Never Just a Photograph: Song Sparrow

Showing posts with label Song Sparrow. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 13, 2019

Big Snow of 2019

I'm from Eugene, Oregon and snowfall is something we don't see much of in my hometown, until last month when we received the 5th deepest snow recorded.

The number one biggest snow ever documented here in Eugene was in January 1969 when I was just a kid. 47.1 inches adorned our eclectic college town. I don't remember much about the difficulties it caused, I only remember playing in it.

Last month the official recording was 19.1 inches. And since I wasn't alive for the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th deepest snow, you can imagine how excited I was to get out and enjoy the white stuff.

Lincoln Sparrow

Fox Sparrow

My Poodle having a taste.

Varied Thrush hunkered down and American Robin flying away.

Song Sparrow

Western Blue Bird

American Pelicans

American Pelicans with their heads in the water

Ruddy Duck (Winter visitor)

Red-shouldered Hawk (see his red shoulder!)

That's Wilson birding with me in the snow (when it's starting to melt). He spots something!

Wilson sure had fun!

Saturday, May 30, 2015

Birding In May

I recently joined a birding group in my area. It has been an extremely fun and educational experience. As I watch and learn from the experts who have been birding for many, many years, I am amazed at how many birds they can identify by their call or song. It's like learning a second language!

In 2011, "The Big Year" the movie was released. It's a comedy (which was based on a true story) about three birders trying to see and identify the most birds in North America in a single year. Birders who plan to be a competitor in this informal competition in North America, must plan to see and identify over 700 birds. The competition begins on January 1 at 12:00 A.M. each year and ends on December 31st at 11:59 P.M. as defined in the American Birding Association Big Year rules. When I watched the movie a few years ago, I never dreamed that bird-watching would be in my future!

Here's are some of the birds I photographed this month.

Osprey

Savanna Sparrow

Turkey Vulture

Wrentit

Cedar Waxwing

Great Blue Heron fishing at Fern Ridge Dam

Lazuli Bunting

Pelicans

Violet-green Swallow

Bewick's Wren

Northern Flicker

Song Sparrow

Eagle heading to nest with more building material as the two eaglets watch

Mallard Duck

There's often other nice creatures along the way,

Western Pond Turtle

and others you could do without.

Redspotted Garter Snake

Happy Birding!

Friday, May 1, 2015

Around My Yard: In April

As the saying goes, "April showers, bring May flowers", but not here in Oregon this year. It's been a beautiful April, with just enough rain to keep everything green and pretty. I love the assortment of flowers that have begun to blossom, the baby animals that are running around with their mommy's and daddy's, and the many variety of birds singing in the trees. I'm thankful for God's gift of nature.

This fawn is pure cuteness!

Mom

Eurasian Collared-Dove

Red-winged Blackbird

This Gray Squirrel doesn't seem to be bothered by me in the least!

Orange-crowned Warbler

I saw many Sparrows . . .

Gold Crowned Sparrow

House Sparrow

Song Sparrow

As well as many colorful Finches.

American Goldfinch

House Finch

This Western Fence Lizard enjoyed our warm sunny days.

Western Fence Lizard

Beautiful flowers are blooming.

Lilacs (Syringa) - So fragrant and pretty!

This adorable tiny Rufous Hummingbird couldn't stay away, and he brought several of his friends too.

Rufous Hummingbird

To learn more about this beautiful little bird, visit my blog post:

The Feisty and Colorful Rufous Hummingbird

More pure cuteness!

Pretty sunsets

Monday, April 13, 2015

Around My Yard: In March

It amazes me how each month brings something a little different. With Spring finally here, we see the flowers starting to pop, new birds coming to the area, and I love being outside!