Hairy Woodpecker, up close

Bird Nerds

We are pretty lame about this Delaware adventure this month. Between my work schedule and the Eagles playoff surprise, we haven't been able to go many places. But, today I bring you a picture from our very front yard in Bear, Delaware. We have a Hairy Woodpecker on our suet feeder. The amazing part is the kids stood absolutely still so we could take a picture of it.

More pictures from last week - White Clay State Park

This was the split second before she landed head first in the dirt.


S was determined to master this ladder.


And here is a crappy picture of the black vulture. Click here for a more professional picture.

This week's adventure

This week's adventure was derailed by the generous offer of my in laws to take the kids over night. I am enjoying free time in the house without its two messiest occupants. But, in the interest of DE trivia, let me express my gratitude to DELDOT.

DELDOT gets a lot of complaints because all the roads in DE seem to be under construction simultaneously. And the results are really hard to see. For about two years, 95 was under construction. Finally, this year, the extra lane (both north and south) from Rt 7 to 141 opened. Driving that stretch is no longer the nightmare it was. I love that Rt 1 no longer backs up and I am not late to work - darn - need another excuse!!! I can actually take Rt 1 on weekends without sitting in traffic. Let's hope the construction on 295 N before the Bridge works out just as well.

Pictures from Newark Reservior

Adventure #1

I am getting a jump on our new project. I want to experience more of DE this year. Today, we managed to go to the Newark Reservoir. I have wanted to go there since it opened, but never seemed to make it there. It was very windy, but since it was warm, it wasn't too bad. The kids took turns running, skipping and trying to fly in the wind gusts. The view from the top is amazing - you can see Motiva and the DE Memorial Bridge!

After the exciting walk around the reservoir, we took the kids to White Clay State Park. It's good to take advantage of the park when they aren't charging fees. While there, I saw an unusual bird and tracked it, attempting to get a clear picture. We got a clear enough picture so we could identify it when we got home. It was a black vulture. Pretty cool.

By this time, we were getting hungry and ended up at Timothy's. I had been there years ago for a work function, but never made it back. We enjoyed ourselves and plan to return.

So what next? If the weather holds, we will go birding at Bombay Hook next weekend. If the weather doesn't hold, we may look to PA to entertain us. Harrisburg/Hershey is always a good trip. The Bass Pro Shop is in Harrisburg, and we reward the kids with a trip to Hershey World if they are good. While I am trying to blog about exploring DE, side trips into neighboring states will have to be a part of the adventure.