I Bite

In a local pet supply store:

The Weekend in Black and White

Osprey in black and white

Taken at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge.

The weekend in Black and White

Empty Nest

After watching the bushtit nest for weeks, the dramatic climax happened so fast I would have missed it if I hadn't been glued to my spot. I have no idea how many were in the nest - I only saw one fledge.  I spotted a little beak at the nest opening on a Sunday and on Monday they were all gone. Apparently once they leave the nest, they don't return, unlike some other birds (and teenagers).

First peek at a beak

It's a boy! 

The parents' behavior changed the last couple of days, especially Dad's. He came to the nest frequently but without food. He chattered at the babies, no doubt telling them to get out and find a job!

And he's out of the nest. Here's Waldo!

Telling Mom he still expects her to feed him! 

And she obliges, for now.

Stretching his wings.

Shortly after this he flew into the nearby walnut tree. I didn't see him again. 

The parents are refreshing the nest it seems, so there will probably be another family this summer. Since they don't have to rebuild from scratch - an almost two month process - the turnaround should be fairly quick.

Fauna

The bushtit parents have been bringing lots of food (fat green worms, spiders, moths) to the nest almost non-stop for a couple of weeks. We haven't seen babies yet, they're still ensconced in the nest, but we hear them. The parents also often bring out little poop balls - the equivalent of dirty diapers, keeping the inside of the nest clean.  Babies should be fledging within a week to ten days.

Dad with dinner

Dad, again. He does bring the fattest worms!

The parents did NOT like this squirrel hanging out just feet above their nest.

Mom, with breakfast

Mom, emptying the diaper pail

Bushtit Nest

We don't know what's happening inside the nest! The parents are still (or again?) bringing nesting material in, but no sign of fledglings yet. It's challenging to see, now that the clematis has leafed out, but it sure is pretty. Soon there will be purple flowers too.

The Birds!

Various bird photos from the last few weeks.

A pair of bushtits are building a nest in the clematis trellis on the west side of the house. Easily visible from the sunroom.

Their unique nest consists of spider webs, moss, lichen and feathers, among other materials. It's shaped like a tube sock, and when they're down inside of it, the nest flutters and shakes.

Wonderful back and tail feathers on this crow. Unusual to see them on the ground in the back yard.

Downy woodpecker, female.

This seagull speared a piece of Styrofoam!

'Ello, mate.

 The race is on!

Bushtits at the suet feeder.

Black-capped chickadee (winner of Cornell Lab of Ornithology's 2011 March Migration Madness!). (The bird, not the photo.)

Headed for the river

This family of Canada geese was crossing a busy road this morning; traffic came to a halt to let them cross -- and to admire them. I love it when I have my camera handy at the right time!

The Rhododendron Garden

Our annual walk around Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden, on our anniversary.

We decided to take Liza even though we worried about her barking at the ducks and geese. She was wonderful, and so loved exploring all the smells!



Rhody bud:


This gorgeous willow graces the beginning of the trails.


White rhody:


Redwing blackbird; this is prime territory for them, and their beautiful calls echo all over the park.


We think this is the stamen. Whatever it is, it's fascinating!


Rhody by the lake.


Up close:


Fern:


Duck family. See the babies tucked into the rushes? Mom and dad were very protective.

Camera Critters - 03-27-10 Goldfinch metamorphosis

This meme is all about photos of animals/critters.
Visit the Camera Critters website for more wonderful critter photos.






The male goldfinches are molting, putting on their bright spring yellow.

The flickers are nesting nearby

I've been stalking the flickers all day - I hear them nearby, see them in the walnut tree, too far away for a good shot. Finally, the male lands on the feeder and I have my camera in my hand!



He looks up for his mate...



...she arrives.



Oops, I've been discovered.


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Wordless Wednesday - 12-30-09: Next in Line

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Weekend Reflections 12-18-09

Weekend Reflections hosted by James. I love catching reflections in windows, mirrors, water, raindrops, so this meme called to me.


Female and male hooded merganser.