It seems like it’s been a long time since I promised to show you the best images from my latest walk at Kensington.

While I was walking it didn’t seem like I was taking many photos. But when I go back and look there are way too many ‘best’ images.

So it will be hard to choose just a few. I so much wish you could all walk out there with me.

Though I know from experience that I do better photography when I’m walking alone. No one really wants to keep waiting for me to catch up.

I also don’t want to be those annoying people who talk so loudly while walking in the woods that they broadcast their arrival long before they’re visible.

And I have never understood those people who are racewalking through the trees. I can’t imagine they see much at all.

I have a hard enough time spotting wildlife when I’m moving along at my snail photographer pace.

Anyway, here’s a handful of images that I really enjoyed taking.

I hope you enjoy them too!

March 8, 2024 at 2:26 am
That red-headed woodpecker is gorgeous!
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March 9, 2024 at 1:19 pm
He is, isn’t he. I never knew we had these around here, and the only place I’ve ever seen them is at Kensington, across the bridge by the nature center. I heard him before I saw him this trip. Wendy and I saw juvie red headed woodpeckers a couple years ago out there and ever since I look for them.
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March 8, 2024 at 4:47 am
Great images! I really like the action shot over the peanut.
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March 9, 2024 at 1:19 pm
Lots of angst when you’re a bird and there’s only one peanut.
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March 8, 2024 at 5:43 am
Slow down, look around. That will be my intention for today. Thanks for the reminder Dawn. Hope I see some cool stuff like you!
(Maybe that sloth guy at the post office was onto something?😊 )
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March 9, 2024 at 1:20 pm
He just might be!
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March 8, 2024 at 7:32 am
I would love to go and creep slowly and quietly along with you! Lovely shots!
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March 9, 2024 at 1:20 pm
Well come on along!
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March 8, 2024 at 8:14 am
I did enjoy them. The last one in particular is a beauty. Also, the red-headed woodpecker is striking. And you are right. If you speed walk you miss so much.
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March 9, 2024 at 1:21 pm
I liked the flying crane too. They are so beautiful. I know we’re being overrun by them, but I can’t help but smile when I see them, no matter where. We had a pair land in the back yard last week. Penny went ballistic. They just casually walked away.
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March 8, 2024 at 8:19 am
Dawn, this is the best argument for NOT having a companion along on your walk that I can think of. Unless your partner is another photographer, they just won’t get it. The beak in the mud is my favorite.
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March 9, 2024 at 1:22 pm
Even if they ARE another photographer, they won’t always enjoy what you enjoy.
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March 8, 2024 at 9:56 am
Racewalking through nature…what in the heck??? Oh, the one with the muddy beak! 😆
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March 9, 2024 at 1:22 pm
Yes I’ve seen women in 2s or 3s racing along, talking loudly as they go by…and I’m sort of….why aren’t you on the bike path?
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March 8, 2024 at 11:39 am
I would love to walk with you and view these magnificent birds
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March 9, 2024 at 1:23 pm
You’re welcome to join me!
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March 8, 2024 at 12:53 pm
Wow!
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March 9, 2024 at 1:23 pm
It was a good walk.
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March 8, 2024 at 4:24 pm
I did enjoy them! I love those outspread wings. What a pretty day for a solitary walk (and yes, I do get your need to do some walks alone — while Monk is getting better at stopping when I want to take a picture, just his presence scares away some of the critters!)
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March 9, 2024 at 1:23 pm
Yes, when I have Penny with me, the photos are usually all about her. Which she endures but doesn’t enjoy.
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March 8, 2024 at 5:21 pm
Wow and wow and WOW! Great images, Dawn!
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March 9, 2024 at 1:25 pm
Thank you, Dale!
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March 9, 2024 at 2:39 pm
My pleasure!
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March 8, 2024 at 9:27 pm
What a fabulous collection of photos Dawn – you had a wonderful walk at Kensington.
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March 9, 2024 at 1:56 pm
I sure did! It’s almost (99%) always a good place to walk.
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March 9, 2024 at 9:53 pm
I really enjoy that Facebook site with all the photographers at Kensington Metropark, so I know why you enjoy walking there so much.
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March 8, 2024 at 11:09 pm
Sorry, I can’t pick a “best”. I love so many. Well, ok, maybe “beak in the mud” or the woodpeckers or the last photo. Too many. Thank you. Gorgeous photos, Dawn!!!
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March 9, 2024 at 1:58 pm
The beak in the mud has a story behind it. I was focused on the back of my camera, scrolling through menus trying to find the place to silence my shutter, because the birds were skittish when I heard footsteps behind me. I thought it was another photographer, and I turned around to say good morning, and it was this guy, who had walked up to within 6 inches of me. Looking for something to eat. Which I won’t do because they get intimidating (hence the standing right next to me thing) if they get used to being fed. So I backed away slowly and took his picture and moved on down the path. Sometimes they follow you, but he didn’t. I guess he figured I didn’t have anything.
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March 9, 2024 at 10:16 pm
What a super experience! Well, how to you do! :-) I hope everyone else here will read about this, it’s just too wonderful not to share.
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March 9, 2024 at 8:27 am
I enjoyed these photos very much! I’d love to walk with you in the woods creeping around with our cameras. You have 2 shots of birds that I can’t identify – do you know what the one with the beautiful red head is and the buff colored one with the upturned beak?
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March 9, 2024 at 8:46 am
the bird with the red head is a red headed woodpecker. slightly smaller than a red bellied woodpecker. I never saw one until ladt year, and only ever see them at this stump in this park. the buff one is a nuthatch, seen from directly below.
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March 9, 2024 at 8:47 am
PS: yesterday I saw belted cows!
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March 9, 2024 at 6:17 pm
Beautiful walk as always with your wonderful bird photos!! I read in the comments the story of the bird that had his beak in the mud! Silly guy, but totally understand not feeding them! He’s a great shot!! 😀❤️
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March 10, 2024 at 9:01 pm
They are almost as tall as me. And certainly a kid would have that beak right at eye level, so it’s best not to encourage them.
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March 10, 2024 at 10:08 pm
Oh wow! I didn’t realize they are so big! I’m sure intimidating then! Yikes! 😲👍
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March 11, 2024 at 7:16 am
I enjoyed all of your choices. The pops of red really stand out at this time of year. The I’ve been looking for lunch in the mud photo is my favorite, even more so after reading the back story. The look on it’s face is so telling that it was watching you slowing back away. I love it!
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