Saturday, May 23, 2009

Backyard Nest Checks






There are three nests of starlings (that I know of) in our yard and our neighbor's. I can see the openings in the trees and have been waiting for a glimpse of the chicks. I finally was able to see them yesterday. I also watched a woodpecker feed her/his young. The robins are doing quite well also. Very nice! Click on pictures to enlarge.

Monday, May 18, 2009

Sunday at the Wetlands





I started around 6:00 AM and the fog was so heavy that I considered turning back. It was a bit creepy, but I'm glad I kept going as the fog didn't last long. I saw several little blue herons, great egrets, great blue herons, and one fascinating coyote. Click on pictures to enlarge.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Nest Check


They certainly are growing fast! It's great to see one branching. Click on picture to enlarge.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Feline Wanderings



A couple of cuties! Click on pictures to enlarge.

Sitting in the catbird seat



Click on pictures to enlarge.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

More backyard residents





It's been wonderful watching the progress of all the families living in and around our backyard. I think we have a catbird pair building a nest back there now. I watched one come flying in carrying nest materials, including a plastic bag. I wish people would think about the consequences of throwing their garbage every which way. Click on pictures to enlarge.

Buntings Galore




I walked the wetlands and the state park on Tuesday morning, stalking buntings. For some reason, I am doomed when it comes to photographing them. I saw quite a few, but the light was not so hot. With the ISO at 1600, the pictures are a bit grainy, but it was still a lovely morning. Hearing their songs in wonderful. Click on pictures to enlarge.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Mother's Day Wanderings






We checked in on several nests today and wandered around the state park for a while. Parents incubating and feeding everywhere. Lovely day! Click on pictures to enlarge.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Red-winged Blackbirds Gone Wild


Click on picture to enlarge.

Wilson's Phalarope



This is the first time I've seen a Wilson's Phalarope. She is amazing. Click on pictures to enlarge.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Backyard Nest Update




We now have robins, mourning doves, cardinals, starlings, house finches, and probably house sparrows all nesting in and around our backyard. I strongly suspect we may also have a brown thrasher nest somewhere back there as I saw them gathering nest materials. We have a row of trees, bushes, and brush along the back fence that we are trying to keep bird friendly. It seems to be working so far. Click on pictures to enlarge.