On the bull kelp

On January 3, 2017January 3, 2017 By Mike and Christy19 Comments

A tiny Yellow Rumped Warbler found the bull kelp a perfect perch for hunting sand flies and other small insects on the beach. This girl would quickly dart down form the kelp to snag a small meal and quickly return to her perch. Seeing her sitting on the head of the bull kelp made us realize just how small she was. We watched a documentary about songbirds the other night called The Messenger. Here is a link to the website http://songbirdsos.com
It is a very timely reminder about what a world without song birds would be like.

Goose Goose Duck

On January 1, 2017December 31, 2016 By Mike and Christy31 Comments

Goose Goose Duck

The one and only Mandarin Duck is back and is hanging with the geese on a snowy January day. This guy sure adds quite the splash of color to an otherwise grey and snowy day.

Clear Creek in Denver, CO.

What is it?

On December 30, 2016 By Mike and Christy22 Comments

We watched these two Crows examining this piece of debris washed up on the shore for quite some time. They would each give it peck and then look at each other with facial expressions that seemed imply a question. They kept at it for quite some time before determining it might have been food upon which the bigger of the two seemed to claim the prize.

Three Swans

On December 29, 2016December 30, 2016 By Mike and ChristyLeave a comment

A swan and her cygnets swim past aware of our presence yet relaxed on a semi-frozen pond in Grand Teton National Park. Such small eyes for such large birds.

Ring Necked Ducks

On December 28, 2016December 27, 2016 By Mike and Christy30 Comments

Ringing in the New Year

These guys always seem so alert and on patrol. Furthermore, they look pretty darn tough. That said, they are one of the more skittish ducks on the ponds and getting close is always a challenge.

Scruffy

On December 27, 2016December 27, 2016 By Mike and Christy33 Comments

On Saturday at mid-morning we spotted this Coopers hawk tidying up a bit on a broken old Cottonwood branch. He looked like he has had a bit of a rough time lately with his feathers looking downright scruffy. After a half hour or so of preening his feathers were back in fine order and he was off again hunting in nearby woods.

Mrs. Shovler

On December 20, 2016December 18, 2016 By Mike and Christy13 Comments

With winter finally making it our way so have the Northern Shovelers who overwinter on the ponds and lakes in our area. This Female Northern Shoveler was busy foraging for food on Clear Creek on a chilly December morning.

Three Gulls

On December 18, 2016December 16, 2016 By Mike and Christy19 Comments

Three gulls take to the wing and seem right at home on a stormy rainy afternoon off the Oregon Coast.

When the storm clears

On December 17, 2016December 17, 2016 By Mike and Christy8 Comments

As the storm whipped up the waves and the rain came down sideways a land-bound and lonely looking Brandt Goose looks longingly out to sea waiting for the storm to clear. This goose looked to be alone and we sure hope they caught up to their flock when the storm finally cleared the next afternoon.

In the tree tops

On December 16, 2016December 17, 2016 By Mike and Christy46 Comments

We watched this Coopers Hawk move move about from tree to tree ever vigilant for and aware of their potential next meal. Although we did not see the chase we saw the result as squirrel was on this Hawks menu.

How do you all like the new WP reader format?

nature has no boss

Tag: bird

On the bull kelp

Goose Goose Duck

What is it?

Three Swans

Ring Necked Ducks

Scruffy

Mrs. Shovler

Three Gulls

When the storm clears

In the tree tops