this is the time to frolic

but danger is approaching!

the alarm is sounded

the reaction

the threat is increased

back to the shelter of the nest

and the attackers are driven away

later, life is good again

reeking with cuteness

Shortly after arriving at Springbrook Tuesday morning, I ran into this Canada Goose family!

"Off we go exploring!"

"That tastes good!"

time for a drink

time for a swim

"Are we a little ratty?"

time to eat again

"Now what do I do?"
Next installment: DANGER!

yesterday's birds at Springbrook

My first mission upon arriving was to relocate the Red-winged Blackbird nest I had found last time. It took me a little while but there she was, busy sitting and keeping a sharp eye out for intruders.

Craig, of Craig's Birds visited her yesterday and, as you can see from his picture, she is still on the job.

After leaving the nest she was not bashful about giving me a piece of her mind.

Cattails are good!

Another Red-winged Blackbird.

Mallard chicks have hatched!

American Coot

Good to see that Yellow Warblers are back!

Baltimore Oriole

Usually Catbirds like to hide in the midst of bushes and are difficult to photograph; but not this fellow. He was out in the open singing his heart out.

I'm going to leave you with this shot of Bucky the Beaver who is going to lead us to unbearable cuteness in our next set of posts.

Springbrook this morning

When I arrived at Springbrook this morning, Bucky the Beaver was busy already. The fog was lifting, but the air remained heavy. From the sound of the birds, I knew it was going to be a good day!

I don't think I've ever seen so many spider webs in one place!

Dew was falling on me from the trees; is this what a tropical forest is like? Tomorrow I'll post some bird pictures.

Springbrook Nature Center, Tuesday, May 8

I did make it to Springbrook this morning at the crack of dawn.
Much more activity than at my previous visit. I'll be posting some pictures in a little while.

It's a shame . . .

. . . when work interferes with birding. I haven't been able to get out the last few days, although the rain & wind made it easier to stay in. This afternoon, as I looked out to the back yard, I saw this pair of Mallards. I've never seen them here; I don't know what they're doing so far from any water. However, it gave me a chance to take a few shots.

albino squirrel

It's cold & windy & rainy this morning; hard to get motivated to get outside. It seemed easier to see what I could find in my back yard. But even the birds are taking shelter in this weather. However, I was pleased to see our white squirrel is still with us and looking a lot better than when I posted some pictures on March 24.
If the wind calms down and the rain stays away, I'll may just try for some bird pictures later in the day.

rest of yesterday's pictures from Springbrook

female Red-winged Blackbird in nest

It took me a while to get this Bronzed Grackle to pose this way.

American Coot

Other birds observed yesterday: Tree Swallows, Pied-billed Grebes, and the other usual suspects.

this morning at Springbrook

As I walked into Springbrook from the parking lot, at the first clearing I was greeted by two deer.

I could use some help in identifying this hawk; my best guess is that it is either a Red-shouldered or a Cooper's Hawk. Take a look at some pictures of Red-shouldered Hawks on Craig's Birds and let me know what you think.
The nest was about 40' high and surrounded by branches/other trees. I cannot tell whether the hawk is carrying food or more nesting material. I'll recheck the nest on my next trip to Springbrook.

My friend from last year, Bucky the Beaver

Yellow-rumped Warbler

I'll be posting the remainder of this morning's pictures tomorrow.

Springbrook Nature Center, Wednesday, May 2

Got up with the sun this morning & headed out to Springbrook Nature Center. No, that's not me in the picture. But having your own portable stool sure makes sense after walking around for several hours. One nice thing about Springbrook, however, is that they do have quite a few benches along the various paths. They come in handy not just for resting but also for waiting for the birds to get used to you; I am amazed how close the birds will come to you if you just sit still for a few minutes. Try it sometime! I'll be posting pictures from this morning later today.