Lesson learn during The Great Backyard Bird Count, it is hard to focus on the photography when you are holding pen and paper staring up at the sky and Trees. The good news is I saw/counted more birds than I was able to photograph. Next year I need to clip a small recorder to my shirt so I can do away with the pen and paper.
When I went in search of birds at Hot Springs National Park’s two main water locations I was delighted to see turtles. Ricks Pond now supports a healthy crop of adult and young Turtle, many of whom were sunny themselves on logs.
My two day Bird count in Hot Springs National Park:
February 19 2011 – Hot Springs Mountain
Red-shouldered Hawk – 1
Blue-headed Vireo – 1
American Crow – 1
Carolina Chickadee – 12
American Robin – 55
Northern Mockingbird – 3
White-throated Sparrow – 10
House Sparrow – 10
February 20 2011 – Ricks Pond
Turkey Vulture – 3
Red-shouldered Hawk – 2
Belted Kingfisher – 2
American Crow – 5
Next Year I hope to count in additional locations within the park. I am new to this with lots to learn and I hope to improve my seeking, viewing and counting skills for next year.
Love,
Lee
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- Hot Springs National Park Campground Gulpha Gorge Creek
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- Hot Springs National Park Campground Gulpha Gorge Creek
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- Hot Springs National Park Ricks Golden Grass
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- Hot Springs National Park Ricks Pond
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- Hot Springs National Park Ricks Pond Belted Kingfisher Turtle
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- Hot Springs National Park Ricks Pond Flower Plant
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- Hot Springs National Park Ricks Pond Hwks Feet & Tail
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- Hot Springs National Park Ricks Pond Marsh
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- Hot Springs National Park Ricks Pond Question Mark Butterfly
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- Hot Springs National Park Ricks Pond Turkey Vulture
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- Hot Springs National Park Ricks Pond Turtles
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- Hot Springs National Park Ricks Pond Turtles
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- Hot Springs National Park Ricks Pond Turtles
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- Hot Springs National Park Ricks Pond Turtles
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- Hot Springs National Park Ricks Pond Turtles
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- Hot Springs National Park Ricks Pond Turtles
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- Hot Springs National Park Ricks Pond Turtles
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- Hot Springs National Park Ricks Pond Turtles
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- Hot Springs National Park Ricks Pond Turtles
Hike Our Planet - @HikeOurPlanet 
This is a great peaceful blog. The turtles are wonderful….love how they hang out together….Great photography as always. Love ur DH Rick x0x0x
Gorgeous photos Lee!!Amazing place and colorful and weird turtles and birds!!!I enjoyed your blog so much!!Thanks for sharing your marvellous work.I learn more and more about nature everyday through your photos and comments!!!Thanks,Elena
Thank You for stopping by Elena… I would love to see the amazing creatures in your beloved mountains.
Hugs and Love,
Lee
Hi Lee.Beautiful photos, your work and dedication is amazing!I love looking at your work.Thanks so much.Lyndon.
As always thank You Lyndon for your kind words…. we only have one planet earth I want her to survive! She is home to many beautiful places and creatures.
Kindest Thoughts and Wishes,
Lee