A Ruffed Grouse walking across a small frozen pond covered with spruce needles is something I have not seen. Those fully feathered legs must keep her warm on her winter journeys.
Tag: birding
Ring Necked Ducks
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.
Tippy Top
With barely room for both claws to get a good hold an American Kestrel perches on the top a branch.
Cygnet
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.
The Creeper returns.
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?
Western Grebe
We usually do not see Grebes on the local pond during winter in our neck of the woods. However, last week, this Western Grebe was swimming in a small section of a local pond that remained unfrozen. Perhaps she if off course in migration and landed here to rest and refuel. Although it was a pleasure to see her, I hope she takes advantage of this weeks thaw to get back on track and is gone the next time I visit this pond.
Hungry Hawk
Looking like it just finished a meal this Red tailed Hawk was right back at it. Watching the fields intently for a mouse to stir and trying to make the most of the short days this time of year.
