White Faced Ibis

ibis_flight_1

A white faced Ibis flying over the reeds looking for their nest. Last spring we came across a large nesting site of Ibis, perhaps 300 in total were hidden in the reeds below. Todays warm weather in Colorado with a predicted temperature of 70 F has me wishing for springtime and the return of birds, but I know better. So until late April, early May, browsing through last springs photos will have to suffice.

Grounded

Brandt

A Brandt Goose assessing the conditions out at sea on a stormy day on the pacific coast. Not sure if he was looking to fly or swim but he looked around for a minute or two then hunkered down to wait out the storm as the rain fell in sheets.

Winter Willows 2015

Winter_willows_2

At least once per winter we find ourselves skiing through a willow field on a grey cloudy day and every time I am beckoned by some force to stop and take a photo looking through the willows out into that grey winter sky. Something about this place just says winter in a way that hits home to me. No moose this time either.

Sunset at Upper Geyser Basin

Geyser_basin_sunset

It is hard to believe but when we started this walk in the early evening it was snowing like crazy so we decided to leave the good camera inside for a change and just to out and enjoy the snowy weather. Low and behold near the end of the walk it cleared a bit and we were reward with a wonderful show. As the sun went over the hill west of upper geyser basin it light up the clouds in the eastern sky which then reflected into the geyser pools. Glad we still had our phones in our pockets. Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park.

Thieves in the pond

Thieves in the pond

I have seen widgeons stealing food from other diving ducks, mostly coots, but never got to photograph this behavior. There is clearly some tasty green growth on the bottom of this lake which requires a bit of a dive to reach. What to do if you are only a dabbler, steal from the divers like these redheaded ducks. It appears even the mild mannered Gadwalls were getting in on the action.