Barred Owl Extravaganza!

Double D and I enjoyed such a wonderful weekend, ending it with Barbara and Barry, the devoted barred owl pair at Bluebonnet Swamp. What made it more special was meeting two couples on a birding expedition from Canada―three of them toting major camera gear. They were from the northernmost part of Canada, near the Arctic. It was the first day of their adventure and they were really hoping to see something at the swamp. However, it was a dreary day and not much happening at our favorite nature place.

All of a sudden, Barry began hooting and Barbara's muffled responses were clearly heard from inside the tree cavity. I told them to be patient, that I had a good feeling we would see Barbara. She hasn't been seen much lately, she's so devoted to her eggs right now. Sure enough, she came out of the tree, perched on the side of the hole and stared. Cameras were snapping and whirring just like a paparazzi event at the Oscar's.

We were so close, no cropping was necessary on this shot and on the next;
only resized and sharpened slightly for the blog.

After posing outside the nest, Barbara flew to a nearby cypress tree. Although the light could have been better, I was happy she was posing near some budding limbs. I had to bump my ISO to 3200 to get these, but I was able to take out most of the noise in Lightroom. Overall, I am happy with this set. I hope my sweet Canadian friends were able to get some shots. Canadians are just the nicest people!

Sharing with Eileen at Saturday's Critters and Anni at I'd Rather B' Birdin'. Thank you hosts!

Happy Green Day!

Top of the morning to you on this fine St. Patrick's Day!

It's amazing how a sunny, productive day restores the soul. We had a great time birding Saturday morning. The early hours no longer have Double D and me grumbling; we now look forward to what we will see. The day started out a little drizzly, but it was a good hike and lots of great conversations with new friends.

A big hearty breakfast afterwards and I was ready to tackle the yard. I had pulled up the knock-out roses under the kitchen window last week. Those had to be the thorniest rose bushes EVER. In its place I put encore azaleas called Autumn Carnation, and on each end planted a bottle brush plant to attract hummingbirds and butterflies. In the back garden I planted another bottle brush, dahlias, gerbera daisies and lantana. For the front yard we bought a japanese magnolia tree. Thankfully, I think (pray) the harsh winter is behind us.

Dahlia hybrid in the back garden

A dahlia bloom that was broken, so I put it in my mother's bud vase

Is this a chipping sparrow? I'm pretty sure, but sparrows are always a challenge to identify.

A yellow-rumped warbler with the beginnings of his breeding plumage.
That means they are almost ready to leave us. Sad face.

Happy to be working for my former boss this week, and some days here and there until the first week of April. He has been gracious enough to let me flex my hours to check on the barred owlets at Bluebonnet Swamp. They are scheduled to hatch this week! I will try to keep my blogging updated, but as before, it may be a bit sporadic.

Red Door

Well, whaddya know? Desperate for something different I found this shot I had forgotten about. This is a side door of St. Joseph Cathedral in Baton Rouge. The red reminded me of my mother and daughter, since both are drawn to the color like a magnet.

In other news, the sticky boards underneath our cars are history. When I left for an outing yesterday afternoon, Double D called to tell me that a sparrow had fallen victim. Can you imagine how horrified I was? Well, I was pretty sad and depressed. Later on I read a comment and helpful link on that post from a very dear blogging friend, and realized I had made a terrible mistake by allowing the sticky boards in the first place. I was never comfortable with the idea, but I also couldn't afford any other needless car repairs. For anyone I may have offended, I am truly sorry. I do not recommend sticky boards as a way to deal with wildlife. The link is here should anyone else have a problem with squirrels or other rodents causing damage to property during cold weather. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for that link!

Anyone seen my mojo?

Well, it's not because I haven't been out with my camera, but I can't seem to find anything new or different to shoot. I had my heart set on photographing the barred owls yesterday which turned out to be a disappointment since I only saw 2 species of snakes and a five-lined skink. Reptilian subjects are okay, but not something I want to feature on my blog. Maybe I've lost my mojo. :) I hope not. Anyway, I have another chance at the owls this afternoon. In the meantime, I still have many images from January of the titmouse that I haven't shared yet, so here ya go!

Thawing

It's nice to see signs of spring here and there. These are shots I took hiking with Double D in between birding field trips.

Two boaters at Greenwood Park. I really want to learn to kayak or canoe the waterways. It looks like such a peaceful activity.

Fishing pier at Greenwood

Can any birders out there help identify this hawk?

Double D spotted him on the street light as we were returning home late one afternoon.
He quickly pulled into an adjacent parking lot like a well-trained birding assistant should. :)

Rickety bridge at Waddill Wildlife Refuge

Wildflower at Waddill

Trillium, also at Waddill

We had a not so nice surprise with our Honda when the engine light came on over the weekend. Apparently, the unseasonably cold weather caused squirrels to climb underneath the car and chew the wires--a $630 repair. I'm sure this is payback for all the Pam I sprayed on the bird feeding station. Grrrrr. Our pest control person came out and put sticky boards underneath both cars. I really hope they stay away because I don't want to deal with that mess.

Linking to Wild Bird Wednesday. Thank you, Stewart!