Spring on it's Way (Despite the Snow)

Even though I spent most of yesterday at school, I managed to find nice outside moments both before and after. In the morning, I walked around Riverbend Ponds and after school I went over to Lower Latham in search of Short-earred Owls.

Lots of ducks at Riverbend, these being the resident Ring-necked Ducks. Also present:

American Widgeon, Gadwall, Cinnamon Teal, Blue-winged Teal and one more (see below.)

First surprise of the morning went like this: "Well that looks like one of those Pigeon-

deterrent plastic Great-horned Owls....but there wouldn't be one of those here...." Okay, I've 

been a little sleepy lately.

A Mallard for the silhouette group.

Next lovely surprise of the morning: Wood Ducks in trees. Just a couple of

weeks ago we saw a pair from a distance on Connie's Loveland walk and I 

couldn't wait to someday get to see them a little closer....Hmmmmm

Not-so-shy Widgeon.

Beautiful little Blue-winged Teal.

After a couple of hours wait, sadly no Short-earred Owls at Latham. (Alas this night time 

owling is not really for me...) However, the third lovely surprise of the day:

Sandhill Cranes, maybe on their way to Nebraska? and I didn't even have to drive

to Monte Vista. :)

Weekend Snippits

Got outside for two seconds this weekend. Here are some snippets:

Song Sparrow serenade at Running Deer. I love how they greet the sun!

Is this an easy silhouette? RWBB...

A duck in a tree. A Wood Duck! Connie found it for us on our Big Thomson Ponds State Wildlife Area walk. Someday I should see such a thing more closely!!

Three Bird Day

Around Town today, but blissfully outside and feeling so much better for it!

An almost-patient Great Blue Heron

I went to look for the Long-tailed Duck at North Shields Ponds today. A fabulous-looking duck. Someday I hope to see an adult male in Summer plumage :) There was more than a little adventure involved in today's search, but I did get to see the bird: (That's him on the left...)

Flying off with some Goldeneyes half a second after I arrive

Not looking too excited about my visit

Safely far away.

My first Winter Wren, at the Environmental Learning Center:

Skullllkeee!!!

And an immature Yellow-bellied Sapsucker at Grandview Cemetery:

Really beautiful...another bird I'd like to see in adult plumage.

Also around town today:

American Robin

Black-billed Magpie

Black-capped Chickadee

Brown Creeper

Canada Goose

Dark-eyed Junco

Eurasian-collared Dove

European Starling

Hairy Woodecker

Mallard

Northern Flicker

Red-winged Blackbird

Sunday Afternoon at Running Deer

It felt like Spring today! The usual suspects, plus a few firsts at Running Deer:

Brief Glimpse of a Western Tanager

Bunches of Yellow-rumped Warblers and 

almost as many Yellow Warblers

My first Lark Sparrow, cooperative and flashy!

First the Dad(s)....

and then Mom Wood Duck! really the most wonderful thing 

ever...at least for now....

ending with Black-crowned Night Herons 

flying overhead and landing in trees.

Spring Weekend

Friday afternoon, a visit to Running Deer, and a chance to practice a little of this "exposure adjustment" Robert Palmer talked about Thursday night. Clearly much practice will be required but surprisingly, a few successes!

A low-flying harrier gives me much opportunity for practice...

and then a semi-cooperative pair of wood ducks

(okay, not so in focus...but check out that hairdo!)

Saturday, out to Lower Latham for a few first of seasons:

Blue Winged Teal

Uggh. Time to put the cage on the feeder...

Marsh wren

I didn't catch the crossbills at Grandview on Sunday, but I did find some deer, a fox, and a sharp shinned hawk:

The rest of Friday, Saturday and Sunday's photos:

Tuesday's Cranes

The sun didn't rise as brightly today, and the cranes took off fast....but the lack of sunshine made for some decent silhouette views.

I watched these two in particular, waiting for them to take off. Here they go:

A quarter or less of the group remains:

After the cranes, a quick view of the Ruddy Duck:

This afternoon, on the way into Taos; the Rio Grande Gorge:

Find the rest of Tuesday's photos here:

Almost Spring at Running Deer

It's Gotta almost be here, right?

FOS Meadowlark

Kind of interesting-looking Red-tail

:)

Unafraid Common Mergansers

Bunny practicing stealth.