A Gentle One

Last week it rained most of the time.  The only lucky surprise was to see a Cooper's Hawk landed on a wisteria branch one morning.

"Everyone took off.  I just wanted to see little birdies."

Believe it or not, this hawk has a gentle eye expression, quite different from others I've seen.  Is it because this one is a female?

Here is a photo from the other side:

"Yes, I am a gentle kind.  Trust me."

Early Return

Rufous Hummingbirds often return on the same day of the year from the south.  This spring one of them returned on March 4, which is about 10 days earlier than last year.  Is it the same one who just made an earlier arrival?  Or is it another individual who arrived here early?

"Hi, I am a male Rufous with the brown back.  

After some rest, I will take off to travel further north."

I was expecting the Rufous arriving soon and just the other day replenished the sugar juice with the new batch.

"I found your sugar juice fresh.  I will come back while I am around."

Still Chilly Air

The purple crocus is in bloom on the south side of my front yard.  An early fly instantly flew in to enjoy the sweet nectar.

Out at a nearby wetland, I found camellia bushes with many flowers.

One 2nd year Bald Eagle was surveying the early spring reservoirs.

"Still chilly, but the winter has already passed."

Spring Visitors

On a clear day between the rain, a large flock of Trumpeter Swans were moving south to another feeding spot.

Once in a while, Eurasian Doves stop by.  

"I need to watch out when a human is around."

Recently I found up to four Golden-crowned Sparrows feeding at my backyard.

"The fallen suet is delicious."

Spring Is Here

It has warmed up.  When I peeked out of the window, aha, to my surprise yellow crocus were already in bloom.

I heard Bewick's Wren serenading his love song.

Later he was picking up the fallen suet on the ground.  His tail is so cute.

The Tubal Feeder

Anna's Hummingbirds live around here all the year around.  I have several kinds of feeders hanging in the backyard.    This is a flat type of feeder:  several hummers can drink at the same time.   But being so territorial only one hummer at the time so far has used it.

"I am the only one at this feeder; 

no one is allowed to drink near me!"

The tubal feeder seems to be very popular with Anna's females.  I hang up the feeder right next to the swing.  She likes to sit and slurp!

"I like the swing and feeder set.  It's ready 

for drink and it's safe to look around."

The feeder emptied fast.  I replaced it with another tubal feeder.

"Take a good picture of me."

Two Generations

Cooper's Hawks frequent many backyards with bird feeders.  One afternoon when I was watching the birds behind the camouflage curtain, one matured Cooper's Hawk just landed on a pear tree branch and came out to the metal feeder in front.

"I am a matured hawk with the bluish gray back and red eyes.   

Even an experienced hunter takes time to find some food."

Another day I saw one surveying the backyard from a branch of the maple tree.

"I just heard a tweety bird.  I am immature 

with the brown back and yellow eyes."

"Wow, someone is down there."