Red-Shouldered Hawk

The weather seems to be flip-flopping every day.  Beautiful one day then a 180 deg change the next.  Today was a good day.  The hawks have been extremely active and vocal today.  Watching them, I  believe they were scoping out a potential nesting tree.  Their activity and constant calling had all the birds and squirrels fussing at their presence.















The Bluebirds have been checking out the houses off and on all day.  Hopefully they will decide to nest.  The males are really getting their deep blue color for the breeding season.

















Quite a few Field Sparrows out today.  I really like these little birds.  They just look so sweet.

The Sun Returns

I can't believe it has been so long since my last post but I have been extremely busy and the weather has definitely not been conducive to being outside much.  From 60's to snow and ice in less than 24 hours followed by days of a cold wind then a rain and gray clouds I thought would never end.

Today it was if someone turned a page and all the yuck of two weeks was gone.  The sun came out, blue skies and signs of spring emerged.  We were back in the low 60's with only a very brief period of wind.

I have walked so much today that I can feel it in my legs tonight.  People flooded outside today to enjoy the beautiful weather.  I guess I was not the only one with a bit of cabin fever.  Walking along one trail, even a Copperhead had come out and was basking in the sunshine.  Over the period of an hour it went from very, very pale to deeper colors.








With spring right around the corner, mate selection was in high gear today.  I have watched out the window several times as the Cardinals and finches bring a seed to a prospective mate.  These two finches were being quite lovely-dovey today.

Happy Valentine's Day

Pairs

 A bit cool today but beautiful blue skies most of the time.  Very high activity at the feeders and in the yard today.  As Valentine's Day approaches it seems that even the birds are pairing up.  The Pine Warblers were trilling away  today.  They visited the suet feeder often and when the female was eating, the male sat above watching over her then vice versa.
























Same with the bluebirds however they were generally very close together with one sitting on top of the feeder pole as the other ate.

Some Good News

After several days of flu like symptoms, I believe the worst has past.  First time I have had the flu in probably 15 years and it really sucked.  Anyway, my energy is returning and I am ready for spring to hurry up and get here.

The last week in January, I took my nephew out for some photography at the park.  They are having a photo contest but photos must have been taken in the park.  He entered in two categories.  Flora & Fauna (the oak tree) and Milling Around category which has to do with the old mill at the park.    My sister-in-law got the call today that he had placed.  They don't tell you the place until the reception and awards ceremony on Saturday. He played with the filters in photoshop and came up with the below.   I am very excited for him.




















I also got a call that my entry had placed.  I wasn't sure how it would be received as I tried something different using both black and white and color.  I liked it but it is always hard to know what the judges look for.

Pine Siskin Invasion

Inside with cold chills and some bug today, I never even got dressed which is rare.  I was going to venture out but when I went out to check temps, chills set in and going out was forgotten.

Late this afternoon and feeling some better I was up for a while.  I could hear yellow bird having a squawking fit and was curious as to what was upsetting the bird so.

When I walked to look out the window, between the suet feeder, regular bird feeder, thistle sock and on the ground, there were close to at least 100 Pine Siskins.

The new thistle sock I put up late yesterday afternoon was almost completely gone by late this afternoon.  It was quite an amazing sight to see so many in one place.