It’s nice to have something you can depend on and Calliope Hummingbirds fit the definition of dependable spot on. Last year we saw our first Calliope on May 11th and this year a few appeared exactly to our feeder on May 11th. How they did that while completing an over 5,000 mile migration from the forests in Mexico where they winter beats me. These small guys are amazing little birds and no bigger than a ping-pong ball.
A Female Red Winged Blackbird soaking up the morning sunlight while fresh spring leaves leaves wiggle their way out of the newly formed buds.
Waiting patiently, both us, and this Snowy Egret. While the Egret is waiting for a meal we are awaiting the true arrival of spring. An unseasonable cold snap we are having brings to mind the T-Bone Walker classic “Stormy Monday” just substituting snowy for stormy on this particular day. Each spring is different and this one is no exception.
Happy Monday and hope your week is off to a great start.
Snowy Egret photographed just a few weeks ago. Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge.
Hidden in a lichen covered tree this Stellar’s Jay gives me that all to familiar over the shoulder glance saying I am on to you buddy.
Success is a big ol’ juicy worm and standing on one leg whilst showing it off.
Four American Avocets seemed to have choreographed this move just for the camera. They were just milling about when all of a sudden a couple took to the air for a brief hop, skip and jump. It was one of those photos you just didn’t know you took until you see it.. Fun stuff.
After a nice spring shower the grass seemed to spring up just a bit greener and these wet field provided the perfect place for some Long-Billed Curlews to spend the afternoon foraging.
Curlews are a bird we seem to never tire of observing. Probing the grass with that enormous bill.
Amazing birds.
This little guy was hanging out up in the tree tops munching on an old dried berry from last year with cobwebs clinging to the branches where surely leaves now reside. They were the first Chipmunk we noticed this spring and reassurance that winter had finally given way.
Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge.
Much to our surprise the big bird we spotted moving about in the cattails across the river was not a Heron but a fine looking Sandhill Crane. Well camouflaged and perhaps waiting for a meal to flow by.
A beautiful Cinnamon Teal pair making the most of a well placed log in the marsh. Time to preen and time to nap as the water floats on by.
nature has no boss 
You must be logged in to post a comment.