The feeders have been busy recently. Lots of California Quail, Red-winged Blackbirds, House Finches and Dark-eyed Juncos. Today there were three Spotted Towhees which are not common in winter here. Black-capped Chickadees come by occasionally. Woodpeckers too – Hairy, Downy, Pileated and Northern Flickers. And the occasional Cooper’s Hawk. Plus the view from our house on a sunny winter morning.
Shorebirds were not the only birds I saw on the west side. There were Snow Geese, many 1000’s of Snow Geese but mostly in the distance. Except for one that was very close. I wondered if it was sick or injured. Avian flu is still a concern.
Also pictured, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Harrier, Belted Kingfisher, and Great Blue Heron.
Ducks and coots, mostly youngsters.
At Malheur NWR, I had plenty of chances to work on improving my birds in flight photography skills. Lots of types of birds around all the time. Forester’s Tern, Yellow-headed Blackbirds, Long-billed Curlew, Swainson’s Hawk, Ferruginous Hawk, Northern Harrier aka Marsh Hawk.
I took my kayak out for the first time this year yesterday. It was a perfect morning on the lake – calm water, blue skies and comfy temperature. There were not a lot of birds but the birds we did see were pretty and ready to have their pictures made. Birding from a non-motorized boat is the best.
My Everyday Photos 