The Goose Wedge

While watching a group of about seven geese practice their wedge formation, I just had to laugh. The first pass they did over the house was in a V, but one lost goose tailed them, flying back and forth between the two arms of the V, unsure of where he belonged. As they passed by again they were even worse off by forming two rows, one in front of the other like an equal sign.

This is not a photo of that group, but it looks like they are trying the equal sign too.

The (non-thieving) Magpie

I've heard the overture to the opera The Thieving Magpie many times on the radio and I confess it's the only thing I know about the bird. I wasn't even sure what one looked like until my friend pointed it out while at Rocky Mountain National Park.

There was nothing criminal about this magpie.

A different brand of blue jay

In Rocky Mountain National Park, the color palette is very brown, tan, grey and green, with splashes of gold in autumn as the aspens change. So when bright blue darts across your path, it catches your eye.

Introducing, the Steller's Jay. Majestic blue coat with a black crested head.

Fall is Coming

While not exactly a V formation, a telltale sign that fall is on its way! (Photo taken almost a month ago).

Wildflower Cafe

Two goldfinches look over the day's special, black eyed susan and coneflower salad.

Enjoying coneflower

Quite the buffet!

Digging in

Room for Rent

Unfortunately the robins who lived under our deck have moved out. They didn't like their noisy neighbors, I guess.

Lower Deck Inhabitants

The closest I could get to this robin's nest without being dive-bombed by a pair of protective parents was about 10 feet. These two built their nest underneath our deck, directly below our patio table. All you can see of the nest from this photo is a long wisp of something hanging from it.

While I did save myself a pecking on the head, a nervous robin swooped and fluttered above me before landing in the yard, a severe look of warning in his eyes. I apologized and excused myself quickly.

King and Queen

These two finches conversed for nearly 10 minutes from the top of this pine. Discussing the state of their kingdom, perhaps.

More Cedar Waxwings!

It has been over a year since I saw the flock of cedar waxwings, and now this week I've seen them twice! There must be a pair nesting nearby because there were two in the same maple tree as last year, and yesterday this guy (looking behind)...

In the Neighbor's Maple Tree

A pair of cedar waxwings
In the neighbor's maple tree
No longer with their flock of friends,
Wild and soaring free

Cowbirds at it again!

Just like last year, the cowbirds are after the robins again.

Happy Father's Day!

Daddy is looking out while his little ones eat. 

Birdie Shower

A mourning dove showered in our sprinkler today. He nestled into the grass and lifted his wings one at a time to get those underarms!

A Chickadee's Nest

This, from our correspondant Diane. A family of chickadees took up residence in a small hole in the foundation of Diane's house. They discovered this on Mother's Day as a busy little mommy chickadee fed her babies while dogs and humans looked on. What a strange little place for a nest.

Holly checking out the nest.

An Owl Story, from Illinois

Almost a year ago, my uncle in Illinois told us about an owl who liked to hang out in a tree by his front porch and poop bones and fur onto the sidewalk. He recently sent us another owl story just as fascinating. Take it away, Todd!

"Walked out my back door around noon and heard thumping coming from one of the black garbage containers I have outside. Figured a squirrel had somehow figured a way in despite them being closed. Flipped the lid on the first on, peered in = nothing. Flipped the second one open and again, nothing. Then I hear noise from the brown waste container (it has no lid). Peered in and there was... AN OWL for cryin' out loud! Not sure why it was in there. Nothing in there to eat. Maybe hiding from crows or other birds. Anyway, I laid the container down and was able to get quite close (almost to petting range). But that beak and those talons keps me cautious. He left after awhile but seemed to show no fear."

A Chinese Proverb

"Keep a green tree in your heart and  

perhaps a songbird will come." 

Just before the rain hit...

Happy Mother's Day!

Love Birds

Perhaps they are celebrating their anniversary, too.

 

Can he fit on there?

You know there's a big bird at your feeder when you can hear him eating from inside the house.

Look at that beak! (Chomp, chomp!)