Big Whites in Winter

At the wetland, we can see Trumpeter Swans in the cold months.  The other day we saw a couple of them, flying around together with ducks.

"Today is a nice day!"

"Acrobatic flight!"

"Finally down on the water."

Bright Yellow in Winter

The day is getting shorter everyday till the winter equinox, Dec. 21.  This week it's been dark and rainy, a typical winter weather in Oregon.  In this darkness, there is something showing up.

"It's me.  My bright yellow tummy feathers keep me warm."

"I am Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle).  

I visit here in winter to nibble the suet."

"I am also a Yellow-rumped Warbler( Audubon).
 I am a male with the bright yellow chin."

Anna's Food for Winter

Autumn colors

Now that all the flowers are gone due to freezing temperatures, Anna's Hummingbirds have to depend on sugar water.

"I appreciate your fresh sugar water.  I know you change it every 2 weeks."

I have a tube feeder, too.

"I like this better."

On a Sunny Winter Day

On a sunny day at the wetland, I noticed a couple of Red-tailed Hawks on the old tall tree.  They were sunbathing for some time.

On the other side of the reservoir, a Great Egret was fishing.  Do you notice a little fish on his beak?

And a lone Mallard duck was trying to wake up from the warm slumber.

"Don't make any more noise."

Fall Scene

The temperature went down to below freezing.  It's been cold.  This year the leaves are extremely colorful due to the early cold temperature we had at the end of September.  

On Sunday, at the nature Reserve nearby, I saw a Bald Eagle early in the morning.

In my backyard, a Gray Squirrel was busy munching the fallen suet.

"This is my favorite."

Red Maple Leaves

The maple leaves have changed their color.

White-crowed Sparrows comes around during the fall season.  While Golden-crowned Sparrows come in a small flock, this one always comes by him/herself.

"Golden-crowned Sparrows are related 

to me, so there's no problem."

"Many Oregon Juncos and Black-capped 

Chickadees are here.  They are all my friends."

Autumn Wetland

Before the autumn rainy season, we visited the wetland.  The fall sky was filled with honking Canada Geese landing onto the reservoir.  How many are they?  In the hundreds.

"We are a thousand, maybe."

In the midst of the noisy honking, others joined.

"We are American White Pelicans.  Fun to join the geese."

"Riding the warm air, we will hover up, up,  high."