Springbrook - 7/30/07

This morning I got back to Springbrook also. It was a nice visit although it seems to me there are fewer birds this year than at the end of July, 2006. I'll be sharing some of the pictures during the next several days.

Carlos Avery - 7/29/07

I didn't check, but it's been a long time since I've gotten out birding -- even longer since I've been to Carlos. As one birder has said, "If you're too busy to go birding, you are too busy."
I agree, but that hasn't kept me from working at the expense of birding. But enough of self-pity!
My first chance to get out was this afternoon with the temps pushing 90. I didn't expect to see many birds and I was right.
I found a few geese sitting in a mud flat and a crow or sparrow here and there. The only active birds were the Goldfinches -- and that could be due to the fact that they are late nesters.
I did find this Bald Eagle nearly a half-mile from the road. But, a 400mm lens with a 2x converter gave me this result. I watched it for a while and most of the time it was spreading its wings in an apparent attempt to cool off a little.
However, I do have hopes for tomorrow morning when I'll be heading out to Springbrook.
Stay tuned!

leech vs. turtle

Does this leech really expect to get through the turtle's shell?

more of the phoebe family

back to birds @ Springbrook 7/17/07

While at Springbrook last week, I came upon this mama Eastern Phoebe busy gathering food for her babies. The following morning (pictures to come) the father was also participating in the feeding. I did not get a very good picture of the babies, but I'll share it with you anyway.

more critters from Springbrook 7/17/07

a Muskrat, I think

more of Springbrook 7/17/07

Ah! To be young again!

juvenile Robin

Springbrook 7/17/07

It ain't just the birds!

I think this is a woodchuck, but all I know for sure is that it's cute & furry!

Stop and smell the flowers . . .

. . . and then you eat them!

Canon EOS 40D

Its release appears to be imminent. Read about the speculated features here.

Springbrook 7/17/07

I was greeted by this Great Blue Heron as I arrived mid-morning at Springbrook.

"Got it!"

Isn't it a wonder he didn't choke?

It was getting to be hot & humid and this Robin looks like it as he was taking a dust bath.
(more to follow)

National Audubon Society

Sandhill Cranes at Carlos 7/13/07 - a few more

a couple more shots of the cranes

Sandhill Cranes at Carlos 7/13/07

I didn't mind not seeing many species of birds last Friday at Carlos. I found 4 pairs of Sandhill Cranes at relatively close range! Two pairs were at the South edge of Pool 22, another was in the East part of Pool 8, the final pair was on my way home in the West end of Pool 3. Where are the juveniles?

The deer flies were bothering the birds more than me. I think there are at least 6 in the above picture.

"Where is my napkin?"
(more to come)

this applies to birdwatchers/birdphotographers

The Canadian Dermatological Association reports that teens are being diagnosed with a skin cancer typically seen in people over 50,

* There is no such thing as a healthy tan.
* Sun exposure is responsible for 90% of all skin cancers.
* Any sunburn can cause irreversible damage.
* Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world.
* Peeling is the body's method of getting rid of damaged skin.
* Sunscreen should be applied thirty minutes prior to sun exposure,
* There are no safe ultraviolet rays, a form of radiation that penetrates the skin.
* When treated early, most skin cancers are curable. Melanoma is responsible for 75% of skin cancer deaths and its incidence has increased 1800% since 1930.
* Avoid sun exposure especially between 10:00am and 4:00 pm.
* SPF 30 sunscreen still allows exposure to 3.3% of harmful UV-B rays.
-- Thanks to Life's A Stitch

courtship

Since I didn't have a chance to post yesterday's pictures, I'm sharing one of my favorite YouTubes.

Can fall be near?

After doing "real" work for the past several days, it was time to head for Carlos late this afternoon.

Why are all these geese bunching up? Can they be thinking of heading South already?
(more pictures tomorrow)

Springbrook 7/7/07 -- III

We'll finish last Saturday's visit to Springbrook with these Wood Duck pictures.

What to do about deer?

I share Laura Erickson's conflicting feelings -- particularly after I had seen this fawn. Read her recent post here.

Springbrook 7/7/07 -- II

The red leaves fascinated me. Can fall really be close?
As I was thinking about how best to photograph the colors, I noticed something sitting VERY still at the right side of the frame. Can you tell what it is?

Yes, it's a Green Heron. According to Sibley, it looks like a "1st summer" bird.

No, I can't stop taking pictures of Mallard ducklings.
(more tomorrow)

hot weather at Springbrook 7/7/07

Despite the heat, I ventured to Springbrook Saturday morning. As the day wore on, even the moon looked hot through the humid haze.

this Song Sparrow was looking for a cooler place

but the Eastern Phoebe didn't seem to mind the heat so much
(more tomorrow)

Sandhill Cranes at Carlos 7/5/07

In spite of temps above 90, I drove to Carlos last Thursday. As usual, I had to visit the Sandhill Crane pair that regularly hangs out on the West end of Pool 22. It was nearing sunset and, surprisingly, the bugs weren't too bad -- so I spent quite a bit of time with them. They were very tolerant of me, allowing me to take out my tripod with the 400mm lens. Except for the last two pictures, the shots were taken with a 2x converter in place.

After having watched them for over 20 minutes, the crane on the right started pointing its bill straight up in the air (like a Bittern) while moving its head up and down. Often the bill would be open, but it did not make any sound. It kept up this behavior for over 10 minutes. Does anyone have an idea of the purpose of this? The bird on the left pretty much ignored this activity.

As I was getting to leave, a few minutes before sunset, so were the cranes. This time they called out loudly as they walked towards the East. Their calls are on the YouTube I posted July 5th.

sometimes you just have to stretch your legs

yesterday evening at Carlos Avery

The baby Common Loon is not a baby any more.
Compare with my June 17th post.

Song Sparrow

Sandhill Crane calls at Carlos Avery today

You can't see the cranes because of the wide angle lens on my camera phone; but, I thought you would enjoy hearing them.

pesky muskrats

Yesterday, I went back to Carlos Avery to try to get better pictures of the muskrats (see one posted yesterday); they didn't turn out very well -- muskrats are harder to photograph than warblers. I'll try again later today, if I get my paying work done. In the meanwhile, you have this flower to gaze upon.