Bird Photography Weekly - Trumpeter Swans on Interior Lake

The Trumpeter Swans arrived about three weeks ago. They are part of the Pacific Coast population, and every year they spend several weeks in the interior of B.C. resting and feeding before they fly to their northern summer breeding grounds. It is an exciting time of the year in which we have an opportunity to observe and enjoy these beautiful birds.

As soon as they come out of the water, they shake themselves and begin preening.

Sometimes their head and neck feathers are stained, "a result of feeding in areas rich in iron salts" Hinterland Who's Who.

The photo in my previous post shows the lake and the swans and geese on the ice.

To view or join

Scenic Sunday - Lake View

On Friday we stopped at the little bridge to view the Trumpeter Swans and Canada Geese resting on the ice. We'll be coming here often in the next few weeks as the swans and geese stay for only a brief time before they head north for the summer.

http://scenicsunday.blogspot.com

Camera Critters - Rascally Squirrels

This rascally squirrel has found the perfect place to sit and wait for a certain other rascally squirrel to quit hogging the seeds scattered on the ground.

Her chittering friend eventually climbed onto a branch for a bit of a rest, all the while keeping a close eye on that little patch of property below.

To join or view more delightful pictures be sure to visit Camera Critters. Many thanks to our host, Misty Dawn.

Sky Watch - Sunrise

"...the Sun rose, a Ribbon at a time" ~ Emily Dickinson

http://skyley.blogspot.com Many thanks to Dot, whose idea it was in the first place, Tom, Klaus and the SWF team for this wonderful exchange and opportunity to share with others from around the world.

Today my thoughts are also with the people of North Dakota and Manitoba who are currently experiencing or facing flooding from ice jams and the surging Red River.

Birch Trees in the Snow

The Birch tree is one of my favourite trees. These photos were taken on a sunlit morning about two weeks ago.

"We have nothing to fear and a great deal to learn from trees, that vigorous and pacific tribe which without stint produces strengthening essences for us, soothing balms, and in whose gracious company we spend so many cool, silent and intimate hours." ~ Marcel Proust, Pleasures and Regrets, 1896

American Robin and Common Redpoll

First robin of the year.

Carduelis flammea

Common Redpoll male, perched on clothesline

We have had the redpolls here since January. They like the shelled sunflower seeds and the suet cakes, as well as the birch tree seeds. One interesting fact is that they have throat pouches for temporarily storing seeds. Sometimes they will fill their pouches and then fly to a more sheltered spot to eat.

Scenic Sunday - View Across the Valley

We went for a drive yesterday, and it seemed everyone else was out as well. It was such a beautiful day here in the interior - very spring like. It felt so good!

http://scenicsunday.blogspot.com

Camera Critters - A mule deer quietly browsing on the hillside.

I am very fortunate to live in an area where I have a chance to see these beautiful gentle creatures moving naturally through the forest.

Be sure to visit Camera Critters for more delightful pictures.

Sky Watch - Wild March Weather and Confused Skies

Snow, sleet, high winds, sunshine, fog, gloom, cold, warm - we've had a little bit of everything this week. These pictures were taken on Tuesday afternoon.

To see other wonderful skies from around the world be sure to visit Sky Watch Friday. Many thanks to Klaus and the SWF team.

Bald Eagle Pair

Nature's Harmony

Have a great week everyone!

Scenic Sunday

This photo was taken last November on a beautiful sunny afternoon when there was very little snow on the ground.

http://scenicsunday.blogspot.com/

Nature Notes

Even though we still have lots of snow, Spring is definitely in the air. Literally. There are more crows around than we've seen all winter. I think they are one of the first birds to begin building their nests in the spring. Also, for the past few days, we've heard a woodpecker tattooing his message on a tree. And last Saturday we noticed several swans in the open water by the bridge we routinely drive across. They disappeared with the cold snap we had recently, but as it has warmed up again, I'm sure they'll be back.

Sky Watch - Near Sundown

I had planned and hoped to go out early this morning to see the sun rise and to post my picture here. But, when I looked out the window, all I could see was a light snow falling in a grey sky. Perhaps I will be luckier next week. In the meantime, please enjoy this photo I took near sundown on one spectacular day at the end of February.

To see other wonderful skies from around the world, be sure to visit Sky Watch Friday. Many thanks to Klaus and the SWF team.

On the Forest Path

We've been seeing the deer quite often lately. I didn't have much of a chance to take pictures though in this instance.

One minute they were standing there, then the next minute they had quickly gone down the path and into the forest.

Bald Eagle Perched in a Poplar Tree Near the Bridge

This is one of the Bald Eagle's favourite spots where he sits and watches and waits. I stopped on the way home yesterday to take this picture.

It is shaping up to be another very cold day here. -28C (-18.4F) at 8:00 a.m. We are usually beginning to see some warmer temperatures, and there have been a few nice days already, but now we are back to the extreme cold.

Full Moon and Sunlit Trees

It has been a very, very cold day!

Deer on the Hill

This lone mule deer, spotted on the hillside yesterday morning, stood quite still, listening intently. Perhaps she heard the neighbour's dogs or maybe she was just trying to locate her mates. We had seen two other deer here earlier.

After a short interval of time, she cautiously began to make her way toward the adjoining property.

Then changed direction and headed down the hill instead.

Her gait was unhurried as she carefully and quietly moved between the trees.

Pine Grosbeak and Common Redpoll

Sharing a meal.

Black-capped Chickadee

Sky Watch - On This Beautiful Morning!

I took this picture from a hill overlooking a small lake, a road and beyond.

(please click on image to enlarge)

Thursday, March 5th

To see what others are posting, be sure to visit Sky Watch Friday. Many thanks to Klaus and the SWF team.

Stillness

Nice Weather

How are you all doing?

We did a little work outside today mainly involving clearing old snow. I cleaned up around the compost bin as much as I could, shoveling more of the snow away, and then around the bird feeders too. The snow was melting like crazy. Later I sat outside in a lawn chair with a cup of tea and my book. It was only 6C (42.8F), but very warm at the front of the house where I positioned my chair so that I could feel the sun on my back. The picture below was taken on another equally nice day.

(please click on the image for better viewing)

Sometimes, close to sundown, the trees in the woods take on an extraordinarily beautiful bronze-coloured hue. It is as if a spotlight has been switched on lighting up the scene in front of me. (Sadly the glow doesn't show up as stunningly here.)

Common Redpoll

Male

Carduelis flammea

When you see the redpolls perched in the trees, listen for their swee-ee-eet calls. More than likely, you will hear them before you see them.

The Clever Crow

The Crow and the Pitcher

A Crow, half dead by thirst, came upon a Pitcher which had once been full of water; but when the Crow put its beak into the mouth of the Pitcher, he found that only very little water was left in it, and that he could not reach far enough down to get at it. He tried, and he tried, but at last had to give up in despair. Then a thought came to him, and he took a pebble and dropped it into the Pitcher. Then he took another pebble and dropped that into the Pitcher. [The Crow dropped pebble after pebble into the Pitcher until] at last, at last, he saw the water mount up near him, and after casting a few more pebbles he was able to quench his thirst and save his life. Little by little does the trick.

Aesop's Fables

Waxing Crescent Moon

O Lady Moon, your horns point toward the east:
Shine, be increased;
~ Christina Rossetti

from Sing-Song (a nursery rhyme book)

What a beautiful day it turned out to be! Sunny and mild!

The 1st of March

Morning:
Temperature: -6C (21.2F)

The sun is not quite breaking through the clouds yet, but it's there. The wind is calm; the woods are quiet.

************

I wonder if the sap is stirring yet,
If wintry birds are dreaming of a mate,
If frozen snowdrops feel as yet the sun
And crocus fires are kindling one by one:
Sing robin, sing;
I still am sore in doubt concerning Spring.

~ Christina Rossetti (1830-1894)