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.
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| Male house finch Did you know birds with thick beaks like finches and cardinals are seed eaters? I learned that in class. :) |
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| See? |
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| Barbara the barred owl from Feb 15th. |
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| Downy woodpecker. Their tails are used as a prop to help them climb trees. I learned that in class, too. |
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| Male flowers of the swamp maple. I did not learn that in class. |
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| Injured ibis from Dec 29th. :( |
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| 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. |
(Seen on Pinterest)
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.
ReplyDeleteI'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.
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!
ReplyDeleteHave a great day~
Nancy
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!
ReplyDeleteI so wish I was taking that class!! So many cool things to learn about our feathered friends. I love the finch picture :)
ReplyDeletegorgeous - 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??! ( :
ReplyDeleteI LOVE that closeup of the juvenile ibis!!
ReplyDeletethose two things i knew. love your shots! that house finch is handsome!
ReplyDeleteNow I know about beaks too. I am pleased to learn something new. Now, how do i GO ABOUT REMEMBERING? LOL
ReplyDeleteSorry -- got switched to All Caps.
great variety of birds you have today. Love the sharp focus on the flowers.
ReplyDeleteWonderful 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. :)
ReplyDeleteOh I LOVE Barbara. Have a nice relaxing weekend Gail. Great shots. Hug B
ReplyDeleteFantastic shots Gail. Have a great time, hoping your feeling a bit better too.
ReplyDeleteSuch 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!!
ReplyDeleteAlways - lovely shots Gail!!
Big smiles about the owl!!
Goodness I love these photos, awesome shots every one of them.
ReplyDeleteLovely 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 !
ReplyDeleteAS always your photos are superb Gail! Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteGlad your back is better so you can stalk the birds again. Nice pics...but my fav is the male flowers!
ReplyDeleteI love that you're taking this class!
ReplyDeleteI 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.
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!! :))
ReplyDeleteFantastic 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. :-)
ReplyDeleteThe field trip and classes are fun, always nice to learn something new! Love all the pretty birds and photos. Enjoy your weekend!
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy my vibist where. The pictures are exceptional.
ReplyDeleteThe 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.
ReplyDeleteLove 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.
ReplyDeleteI am going to look into some bird classes around here. You have inspired me.
charlotte
I want to take a birding class. So much I don't know!
ReplyDeleteToday I tried to photograph some birds and they were SO camera shy.
Love these captures!
ReplyDeleteThanks for learning and passing it on to us! Also, I like that you've named that gorgeous owl after me!
ReplyDeleteOh, 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.
ReplyDeletehi 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.
ReplyDeleteTake care and thanks for the education of the birds and their health. You are so concerned for life and living. awh ~
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!
ReplyDeletethe colors of your background and the way they blurrrrr, just like a beautiful oil painting!!
ReplyDeletei 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!!
Class sounds worth getting up early for! Poor ibis!
ReplyDeleteIf 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!
ReplyDeleteWhat beauties!
ReplyDeleteYour birding class sounds fun. You're learning to be an early bird :) the swamp maple blossoms photo is very beautiful!
ReplyDeleteLove learning new things about these lovely birds Gail -- happy that the ibis hopefully felt well enough to fly. Have a wonderful Sunday! xo
ReplyDeleteBelle, your photography just gets better and better. It just amazes me at what you are able to capture.
ReplyDeleteI hope that all is well in your world.
GW