Tag Archives: Bird Photography

nature, Photography

It’s Springy!

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There are springy signs everywhere! First, I noticed a few days ago that the red maples have very suddenly started budding.

These trees are loaded with pink buds that are so pretty against the blue sky.

They will soon be leafing in great profusion.

Then I saw that the large koi in the Japanese garden fish pond have come through the winter and their dormancy in good shape.

Passing near the creek the always-hungry ducks were happy to see us with our bag of quinoa snacks, and I noticed that the green head feathers of the males are beginning to turn very iridescent, a sign that they will soon be mating.

I hope signs of spring are happening where you are, too.

Happy Wednesday.

Reblogs

Partridges Without A Pear Tree

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PARTRIDGES WITHOUT A PEAR TREECome hither, seek refugeUpon our verdant lawn.Safe from hunters whoseek to drive your kind forth.Your two bulbous …

Partridges Without A Pear Tree

I love this partridge photo series from Annika Perry. I hope you click the link above to view all the pictures as well as to read her accompanying poem. It’s beautiful.

Commentary, nature, Photography

Bright Captures

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In common with the rest of western Canada, we’ve suddenly turned colder. We’re still above 0C (32F) during the day but are going below 0 at night. Meanwhile, Vancouver, very unusually, is apparently going to get wet snow and minus temperatures overnight as well. Ugh.

Of course, here in the Okanagan Valley we have it comparatively easy. Much of the prairies are getting highs around -20C (-4 F). Strangely though, a lot of the east is coming in at +20C (68F) but may be getting much colder toward the end of the week. Nevertheless, if you’re about to travel from east to west, a 40 degree temperature difference might make for a bit of a packing challenge – such wild weather!

So to take our minds off these bizarre differences, I thought we could do with some brighter pictures of what is to come.

Nuthatch cuteness.
Eagle magnificence.
A butterfly tea rose.
A sunflower with friend.
Southern sunset beauty.

Happy Tuesday.

nature, Photography

Busy Birds

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I recently saw this pair of mallard ducks in a small pond. They were alone and seemingly investigating the edge of the shore, possibly looking for a good nesting site.

Seeing them pair off and start looking for nesting spots is a very good sign of spring.

A nicely hidden space among the long grasses from last summer might do very nicely for a little family.

Going forward I’ll be keeping out an eye out for them. I hope they find a nice, secure spot.

Happy Monday.

nature, Photography

Lucky Duckies

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While out walking we stopped to give our resident duck flock their quinoa quota.

After we were done, a man who had been waiting in his truck for us to finish stepped out and the ducks launched themselves at him in a big swarm! He was carrying about 2 kg (4.4 lbs) of bird seed which he distributed to a very happy flock. We thought they mobbed us, but we have nothing on their reaction to him!

Gathered in a tight knot, we didn’t see much except their backs once the seed was spread.

About three or four pigeons were able to squeeze their way toward some food, but they were mostly excluded.

We chatted with him and he related that he regularly comes by to provide them with seed, especially if it’s cold out or their nearby creek is frozen over.

These are definitely some lucky ducks!

Happy Friday.

nature, Photography

Bird Colour

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Western bluebirds are such a fabulous shade of blue. Like robins, they are members of the thrush family and love to eat insects and berries.

Most of them migrate from points further south to the Okanagan Valley to nest but some overwinter, as well. I was very surprised to see the one above so early, but it may be that he stays all year. In any case, I was happy to get a picture of this colourful and very cute bird.

Happy Tuesday.

nature, Photography

Spring Birds

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Over the last few days I’ve noticed that the ducks and geese are beginning to prepare for new little ones.

Canada geese.

The geese mate for life but something about their recent behaviour tells me that they’re becoming expectant; perhaps they’re waiting for the double-digit warm weather so that they can build nests and raise their young.

Hooded merganser ducks.
Coots.

At this point, the coots just seem to be eating; of course, many of them will soon be migrating to their nesting grounds.

And then we have the mallard duck crew. They’re pairing up too. Here’s a short video showing how quickly they come running and flying toward us for a quinoa snack.

Snack time!

Happy Thursday.

Reblogs

Sandhills at The Salton Sea~

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With all their birdie buddies! The heavy rains have filled the seas making happy and healthy birdies (click to enlarge). The Sandhill Cranes have …

Sandhills at The Salton Sea~

I hope you enjoy these amazing photos of sandhill cranes from Cindy Knoke. Cindy has many more fantastic wildlife photos on her blog.

Commentary, nature, Photography

Duck Update

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The duck creek is open and our resident duck flock seems to be doing fine.

They appear to have come through the cold snap pretty well with feed from the city and snacks from passersby (including us).

I’ve noticed that even the small flock of over-wintering Canada geese have been accepting food as well; they’re usually quite standoffish, but any port in a storm. They’re probably wishing that they had migrated!

Happy Tuesday.