Making up for lost time.

I've been an updating fool! Before I headed out this morning, I took a quick look in the yard... the squirrels were a dead give-away that something was out there, sure enough:


(my neighbors STILL have apples on their tree!)


Fun with cropping. :)


I returned home & thought I'd refill for the Cardinals, because the sparrows are hoggy-doggies. Again, as yesterday, I was quickly joined by a few Goldfinches & the pair of Chickadees... they are too cute. They didn't seem to mind me being out there with them at all:

















I have no idea what that orange glow is in 2 pics below, must be a reflection of some sort.






Then, the hawk flew by overhead & the nearby doves (about 10-12 of them) & the squirrels high-tailed it outta there. It caused a commotion, but was so neat to see it racing through the sky. It didn't appear to plan on landing in the yard, had some serious momentum going. It was also cute to hear the Chickadee's call out to one another, one had flown to the neighbor's bush & the other went to the branch above me. The one in the neighbor's bush kept calling out for the other one, and wouldn't stop until it heard a response. aww. They stayed, as did one little hungry & brave Goldfinch:

Chickadee's & Co.

I should really be studying, I only have a week left until my much needed break, but I can't seem to keep my face out of the window. This morning I decided to move the birdbath back to its summer spot. I have a heater in it, but it doesn't seem to be keeping up with the cold. Last night I saw about 5 mourning doves sitting on it, but the water was frozen. The cord reaches, so I moved it back... I think they have a better view of what's going on as well. While out there refilling water & food, I was quickly joined by a handful of Goldfinches, who were watching me & having a snack. Then 2 Chickadee's came in to the yard. I just wanted to share the neat pic (well I think it is) that I snapped off.


I snapped right as it was heading back up to the tree branch (looks like it took a sunflower seed with him), do you see the other one towards the back of the feeder? I just thought it was neat to see the wings & tail spread. They took turns eating and hopping around.







These guys were MIA most of the summer, great to see them back.

I absolutely adore my male Downy





Wow, today was a good day. I bunkered in began to get down to business & took a break & lookie who I saw on the lines at the further end of my neighbor's house:




I cropped this one (hope it looks alright):

First Snow

Last night's first snow brought everyone out today. I had 3 Blue Jays in the yard, a few Goldfinches, & I saw a Downy & a Sparrow fight over the suet feeder. Today would have been a good day just to stare out the window, but I had to head to class late in the afternoon.

I returned home about an hour & a half later & was just about to let the dog out when I noticed a huge Cooper's Hawk standing on the ground, looked like she had something. I did the dash for the camera, but didn't get any shots, returned to the window in just enough time to see her fly off with something in her clutches. I think it was a sparrow. Not that I don't like the Sparrow's, but I am always worried that it'll be my Downy or a Cardinal. It always stings a bit when the hawk's are successful regardless of what it gets, I know... circle of life, but still. At the same time, the hawks and Kestrels are gorgeous, & I feel amazed when I get to see one in the yard.

Anywho, here are a few pics from today:


The cute little Junco. First time I've seen them since last winter.



The Downy & the Sparrow right before they started going at it. It wasn't a full on brawl, but they were fluttering & pecking at each other.




The 3 Blue Jays. I remember when they only passed through the yard, now they are regular visitors.

It's been awhile!

I have been SO busy with nursing school it's not even funny, but it'll all be worth it one day in the year 2010, yikes. I decided to check on my page & dust it off a bit...

So... I finally saw my first Cedar Waxwing, I was so excited! It was at Saganashkee Slough (9/19/8) I'm still learning the settings on the camera, it also didn't help that I was shooting into the light. They're not the best pics, but here they are...





& a few from the yard during the last of the warm months...

The Morton Arboretum

Had my first visit there last Saturday & finally used my new camera, which I'm still learning how to use. I loved this place, it's stunning. Tons of birds, I took pics of some that I am still trying to ID. Saw but not pictured were a male hairy, blue jays, tree swallows, gold finches, robins & a couple others that I didn't get a good look at. I went look for the waxwings, but didn't see any. I will be returning here for sure.

Blue Jays

Had a pair of them in the yard this morning. I sometimes hear them around, but seldomly see them in my yard. Today 1 actually went to everyone's favorite feeder while I was out there, I wish I would have had the camera at that time. It was kind enough to stick around so I could go get the cam & snap a pic or 2 as it left the yard.





It really is everyone's favorite feeder:

The Magic Hedge

We finally got a chance to go yesterday, it was our first time there. I saw a few new birds (remember, I am a backyard chick that is still very much a rookie).

We saw:

*Oven birds (2)
*Yellow Warbler (2- 1M & 1F)
*Blue Gray Gnatcatcher (as cute as it was, it wouldn't sit still long enough for a picture) (1)
*Red winged Blackbirds (5+)

& I believe they were some sort of sparrows? (20+) They seemed to hang out w/the gulls near the water just riding the wind. Their tails appeared "swallow-like".

There were also tons of grackles, gulls, starlings & robins. Saw a couple of ducks & cardinals as well.

Besides totally enjoying myself, I had the added bonus of the hubby having pity on me & my little point & shoot digital cam. He gave me the go ahead to order my Nikon D40 that I have been eye-balling for quite awhile now. I am so excited to get out there & try taking some better pics. I don't care if they don't look extremely professional, they are for my memories & to share w/others. I won't be entering myself into any contests any time soon. It should be arriving just in time for our next outting to look for Cedar Waxwings.

So here are what I hope to be the last pics w/my little digital camera.