Friday, February 28, 2014

Bits and Bobs

It's been an exceptionally busy week working from home. Thank you for your patience as I hobble around visiting whenever possible. Our birding class is going very well, but the first field trip was canceled due to rain. Two field trips are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday this weekend―both start at 7AM! Ugh, we are NOT morning people. At. All.
Male house finch
Did you know birds with thick beaks like finches and cardinals are seed eaters?
I learned that in class. :)

See?

Barbara the barred owl from Feb 15th.




Downy woodpecker.
Their tails are used as a prop to help them climb trees. I learned that in class, too.

Male flowers of the swamp maple.
I did not learn that in class.

Injured ibis from Dec 29th. :(

See how his right wing droops? I think that was his problem. Hope he's okay.
I checked on him two days later and he was gone.
Hope everyone has a fun weekend! I'll check with y'all on Monday.

Beautiful things are never perfect.
(Seen on Pinterest)

38 comments:

Hootin Anni said...

I didn't go to any classes [yet], but I learned something yesterday while out birding -- to tell a sapsucker from a woodpecker [so similar are some in color and markings] --the sapsucker pecks at trees sideways going along a line, and then returns to the first 'hole' created to suck the sap, and continue along the line... while woodpeckers peck in the same spot for insects and the like. I did not know that but do now.

I'd much rather go birding early, so field trips like yours is a must for us during spring migration.

Enjoy them, and then...nap in the afternoon. LOL

GREAT images Gail.

Nancy's Notes said...

I'm just so crazy about birds, I'd like to take a class sometime. I just created a pinterest board on birds! Love your shots, they are awesome!
Have a great day~
Nancy

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

Super shots- I wish I could take a class or a field trip with other birders...my main problem is I just have such a poor memory..I'll learn it and forget it. LOL!

Optimistic Existentialist said...

I so wish I was taking that class!! So many cool things to learn about our feathered friends. I love the finch picture :)

Elizabeth Edwards said...

gorgeous - i love the owl & the ibis. i am not sure i have ever seen an ibis in person. i want to. got to find one asap. are they more of a warmer weather - type of region kind of bird??! ( :

Author R. Mac Wheeler said...

I LOVE that closeup of the juvenile ibis!!

TexWisGirl said...

those two things i knew. love your shots! that house finch is handsome!

Anvilcloud said...

Now I know about beaks too. I am pleased to learn something new. Now, how do i GO ABOUT REMEMBERING? LOL

Sorry -- got switched to All Caps.

Indrani said...

great variety of birds you have today. Love the sharp focus on the flowers.

Hilary said...

Wonderful shots.. you do birds so well. And feel free to keep teaching us what you learn in class. It's fun to learn alongside you. :)

Buttons Thoughts said...

Oh I LOVE Barbara. Have a nice relaxing weekend Gail. Great shots. Hug B

Unknown said...

Fantastic shots Gail. Have a great time, hoping your feeling a bit better too.

Suzan said...

Such an awesome shot of Barbara the owl - I can almost hear her snoring!! and the upclose of the injuried ibis!! lovey lines in his/her long beak!!
Always - lovely shots Gail!!
Big smiles about the owl!!

DeniseinVA said...

Goodness I love these photos, awesome shots every one of them.

Inspired By June said...

Lovely shots, Gail! I especially like the close up of the ibis! We'll just agree together that he is okay and moved on :) Looking forward to seeing what you "capture" this weekend !

Karen said...

AS always your photos are superb Gail! Have a great weekend!

Evelyn S. said...

I am so sorry that I haven't been visiting on a regular basis!!! I have no idea why I'm not visiting my favorite blogs the way I used to do. When I read "hobbling," I went back in your posts to find out about your back. I'm sorry that you're miserable. And you're going on a birding field trip? Again, I'm totally envious of your bird images, and I'm now determined to buy a 400mm lens, although.......... By the way, I've convinced my husband to take some of his unused vacation time so we can go to the Coast for at least a couple of days (Cannon Beach) and visit our kids in Portland AND get our car's recall issues taken care of. We'll be gone for a week, beginning Monday.

hootnonny said...

Glad your back is better so you can stalk the birds again. Nice pics...but my fav is the male flowers!

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

I love that you're taking this class!

I never knew that about the beaks and the seed eating. Cool.

I am one of those annoying morning people. I'd probably like a 7 am class, lol.

EG CameraGirl said...

I love the barred owl! I haven't seen our local one at all this year, although other birders have told me they've seen it. No fair!! :))

Brian King said...

Fantastic photos! I love the ibis portrait...we don't get to see them around here! Glad you're enjoying the class, minus the early mornings. :-)

eileeninmd said...

The field trip and classes are fun, always nice to learn something new! Love all the pretty birds and photos. Enjoy your weekend!

Ruth Hiebert said...

I always enjoy my vibist where. The pictures are exceptional.

LC said...

The bird photos and facts were great. I think I am going to enjoy yout class! I am also partial to red maples, both the flowers you included here and the "wings." I guess they are female.

Charlotte Wilson said...

Love all your shots especially the barred owl (of course). So sorry that your back is giving you trouble. DD is a real trouper to take you to two outings. I am like you, I do not like early.

I am going to look into some bird classes around here. You have inspired me.

charlotte

Kerry said...

I want to take a birding class. So much I don't know!
Today I tried to photograph some birds and they were SO camera shy.

Anonymous said...

Love these captures!

Barb said...

Thanks for learning and passing it on to us! Also, I like that you've named that gorgeous owl after me!

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

Oh, how I love that shot of Barbara! They're all so wonderful, though. The housefinch, the goldfinch, the Downy, and the lovely blue-eyed ibis. Just a great post, Gail.

renae said...

hi my sweet Gail! Oooooh, your jewels sound beautiful {ya lucky gal} A woman that has a man that adorns her in wonderful jewels is a great man.

Take care and thanks for the education of the birds and their health. You are so concerned for life and living. awh ~

Anonymous said...

Once again, I am reminded that one must arise with the birds to catch them on the wing.....or the early bird gets the photo. Good luck with the physical stuff too!

Debbie said...

the colors of your background and the way they blurrrrr, just like a beautiful oil painting!!

i have never taken a birding class, i have however, read a lot of books. but there is always something new to learn.

all images are wonderful but the owl is my favorite!!

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Class sounds worth getting up early for! Poor ibis!

Starla said...

If it wasn't raining here, I would be inspired to grab my camera and pretend that I was "Gail" for the day and try to take some pictures!

Anonymous said...

What beauties!

Melissa said...

Your birding class sounds fun. You're learning to be an early bird :) the swamp maple blossoms photo is very beautiful!

Nancy said...

Love learning new things about these lovely birds Gail -- happy that the ibis hopefully felt well enough to fly. Have a wonderful Sunday! xo

Ghost Writer said...

Belle, your photography just gets better and better. It just amazes me at what you are able to capture.

I hope that all is well in your world.

GW