A Summer Bird

An Orange-crowned Warbler, a summer bird, arrived here the other day.  First it was eating some bugs around the new leaves.

Then, around the bushes.

On a sunny day, it is best to get cleaned.

"After the bug meal, I like taking the bath here."

Rufous Female

After the male Rufous arrival, I was waiting for a female.  Here it is.  She has the rufous colored sides.  A few of them stay around here during the summer months.  

"I remember this clothesline.  I always perch on it."

"This is my favorite feeder.  Wow,  it's
fresh.    I just had a long distance
flight, so it is appreciated."

Rufous' Return

Rufous Hummingbird returned from the south.  First I noticed one male on 3/14, and this photo was taken thru the glass when the 3rd arrival perched on my feeder.  They do not stay here long and continues onto the north.

The chestnut colored males like this one are very vigilant.  They quickly flew out to the edge of my yard where the old pear trees are.   When the sun hits it, the head and chin areas shine orange.

"I have to be careful for safe travelling."

Spring in the Backyard

The wind is still chilly, but the temperature is getting warm.  So I had the fountain out for birds to have a drink and take a bath.

"Hi, I am the first one to try it this spring."

"I just heard this water.  This year 

I will try to hang around here more often."

Around noon, a Ruby-crowned Kinglet stopped over on its way into the woods.

"I will see you next winter.  Ta, ta..."

Spring Scene

The wild spring flowers are already in bloom; a male Anna's Hummingbird is busy slurping the nectar.

"I am tired of sugar water. The fresh 

flower nectar is s------o delicious."

This is a waterfowl I saw for the first time.

"Hi, I am a Common Goldeneye.  

I come here once in a while."

In my backyard, a curious Black-capped Chickadee was drinking the sugar water for the hummingbirds' feeder.

"I just like to try something new."

Spring Day

Up high above the reservoir, I saw a 2nd year Bald Eagle.  

On a trail, I saw a Nutria walking across.

In my backyard, the pear blossoms are now beginning to bloom.

Migration

This season we made a frequent trip to the nearby reservoirs due to less winter rain and warmer temperature.   Soon it will be the migration time for birds.

American White Pelicans:  "We know.  We are getting ready."

Trumpeter Swans:   "We do, too.  Right now many of us are here 

to take a short rest before going up north."

Tree Swallow:  "Hi, I have already arrived from south to nest 

as last year.  The nest boxes for us are very handy."