Similar, but Different

In the past three kinds of Chickadees have visited here.  They are Black-capped Chickadees, Chestnut-backed Chickadees, and Mountain Chickadees.  But most of  time I see the first two here.  The last one visits here only when they can not find  enough food in the mountains.

"Hi, I am black-capped Chickadee.  I live here 

nearby and come here everyday."

"Can you see my chestnut color on the back?  

I am a little smaller than the black-capped."

I have seen the Mountain Chickadees only one winter and it has been several years since.

New Year Scene

 There are plenty of birds in my backyard. 

Every two weeks I change the sugar water for hummingbirds.  Here is a male Anna's Hummingbird.

"Happy New Year from a bright headed one."

"HNY from me, too."

"HNY from a little quicky."  

"HNY from a busy masked girl."

HNY on a rainy day.  The day is longer now.  

Chinese Lunar New Year will be next month."

Happy New Year

The other day we returned to the wetland to see if the flood water has receded or not.  Luckily the water was gone, and we saw a couple of Bald Eagles on top of the tall tree, their favorite perching spot.

"Today is dry after many days of rain and clouds."

"It's the beginning of the new year."

"And we all support for the better year!"

 

Deep Fog

Last week, the road to the wetland was flooded and blocked for traffic.  The morning fog still hung around.

Only a few ducks were paddling around in the deep fog.

A tiny Ruby-crowned Kinglet was there looking for her breakfast.

Return after Several Years of Absence

 Due to much development in the neighorhood, some birds no longer can make it to my backyard in town.  Nowadays we often have to go out to the wetlands where birds safely land  and easily find food.  

But last week I had a lucky day.  A bird who had disappeared from my backyard for several years returned to my surprise.  

How delighted I am!

"I love to peck your suet."

"You never forget me.  My superior mask."

"On a rainy day, I appreciate your replenishing

 the suet.  A short flight to find the food."

Fog and Sun

 The wetland in winter is desolate with bare branches and cold wind.

"I am getting ready to catch a fish."

But once in a while, the sun comes out to dry the ground and  feathers for birds.

"A sunny day is a blessing in winter."

The rosehips are still around the reservoirs.

Water Fowls

 After a week of rainy weather, the weather finally cleared for us to stop over at the nearby wetland.

Crackling goose:  "I am glad to see the blue sky!"

Common Mergansers:  "We are a big block of a couple of dozens."

A male Mallard:  " I have a pretty green head."