The world seems awash in fences many made of barbed wire. Some still providing a useful purpose but many not and with a storied history that provides an interesting read. An easy place for a bird photograph but a hazard for wildlife as well. A love hate relationship indeed.
Two versions of a musical interlude to brighten the start to your day.
The original by the Beatles or this version by one of our favorite musicians Brad Meldahu.
Both inspired by these beautiful male Brewers Blackbirds taking a moment to just sit and sing.
A small group of Eared Grebes patrolling the waters on a nearby reservoir as they migrate north towards their breeding grounds. I guess it’s those cinnamon red-hot eyes that give them such an intense look as well as their alert posture but they sure look like a tough lot to me.
According to the All About Birds website eared Grebes spend 9-10 months of the year flightless. This is the longest period of flightlessness of any bird species capable of flight. Beautiful Birds and always a pleasure to observe.
Given my poor skills at identifying Hummingbirds, especially the females, please correct me if I am wrong again this time.
While we were out hiking last weekend this Broad tailed Hummingbird landed on a branch right in front of us on a very windy afternoon. I can’t imagine being a bird that weighs mere ounces buzzing about on a day with the wind as strong as that day but she was sure putting in a great effort. After a short rest she was off with that familiar hummingbird buzz and buzzed away on a breezy day.
Some guys just know that they have the stuff to get the ladies and this is one of those guys…The Charmer. There were numerous Red Winged Blackbirds on the pond this day all strutting there stuff but to my untrained eye, heck i’m a human not a female Red Winged Blackbird, this guy just stood out.
He sang his song like no others birds on the pond and with a style non could match.
When he finished singing he put his brilliant red wings on display which none of the other males were doing. Most just sang and sang.
Yes…this guy knows he is The Charmer.
A male Yellow-headed Blackbird getting a grip on a cattail swaying in the wind. Just look at those feet…amazing
Have a great Friday and a wonderful weekend.
Just a splash of yellow and quick glance back as a Savanah Sparrow sits quietly along a barbed wire fence was enough to make our day.
We spotted this Loggerhead Shrike sitting tall on the barbed wire while whizzing down a quiet backroad. We quickly turned the car around and to our disbelief the bird was still perched tall taking in the afternoon sunshine. We did not get to observe the shrikes wonderful hunting behavior that afternoon but it is always a joy to see these beautiful birds.
A male Yellow Rumped Warbler of the Myrtle variety give us both a right and left profile as we followed him through the woods as he passed through our area on his spring migration. These little guys only hang around for a few weeks so it was nice albeit frustrating at times to get a little looks as these every busy and moving little birds.
Listening to a a song Sparrow singing the praises of Spring is a fine way to spend a weekend morning.
Happy Saturday to all.
nature has no boss 
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