Spring Scene

Daffodils are in bloom

Day is getting longer and brighter.

"I can clean my tail now."

Bushtits are still flying around in a big flock.

"Spring is here.  I can find bugs and leaf buds."

The Wetland Visit in Spring

The air was still chilly, but the sun was warm.  Red-wing Blackbirds were singing.

This Song Sparrow was waiting for me to get close.  Just look at the leg.  He/she has a ID on.   That is why the bird is not really afraid of me.

Many waterfowl were swimming and feeding.  Here are a couple of Green-winged Teals.

"Chilly wind, but will be warm this week."

Cold Spring

The second flower this spring.  Purple crocus.

Daffodil buds are forming.   Comparing with last year's photos, I can tell last spring was warmer.

Oregon Juncos always love the cold weather.

"We are made tough."

Many American Robins are flying around early in the morning.  Soon they will come down to peck on the worms in the lawn.

"I will be hunting worms soon."

Food in the Snow Weather

This week more snow fell.   When snow was forecasted, I placed more food underneath the bird feeder so that the seeds were not covered with snow.

Northern Flicker:  "It's a relief to find food for breakfast 

early in the morning.  My friend, Bushtit, agrees with me.  Thanks a million."

House Finch, male:  "Thanks for the seeds.  I like your sunflower seeds."

Ruby-crowned Kinglet:  "Thanks for the suet.  I can always find it here."

American Goldfinch:  "I like your thistle seeds.  The Lesser Goldfinch told me about them."

Waiting for Spring Weather

Still cold.  Often just above the freezing point.  The blue sky peeks out once in a while.  

On a rainy day, a Downy Woodpecker stopped over for the suet.

Yellow-rumped Warblers are aggressive, always chasing out other smaller birds.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet is one of those often being kicked out.

"I have to nibble quickly before I'm found."

Unexpected Snow

One day I saw yellow crocuses in bloom; next day I saw snow.  Last several days have been cold with many snow flurries.  Birds are tough despite of the freezing temperature.

"I have lots of down feathers."

"On a snowy day, I come straight here to eat the suet."

"We fly around in a big flock in winter and 

roost together to preserve the heat at night."

Smell of Spring

Last week was a little warm.  On the south side of my yard, several crocuses were already in bloom.  Every spring they come out first, brightening my days.

The neighbor's maple tree is bare, but you will find one Anna's Hummingbird hiding amongst the branches.

This winter, I saw three Yellow-rumped Warblers at one time.   They come regularly during the cold months.

"Don't get mixed up with others.  I am a male 

Yellow-rumped Warbler with the yellow throat."