, snapping up tiny insects right and left. It was exciting (and very deja vu Maumee Bay)...

Clear view of the yellow crest on a Golden-crowned Kinglet
A Golden-crowned Kinglet zipped in beside us...so close!

Golden-crowned Kinglet
...sweet little kinglet with the golden crown.

kinglet nabbing an insect
Look closely between her bill. She has a tiny insect!

The golden light of late afternoon washes over this little kinglet.

...sweet little kinglet is definitely playing peek-a-boo!
I see you!

The Cox Arboretum MetroPark was lovely. I definitely want to go back this spring and summer to photograph butterflies. The wetland and bird blind looked interesting as well. 

I will pick back up with the Maumee Bay posts, but these little kinglets were so cute I had to post them right away!

10 comments:

Roy Norris said...

More great shots of this super little bird Kelly

TexWisGirl said...

spectacular little tiny things!

Vickie said...

Gorgeous images, Kelly! Love these little guys.

Kerri Farley said...

I saw some kinglets on my walk this weekend ....but none came very close :) Beautiful captures!

Montanagirl said...

Terrific captures, Kelly! It's so tiny, and I love its coloring.

Elva Paulson said...

Now I'm doubly envious. Such sweet birds to come your way again.

Elaine said...

Wonderful shots of the Kinglets!

Ana Mínguez Corella said...

Lovely bird.. Cheers!!!..

Tammie Lee said...

hello Kelly,

you sure know how to photograph birds and in such gorgeous light. Such charming little critters!

Kelly said...

Thanks, everyone. These birds are so cute. I love that they carry on their business of foraging so close to the pathways so we can easily see them! Yesterday I went to the Little Miami River trail and another small flock was there. Three for three...hat trick of golden-crowned kinglets!