Some of Our Recent Birds

All the pictures in todays post were taken by Jake.

We spent the day on Saturday,April 10,at Portage la Prairie.

This is a small city about an hours drive northwest of our place.

Our main reason for going there was the report of Common Goldeneye on the lake.

We were not disappointed as we found several pairs performing their courtship displays.

Here is a picture of the male Common Goldeneye in flight.

The coloration of this bird is quite distinct.

Also present on the lake was one pair of Hooded Mergansers.

The male is even more spectacular when he has his crest raised.

The duller female has a perpetual bad hair day.

At home we were treated to a visit from a small flock of White-winged Crossbills.

This is a female,noted by its yellowish color.

The male is much brighter and reddish in color.

Just today we found that these birds do not mind being close to humans.

Jake and I were working on the decorative pool and the Crossbills came right down beside us.One even landed right on Jakes head.                                                                 Where is the camera when I need it?

I might add that Jake reached out and stroked one of the birds on the back.

What a very special moment!

Yesterday,Sunday ,April 11,we headed back to the Valley and the Hawk Watch.

This time it was time for the Turkey Vultures.

Here is just one picture to show their massive wingspan of 6 feet.

They are graceful flyers,passing overhead without a single wingbeat.

I hope you enjoyed this little trip to a few of our favorite birding spots.

COME SEE THE WORKS OF THE LORD.

PSALM 46:8

Western Meadowlark

The pictures for today were taken on April 4,2010.

Jake and I found this Western Meadowlark to be very cooperative.

Actually there were two birds,but to get both on one picture I had to zoom back too far.

Except for this first picture,each one is only slightly cropped,so you can see he was very close.

I took all of these pictures while sitting in the car.

After the first few shots one of the birds decided to walk away.

I believe these two birds were in a courting ritual,as they were both singing heartily

even while we were very close.

That bright yellow is so stunning.

I love to see these birds return in spring,and their song is so beautiful.

Finally,this is across the ditch.

The other bird was a short distance away,and they were taking turns singing.

These re perhaps the best Meadowlark pictures I have to date.

Hawk Watch 2010

The last week has been very busy,not with work,but instead with hawk watching.

Today I want to share a few of my many pictures with you.

I will start with the bird recognized by most people.

The Bald Eagle is always a thrill to watch.

Below is an immature Bald Eagle.

As you can see it does not have the white head and tail.

Although not wearing the white,this bird is no less beautiful as it soars through the sky.

Here is another look at an immature Bald Eagle.

Just look at that wingspan,a massive 7-8 feet.

One of the most numerous birds passing through the Pembina Valley in Manitoba 

is the Red-tailed Hawk..Yesterday,April 4,we had 1200 Red-tails pass through.

To witness this is such a thrill,something that has to be experienced to truly understand it.

The Red-tail Hawks come in different plumages.

Below is a Dark Phase Red-tail.Some are also very light 

and one of our friends calls them her White Angels.

Whether light or dark each Hawk is a joy to watch.

One of the smaller Hawks which come through is the Sharp-shinned Hawk.

These birds are very fast fliers,so to get a picture is not that easy.

The question is often asked,How do you know that it's not the same birds coming around 

for another look?

It is really very easy to see that these birds are passing through.

Often the people doing the counting will sit close to a shale cliff,

and the birds pop over the top and then proceed to head off behind us.

Today the birds chose to fly very high and that makes it quite difficult to see them.

As a photographer I prefer when they fly low and take their time.

They that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength,

they will soar on wings like eagles.

Isaiah 40:31

Easter Blessings to my Wonderful Friends

Warmer Weather

The last few days have been beautiful.

The temperatures are climbing,the snow is almost gone

and the birds are returning.

I have not got any new pictures to show,simply because I have not had time to do any editing,but I do have a few pictures of birds which will return in a month or so.

This Ruby-throated Hummingbird was taken by Jake in 2009.

All the pictures today were shot in Winnipeg at the English Gardens.

The remaining pictures are taken by Ruth in 2009.

Obviously they have all been done on the same day and among the same flowers,this is what happens when the birds are so busy feeding,they pay no attention to the humans with the cameras.

The Hummingbirds love these Monarda or Bee Balm as they are also called.

For those of you you already have Hummingbirds around these pictures may not be too exciting,but for us,who still need to exercise patience,they may help to remind us of what is to come.

I hope that these flying jewels brought a ray of sunshine into your life today.

Pink Flowers

I have to admit that the last two days I have been somewhat under the weather.

Nothing serious,just a spring head cold,but I am on Spring Break and want to be out there

and not feeling yucky.

I thought perhaps some pictures from a few years ago would help to cheer the day.

 These apple blossoms,show the slightest blush of pink.

 An ornamental crab apple tree,loaded with blossoms.

This one is on our neighbors yard,but we still get to enjoy its beauty.

 Take a closer look at these beautiful flowers.

The town of Morden has many of these trees along the streets,and for a short time in spring they are breathtaking.

Still closer.

The flowers cover the trees,before the leaves are big enough to show up.

I hope your days are filled with beauty.

Keep those cameras handy,so as not to miss a single opportunity.

The bleakness of the winter is melted by the sun;

The tree that looked so stark and dead becomes a living one.

Variety

For today I have a variety of pictures taken over the last few days.

This is an adult Golden Eagle.Although they are not as distinctly colored as the Bald Eagle,they are just as magnificent.

Not every creature we photograph has wings.

The Porcupine was sitting in a tree and allowed us to get really close.

Do you think he is having a 'bad hair day'?

Jake got this picture,of a Red-breasted Nuthatch,a few days ago,when we had mild temperatures and sunshine.

Today the temps have dropped and it is windy and cold.

I shot this today.After coming home from a drive,looking for birds,this Pine Siskin sat so close,I just had to get a picture.Before long these birds will disperse in order to raise their families.

On a side note,we did see 6 Bald Eagles today,but unfortunately all out of camera  reach.

Glorify the Lord with me,and let us exalt His name together.

Psalm 34:3

Hawk Watch

On Sunday Jake and I spent most of the day at the Pembina Valley

Hawk Watch site.

There are several people who do the official count and others come to help by spotting the birds,or just to enjoy watching these magnificent birds fly overhead.

 This Rough-legged Hawk gave us a good display as it soared over our heads.
In the next little while there should be thousands of Red-tailed Hawks passing through this valley.

 A pair of Bald Eagles did some formation flying.It seemed as though they were putting on a show for us.On Sunday they counted a total of 120 Bald Eagles.

 An immature Golden Eagle provided great looks at its beautiful wing patterns.

This is one of the most beautiful immature birds I have ever seen.

The white windows in the wings were so pronounced.

 Here is a look at some of the birders.It was a cool day as the jackets and mitts will show.

I have to say,this is a friendly group,each one trying to encourage the other.

Some of these folks are expert birders and others are very novice,but we are all one big family.

Sunday brought out a lot of people,as we also celebrated the 65th birthday of one of the official counters.

At one point jake counted 16 vehicles,and at least 60 people showed up.

Some of these folks come from Winnipeg,which is about 100 miles away.

Inspite of the cold temperatures it was a very enjoyable day.
I would encourage you to find a Hawk Watch in your area and spend a day just taking in this event.This is truly something one needs  to experience personally in order to appreciate the thrill of hundreds of birds of prey in one day.

The American Robin

The American Robin is perhaps the most easily recognized bird in North America.

Even people who know little or nothing about birds,know what a Robin looks like.

 This bird is commonly seen in summer,probing the lawn for worms.

In Manitoba,we sometimes get to see a Robin in winter.

When they stay in the area for winter,they usually feed on fruits that have remained on the trees.This bird also came to a heated bird bath for a drink.

 Not only is the Robin a beautiful bird,but,its song is so uplifting.

The cheer-up,cheerily can be heard repeatedly.

 A young Ronin has a spotted breast and as you can see often has the leftovers of the downy baby feathers showing.

 This male is no doubt keeping an eye on his territory.

For the last two years we have had the Robins nesting on top of this light on our house.

This is perhaps one of the safest places for them

Before long these birds will be back in our area and we will again be treated to their lovely songs.Hurry back my friends.

THIS IS THE DAY TO MAKE YOUR MORNING GOOD,

YOUR NOONTIME BETTER,

AND YOUR NIGHT BEST BY PLACING THEM IN GOD'S CARE.

Livingston Park

I have a few more pictures taken on March 5,when Jake and I walked through Livingstone Park,in Morden.

This stone is at the entrance to the park.

The park was named in honor of a gentleman who lived in Morden for many years.

Mr.Don Livingstone was a well liked business man in town.

As a matter of fact,when Jake and I got married in 1972,

we bought all our furniture from Livingston's.

The trails were well packed and easy to walk on.

By now I think the trails would not be good for walking,perhaps we'll have to wait a while 

and let things dry up a little.

I found this rotting stump interesting.

Who knows what little creatures may try to make their hone in what is left of it.

Here is another path,but this one has been made by the White-tailed deer.

Many of the areas were covered with deer tracks and deer droppings.

One single hoof print in the snow.

It was hard to get a picture of just one or two,because there were just too many.

We were amazed at the lack of birds,but did find this White-breasted Nuthatch busy feeding on something. I know that in a short while the bird activity will increase and we will be back to capture it.

On a side note,our temperatures have been very mild and the snow is disappearing fast.YEAH!!!

THIS IS THE DAY TO ADMIRE THE MYSTERY AND BEAUTY OF NATURE.

Tender Moments

The weather has been very mild,and for a change today,we saw the sun.

Snow is disappearing fast,so my mind goes to spring photography.

All of the pictures today are from last year.

This Red Squirrel was once again taken at the English Gardens.

THis was one of the first shots with my 100-400mm lens.

Jake took this Redpoll.on our yard.

THis winter we have not seen any of these,and I miss them.

My favorite photographer to hang out with.

Allow me to dream for just a little while.

Oh,how I wish I were able to do this again shortly.

Yes,I have taken some pictures in winter,but it's just not the same.

If the weather continues the way it has been for the last while,

we will soon be out there capturing the beauties of nature.

What was I photographing?

I'm not entirely sure,but these were taken in the same area on the same day.

Isn't that cute?

To capture tender moments like this is what makes me want to get out there again.

IT IS GOOD TO DELIGHT IN THE LORD.