A Surprise Visitor

Hawks often visit my backyard during winter, but not in summer. The other day my husband saw one diving behind the back fence.   So I went out and sat halfway hidden under the patio.  For a while nothing happened.

Yet, a House Sparrow's warning call, chi, chi, chi, chi, went on.  I sat still....  Then suddenly jumped out of the rhododendron bush was a Cooper's Hawk.

"No luck here."

And off he went to another location.

Summer Birds #2

Rufous Hummingbird stops over once in  a while when the temperature climbs up.  It is much smaller than Anna's Hummingbird and never stays long for me to take a good photo.

The other day I saw a female Black-headed Grosbeak early in the morning.  She was munching roasted sunflower seeds.   I am very happy to see it back because  many trees in the neighborhood have been cut down, making it difficult to reach my backyard.

"Hi, I remember your delicious sunflower seeds."

Summer Birds at the Wetland

During the summer months at the wetland,  I sometimes encounter summer birds.  This time a Yellowthroat male in the bush was peaking at me.

"I am watchful of strangers."

A Tree Swallow family was busy flying around a pond.

A Cedar Waxwing family was still there.

"Wherever I find sweet berries, I will be there."

Rare Visitor

Once in a long while, during the cold months, I saw a Red-breasted Supsucker on a tree here.  But today was different.

"Hi, I am thirsty. My throat is dried up. Let me drink water here."

"Did you see me before?"

At the Wetland

Nowadays too many developments have taken place even in my neighborhood.  To accommodate that, too many trees have been cut down.  As a result, little birds can not hop between the trees to get to my backyard.  Black-headed Grosbeak (summer bird) is one of them.   I saw some at the nearby wetland.

"Hi, I decided not to go over to your place. 

 I am glad you came over instead."

Common Yellow-throat, male:  "Me, too."

Cedar Waxwing:  "Me, too."