Caught red handed

On October 27, 2020October 27, 2020 By Mike and Christy6 Comments

The flocks Pinyon Jays moved across the landscape in large numbers noisily calling to each other. On some mornings they would congregate in a flock easily numbering 100 individuals seemingly flying in from all four directions on the compass. An wonderful sight and one we don’t often experience.

In fact, according to All About Birds:

“Pinyon Jay social organization is complex, with permanent flocks that may include more than 500 individuals. Many birds spend their entire lives with the flock where they hatched.”

Seeing and hearing them was a daily occurrence yet getting a photograph was altogether another matter. Just once did they land close enough for a nice photo opportunities and as might be expected it was in a pinion tree with plenty of booty to be had.

Green legs and all

On October 20, 2020October 22, 2020 By Mike and Christy3 Comments

An American Bittern forages for an afternoon meal along the edge of the water where the colors of bird and marsh meld into one. Even the Bittern’s funky yellow-green legs seem to mirror the changing fall colors of the cattails along the ponds edge. Camouflage is a wonderful thing.

Green Tailed Towhee: Pipilo chlorurus

On October 17, 2020 By Mike and ChristyLeave a comment

We had not seen a Green Tailed Towhee all summer so it was quite a pleasure to see one of these secretive birds in the distance a week or two ago.

on a swivel

On October 11, 2020September 10, 2020 By Mike and Christy6 Comments

Quietly perched and giving us the 180 degree head turn like only an owl can give a Great Horned Owl waits in the early evening light for their day to begin.

October Robin

On October 4, 2020September 10, 2020 By Mike and Christy3 Comments

An American Robin Enjoying the fall light in a forest of mixed colors. We have tons of Robing in our area in the spring and early summer and as the young fledge they are absent until Autumn begins. Glad to see they have returned.

Red-tailed on a grey day

On October 3, 2020September 10, 2020 By Mike and Christy1 Comment

We seemed to have settled into a very late fall like weather pattern as of late with sunshine appearing mid-morning then giving way to cloudy afternoon skies. We spotted this good looking Red Tailed Hawk on one of those cloudy afternoons perched on the remnants of a very fall looking tree.

Bath Time

On September 28, 2020September 10, 2020 By Mike and ChristyLeave a comment

Ahhh…one last bath on a fine fall day. A Magpie bathing in a small pond as the sun shines on an unseasonably warm fall afternoon.

After the fire

On September 27, 2020August 22, 2020 By Mike and ChristyLeave a comment

An American Robin surveys the surroundings from a burnt tree which matches their color quite well. This fire happened long ago but burnt trees still fill the landscape even as decades have passed.

familiar faces

On September 14, 2020September 10, 2020 By Mike and Christy3 Comments

The time of year where familiar faces reemerge. As fall moves along the familiar face as well as the song of the Mountain Chickadee returns. Summer spent nearby in the trees but oh so far away. It’s very nice to see a familiar face and one that brings sense to our world.

Clark’s Nutcracker

On September 6, 2020August 20, 2020 By Mike and Christy6 Comments

A Clark’s Nutcracker enjoying an early fall day along the Lewis River Channel in Yellowstone National Park.

nature has no boss

Tag: Birds