Grackle feeding its offspring

This is our first baby sighting of the year. We always think it's amusing that baby birds seem to be the same size as their parents but are still demanding to be fed. These two entertained Chris for a while this AM.

Tree Swallow

So, this is our nesting box for Wood Ducks. They didn't use it unfortunately, but it has been looking like a couple of Tree Swallows might make use of it. We have been watching them fly all over the lake eating insects and we thought we would never get a picture since they don't stop, so we're glad they might take up residence so we have more chances to photograph them. A little reminder to us of the barn swallows that used to come to one of our horse barns in California every year, so we're pleased to see them.

Great Egret by the shore

Black-crowned Night Heron Fishing

We went for a stroll this morning without our camera. Chris spotted this night heron in the stream. We continued our walk, passed him again on the way back, and then got the camera and returned. The Black-crowned Night Heron was a great subject. He let us get within about 10 feet on a bridge or the edge of the stream. Notice his long white "pony tail" that comes from the back of his head down his back. In one photo, the night heron is eating something red and disgusting.

Great Egret

We saw the Great Egret catching quite a few fish in the stream just past the Lake Nelson Dam.

Eastern Kingbird

The Eastern Kingbird is a type of flycatcher. He is hard to photograph because he is always darting about.

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

This was our second exciting new sighting today. We had seen a night heron down by the damn, so we went home to get our camera. When we got back, not only were we lucky enough that the heron was still there, but this Grosbeak flew right in front of us. He's another one we look forward to seeing more of.

Gray Catbird

We heard the Gray Catbird for about a week. He sounds like a baby crying, or some people say a cat meowing.

Cedar Waxwing

This was a VERY exciting new sighting today. We are looking forward to seeing more of these Cedar Waxwings and getting better pictures. We've been seeing a larger colorful bird for a week or so. We thought it might be a Oriole or even a Meadowlark. They may be around, but Chris got this Cedar Waxwing photo this AM.

Backyard Birds: Cardinal, Robin, Goldfinch, Tufted Titmouse

Tufted Titmouse


Robin


Goldfinch


Cardinal

Eastern Bluebird

This photo was taken while we were in Connecticut at our nephew's medical school graduation party. According to our field guides, it is also seen in New Jersey, but we have not been lucky enough to have it come by our backyard. We're posting it to say good luck to Dr. Cassidy as he flies off to start his residency.

Goslings

We thought that the Canada goose and gander mated for life and were ideal parents. However, this group of three adults with fourteen goslings has been showing up for about a week.