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?

Ruffed Grouse in a hot spot

On December 15, 2016January 3, 2017 By Mike and Christy11 Comments

On a cold winters day a ruffed grouse finds the hot spot where thermal activity below the surface has melted the snow above. Yellowstone National Park, WY.

Hope the pickings were good.

Townsends Solitarie

On December 13, 2016December 12, 2016 By Mike and Christy22 Comments

The Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology describes the Townsend’s Solitaire as “A long-tailed gray bird of the high western mountains, the Townsend’s Solitaire descends in the winter to lower elevations where it feeds almost exclusively on juniper berries. ”

That pretty much sums up our experience with these birds. We see them only in winter and always in, around and defending their patch of Juniper berries.

Although described as grey they are much more than that and deserving of the spotlight on a stage all their own.

All eyes on you

On December 12, 2016December 11, 2016 By Mike and Christy14 Comments

Cloaked in the warmth of wing feathers a Mallard pair sits quietly yet alert while soaking up the suns warming rays on a cold December morning. Clear Creek in Denver, CO.

Junco

On December 11, 2016December 11, 2016 By Mike and Christy36 Comments

It is always a pleasure to see the Juncos come visit us in the winter. They bring some variety to the mix of birds in the neighborhood when most of the usual cast of characters has fled for the winter.