Looking for a Snack

Hummingbird Nest

An older Spring shot of two very small hummingbirds

A Soar of Eagles

I’ve always known a group of eagles to be called a convocation but apparently, and almost more appropriately, they are also known as a soar of eagles. These are eight of twelve bald eagles cruising above our house today, much to the consternation of the local ravens. At this time of year the eagles are feeling less territorial so large ‘soars’ are a common sight.

Barred Owl (Strix varia) Resident

We have a pair of Barred Owls that live on the acreage. They have raised numerous chicks over the years and they are always a pleasure to watch and to hear. A beautiful bird and a privilege to have them so close by.

Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum)

I can’t remember seeing a Cedar Waxwing on our property before though they are in the area.
Two of them were having a bath in our small pond.

Dry Feet

Beatrice’s Bounty (2 photos)

A couple of days ago Beatrice hatched 17 out of 19 eggs. By the next day the ducklings were raring to go, running around the yard and exploring everything. I think Beatrice enjoyed being out and about but she has a busy time ahead of her.

Boris’s Bevy of Beauties

Boris has a couple of new companions, Betty and Beulah, to keep him company while Beatrice continues to sit on her 19 eggs. He is looking much happier and the new girls settled in very well.

Hummingbird – Rufous (Selasphorus rufus)- male

Bamboozled?

We came across this little scenario yesterday at our fish pond. This small bird was feeding her ‘baby’. There is obviously a size discrepancy. I haven’t identified the young bird but I know cowbirds and starlings will sometimes lay their eggs in other birds nests and let the new parents raise their chicks. I thought the mother may have been a Swainson’s Thrush but the ‘eyebrow’ didn’t look right. I’m now leaning toward some variety of Vireo.