The daffodils are blooming and everyone is singing. After taking the junco picture yesterday, I haven’t seen any around, or white-throated sparrows. I think the hot, strong, wind today was just what some of our migrating friends needed. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
Who was that masked bird? I absolutely love watching the groups of cedar waxwings come in and chow down on berries. We were privileged to be sitting near a tree at the lake the other day when they came in for a bite. It was a very cloudy day, so not the best pics, but you get the idea. 🙂 Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
The huge flocks of blackbirds coming through every morning these days are astounding. When the sun was coming up this morning, thousands were coming over. Large groups are coming to the feeder throughout the day. With the windows open on a sunny day like this one, the chorus is nice to work by. The shiny grackles look very in charge with their saw-like beaks, piercing eyes, and muscular stance. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
They’ll be leaving soon, off to the Northwest and Canada. I wish them a safe trip. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
I’m always happy and a bit worried to see our neighborhood turkey stroll through. She’s beautiful and more than welcome to stop by, hang out, eat birdseed, whatever. I just don’t want her to get hit by a car, shot at, or picked up by animal control. On a more positive note, she did head back into a wooded area where I think she’s fairly safe. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
I had a very entertaining encounter with a couple of muskrats at the wetlands this morning. They were very photogenic and I thank them for their time. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
If I could, I would walk the wetlands every morning. There is something magical about spending a couple of hours just wandering around, listening to the sounds, and watching all the activity. I like to think that those who think destroying the wetlands for a highway is in any way a good idea would change their minds if they just spent some time there. If you’re on Facebook, I encourage you to become a fan of the Wetlands Preservation Organization. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
The snow is pretty much gone and it’s a beautiful 68 degrees today. I was wearing my gloves when out walking this morning. You know the cliche–wait five minutes and it will change. Grackles are landing in waves, chatting and shoving each other around at the feeder. The juncos are still here, but I imagine they will leave any day. The sparrow below is waiting for a sharp-shinned hawk to stop circling the yard. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
The yard is buzzing with activity this morning. I think everyone is a little thrown by this storm. I filled the feeder yesterday afternoon and since taking these pictures it is nearly empty. I am happy that this latest round of snow probably won’t be around for long. I”m sure the birds are too. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
I spend a few hours at the Wakarusa wetlands this morning. It started out pretty foggy, but once the sun came out, it was a very nice morning. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor