Birds
Family Outing
It’s great to be able to get the kids outdoors for a little exercise. This family of Canada geese are making their way to the other side of the pond.
The “cute factor” makes this scene a winner. Beyond that, I was very pleased with the vivid green reflection on the water, created by the trees lining the shore. I’ll have to add this to my “favorites” category.
I captured this image on a recent visit to the Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve, located along the west shore of the Bay of Green Bay.
To view as larger version of these cuties, click on the photo.
Happy Dance
“To dance is to be out of yourself. Larger, more beautiful, more powerful. This is power, it is glory on earth and it is yours for the taking” ― Agnes De Mille
It seems there’s one in every bunch. While it’s siblings seem intent on foraging for food, the guy in the middle is bustin’ a move.
This Canada Goose and her goslings were found at Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve, located along the west shore of the Bay of Green Bay.
To view a larger version of this image, click on it.
Low Profile
This female Red-winged Blackbird was foraging through the tall grass on an early spring morning. She’s finding seeds dropped from a feeder that hangs above this spot.
The female looks quite a bit different from the male, with his jet-black body and bright red shoulders.
To view a larger version of this image, simply click on the photo.
Nester
Savannah Sparrow
This is the time of year when we see the largest variety of birds at our home. This little bird, a Savannah Sparrow, is a common resident. They show up in early spring and stay until late fall.
They seem to spend a majority of their time foraging on the ground or in low bushes. They mainly eat seeds, but also eat insects in the breeding season.
To view a larger version of this image, click on the photo.
On Golden Pond
The early morning light bathed the scene in warm, gold tones. The way the water was reflecting that warm tone is what caught my eye here. The lone Canada Goose just added a point of interest.
This really isn’t a pond setting. It was taken at the beach in Algoma, WI, on the western shore of Lake Michigan. I was sitting in my van, parked on the road, using a telephoto lens.
To view a larger version, click on the photo.
Yellow Rumped Warbler (female)
The earliest signs of spring are finally emerging. This is when we see the greatest variety of birds in our yard – as they pass through on their migratory journey.
This is the first year I remember seeing Yellow Rumped Warblers. We have three or four of them hanging around the yard the last few days. I first noticed a male, with its striking, bright yellow patches and stripe down the middle of its head. They get their name from a yellow patch on their rump, usually difficult to see when their wings are folded.
I haven’t gotten a good shot of the male…yet. This is a female. There are a few more gals flitting around, so it was easier to get a decent shot. Even this shot could be sharper and had to be cropped quite a bit.
To view a larger image, click on the photo.
White Crowned Sparrow
This is my White Crowned Sparrow friend. I call him my friend because he seemed to like hanging around with me.
I was at the Algoma marina photographing the lighthouse and sunrise when I noticed something moving along the ground. It turned out to be this sparrow. I made note of him and went about my business, moving along the marina wall to get various shots. It seemed, no matter where I moved, this white crowned sparrow was never more than a few feet away; always skittering along the ground.
Needless to say, I turned my camera in his direction a few times that morning. I’ve been back to the marina many times since, but haven’t seen my friend or his like again. (You can view another photo of this bird posted previously HERE)
To view a larger version of this photo, click on it.
Stylin Duck
This duck wasn’t content to be photographed in a normal duck squat. She wanted to show off one of her more stylish features.
This wasn’t a momentary stretch. I have several frames of her posing like this. She wasn’t warming herself in the sun either, because the skies were overcast. She is standing on the edge of a small waterfall at the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary in Green Bay, WI.
To get a better view, click on the image and another window will open in your browser with a larger version.
Goldfinch on Lookout
An male American Goldfinch looks over the surroundings, comfortably perched on a purple thistle.
This particular bird had a staring role in a couple of earlier posts – Fan Dancer and Watchful Eye. He was not particularly shy and allowed me to get closer than most birds will. I was grateful.
To get a larger view (provided you have a large size monitor), click on the photo.