A Morning Fishing in the Columbia River

On our way back home, we travelled along the Columbia Gorge where millions of years ago the moving glaciers have curved a gigantic gorge and later water has filled to make the majestic Columbia river.

Right around these cliffs on both sides of the river, there are many wildlife areas.  I saw a large number of waterfowl.  Guess what I found out at home when I looked closely one of the pictures I had taken.

Due to a stormy weather, the photo looks grey.  But you can tell there are two Bald Eagles wading and fishing next to the sandbank.

"Honey, since there are a lot of waterfowl around here, 

this may be a good fishing ground.  Let's find out."

Hello from a Rosehip Bush

There are many nature parks with trails in Washington.  This one we stopped over was near the Yakima River.

Along a trail there were many rosehip bushes.  I heard "chi, chi,..." here and there.   And when I stood quietly for a while, that individual appeared inside the bush and then hopped onto the front branch to say hello.

"In case you are wondering if I am a Song Sparrow,

I have a blurry streak near my mid chest  for the identification."

A Fall Scene from Eastern Washington

Out in the woods in Eastern Washington.   Maple leaves are yellow with a bit of red on top.

Walking along a trail, I sensed someone's stare.  A telepathy?  Sure enough, a young deer was out in the tall weeds.

"I am making sure all people here are 

following the nature park's rules."

At the end of autumn in Eastern Washington, hawks have returned from the north, looking for food in the lower elevations.  One day when we were there,  the morning fog finally lifted around 1:00pm.  After our short walk on a trail, I noticed a Red-tailed Hawk from up in the sky surveying the nearby field.  It suddenly came toward my direction and landed at the top of a pine tree branch up above where I was standing.

"Hello, dear.  I am in search

for a mouse, squirrel, or similar."

Scanning over the field for a little longer, he jumped into the air to head to another direction.

The sun was warm.  A pleasant afternoon flying around.

"Now, you can see

how big I am."

Red Patch on the Head

Today was so beautiful that we decided to go a little bit of distance to visit a nearby island.   Towards north, Mt. St. Helen stood with a dignified look with the deep blue sky in the background.

Local news said there were many Sandhill Cranes stopped over at the island during their migration.  Out there in the fields,  we heard many of them but nowhere to be seen.   Instead, a wave after wave of Canada Geese flew by in formation.  Can you see these dots (geese) floating in the sky?

Here is a photo of the geese to identify.

Lo and behold, a couple of birds, not a part of  the big flocks appeared. These birds, when I checked at home, turned out to be Sandhill Cranes in flight!!

"I am a bit bigger than a goose and called  "Sandhill Crane."   

Did you notice my red patch on the head?"

In Midst of Autumn Color

A high, blue sky with yellow and red leaves.  A typical fall scene.

An early bird, Oregon Junco, arrives in the dawn.  Later in the warm sun, I saw him in the red blueberry bush.

"ummm, I feel so warm."

Hidden among those yellow maple leaves,  American Goldfinches just flew in to have their brunch.

"It's getting chilly, but this morning is so pleasant."

On their Way to the South: Pacific Flyway Zone #2

Now the autumn colors surround my neighborhood.  The maple tree is filled with yellow, red and the remaining green.   Pretty soon, it will be all yellow and red.

The other day at the nearby wetlands, we also saw a flock of American White Pelicans.  One of my bird books tells me that the pelicans do not dive to get food like other waterfowls, but dip their bills into the water like netting to catch a fish.  During the cold months, they migrate to warmer regions such as California, Mexico, etc.

"Today is wonderful with the warm sun and calm sky.  

We need to rest up before taking off."

On the Way to the South: Pacific Flyway Zone

Today was a beautiful day after 3 weeks of cold and/or rainy days.  So we went out to a nearby wetlands.  As I walked along the reservoir, I heard geese far away.  Then one after another flock began to congregate at the next door field where the harvesting has been completed.


Let me remind you these are not swifts, but Canada Geese.

After they finish eating, they were to move on to the reservoirs for water and rest.

So many geese, probably over a thousand in number.  These are only a part of them.

"I'm about to land.  Make some room for me!"

"A nice and soft landing!!"

"Von Voyage" to the south after resting up here.

Returned for Winter #3

The apple season has arrived.  At a weekend farmer's market, there are many apples for sale now.   My backyard has an apple tree, but those apples are eaten by bugs, and therefore, reserved for birds and squirrels to eat.

A new fall arrival, hiding behind the blueberry bush.  Can you guess who?

"I've been a regular fall/winter bird here."

 

The bird often mingles with his cousin, a Golden-crowned

Sparrow (in front).

"I have a white eyebrow."

 

"Because of a white crown you see now,  

I am called White-crowned Sparrow."

Returned for Winter #2

A week ago, the suet was on sale at a store nearby, so I bought enough to stock up for the winter birds.  But, aha, someone else loves to munch on this by hanging onto the bird feeder.

"I am ready to jump onto the feeder!!!"

Another cutie bird has just arrived at my backyard.  "Welcome back!"

 "Do you remember me?  A yellow bird with black
 stripe mask who likes to nibble on the suet."

"I am a Townsend's Warbler.  Can you tell whether I am
he or she?  It's easy.  I am a male because of the black mustache! 

I'm in a rush to eat because a squirrel might return any minute."

Returned for Winter

Yesterday was a nice fall day with a blue sky that appeared after 2 weeks of rain.  Everyone was busy mowing their lawn and taking care of their yard before another rainfall.  So were birds.  Summer birds have left here for warm southern regions.  One by one, winter birds are arriving here.

Blueberry bushes are changing colors to red.

Several days ago the Golden-crowned Sparrow returned.

"My golden crown is not so bright in the fall, 

but I am still good-looking and plump."

They still like to nibble seeds on ground.

"Munch, munch, I like these seeds."

Deep Pink Color

The outside temperature registered just like in early winter.  Below the patio roof, it was shady and cold.

The other day I saw two deep pink colored Purple Finches.  They do not live here; sometimes, they stop over for a short visit.

"I am a Purple Finch.
Look at my pretty deep pink."

 

"I can be hidden amongst House Finches."

Later I saw a couple of female Purple Finches, too.

"I like your sunflower seeds, too."

"Especially these home grown ones."

One Way to Enjoy Rain

When the weather changes to cold and food is hard to find out in the fields, many birds return to a backyard.  I see many goldfinches in my backyard.
In downpouring rain, I saw several Lesser Goldfinches washing their feathers trying to remove the dirt, bugs, and sweat, or whatever that have accumulated on their wings over the hot summer months.

"Splash, splash, splash."

"I'm feeling better with a quick

rain shower to clean myself."

"Now, I am Mr. Clean Lesser Goldfinch. "