Long legs and all, a Wilson’s Phalarope is checking out a temporary pond along the ditch on a country road in northern Colorado last spring. Can’t wait to see these guys again this spring but that is month or two and a few spring showers away. Happy Tuesday.
We followed this guy around in very dark pine forest while on a hike in Yellowstone National Park for quite some time before he finally settled down for a little break. Luckily he chose a spot where just enough light was getting in through the trees to get a somewhat decent photograph of this wonderful looking bird. It was the first time we had seen a Yellow Bellied Sap Sucker and hopefully not the last.
Happy Friday.
A northern Shoveler spreading his wings into the setting sun. It is always a joy to take a walk into the setting sun.
Almost but not quite. Red Winged Blackbirds are back in town but the shoulder badges on the males are not quite a vibrant red and the sky is still a bit grey and wintery this day. Almost, but not quite, spring is indeed in the air. I can hear this blackbird singing.
fra·cas- a noisy disturbance or quarrel.
That describes the behavior of these two Sandhill Cranes along the banks of the Snake River in Grand Teton National Park to a tee. They were squawking and jumping up and down and running along the bank as only Sandhill Cranes can do.
Different yet oh so similar and both with golden eyes. A male Red Headed duck in the background and a male Common Goldeneye both cruising the local pond near sunset looking to impress the ladies.
A nice telephoto lens can be a great learning tool and this shot is a good example. You think you are being sneaky, hidden behind the shrubs on the rivers edge, watching this pair of Northern Shovelers feeding. Then you peer through your lens and lo and behold they are looking right back at you. Still feeding, relaxed, yet aware of your presence. Ecological awareness on display.
Two male goldeneyes working hard to impress a female in the late afternoon light. These guys will likely only be around here a few more weeks. As spring arrives most of the waterfowl leave my area. Their yearly coming and going gives rhythm to life. Have a great trip north and someday I hope to join you.
Seeing a Great Blue Heron take flight on a cold snowy day is a sure way to cure those mid-winter blues. Clear Creek in Denver, CO.
The unseasonably warm weather we are having has left me feeling that I should be seeing more birds on my daily walk. To fill the void until spring actually returns this photograph we took last spring of a nice looking Male Yellow Headed Blackbird will have to do the trick.
nature has no boss 
You must be logged in to post a comment.