Juniper Berries

On December 11, 2020December 12, 2020 By Mike and ChristyLeave a comment

Prize berry in beak this American Robin works over the Juniper bushes where we normally find another thrush, the, Townsend’s Solitaire, feeding.

Sweet

On December 10, 2020December 9, 2020 By Mike and Christy2 Comments

Unlike previous winters where Mountain Chickadees were the predominant species of chickadee in our neck of the woods this winter the Black-capped Chickadees seem to be the most abundant. We have come to affectionately refer to the Mountain Chickadee simply as spunky wheras the word “sweet” seems to be the best descriptor of the the neighborhood Black-caps. It’s fun to have both species around and to be able to really get to know their personalities and who doesn’t like a bit of sweet to liven up a winters day.

Clay Colored Thrush

On December 9, 2020December 9, 2020 By Mike and Christy2 Comments

A Clay Colored Thrush like many other thrushes has an understated beauty. A wonderful singer and you can hear why it was previously named the clay colored robin.

River in time

On December 8, 2020November 28, 2020 By Mike and Christy6 Comments

Spring is wet-fall is dry.

Carving the rock exposing history.

A river in time.

Down the hatch

On December 7, 2020December 7, 2020 By Mike and Christy16 Comments

We watched for a awhile as a Gartered Trogon perched on a branch intently watching the forest floor below. After a few minutes the bird flew down to forest floor and returned to their perch with prize in beak. It took them a minute or so to correctly position their catch but once they did it was….

…down the hatch it goes.

Quite a mouthful if I can say so myself.

The Creeper returns.

On December 6, 2020November 28, 2020 By Mike and Christy7 Comments

While the nuthatches and chickadees visit the spruce trees in droves each winter we typically see only one or maybe two Brown Creepers busy foraging in the trees. We suspect they are after the seed that the nuthatches have just hidden.

Easy pickings or are they still searching for insects?

Cygnet

On December 5, 2020November 28, 2020 By Mike and Christy7 Comments

A Cygnet Trumpeter Swan going about their daily routine on an overcast late fall afternoon. The weather this day sure seemed to be saying it was time to move along further south soon. Yet this Cygnet seemed content and we watched as they went on..

drinking and feeding…

…and preening supported by dinosaur legs.

Have a great day and a wonderful weekend.

Among the rocks and snow

On December 4, 2020November 28, 2020 By Mike and Christy6 Comments

Golden grasses sway in the wind.

Boulders round and dusted with snow.

Pronghorns bask in the warming sun.

Little Blue Heron

On December 3, 2020November 28, 2020 By Mike and Christy4 Comments

A solitary Little Blue Heron foraging on an overcast day. While the Juveniles are white this adult displays a beautiful purple-blue plumage distinct to this species. With their dark plumage these birds are a bit more difficult to notice foraging around the waters edge.

Rufous-tailed Jacamar

On December 2, 2020November 28, 2020 By Mike and Christy7 Comments

Sitting quietly and giving the impression of a massive hummingbird a Rufous-tailed Jacamar perches along the forest edge in search of an afternoon meal. Feeding mainly in flying insects the Jacamar will sally out from their perch like a fly-catcher and catch insects on the wing.