Sunday, July 26, 2009

Summer time is here

Summer is here and so were lots of baby birds. The tree swallows are out of the nest and trying out their new talents for flying. This poor guy was worn out and needed a quick break on the roof of the house. Later when he tried to find his way back into the box, he smacked it pretty hard and fell to the ground. After about a half hour, Chuck picked him up and put him in the nest. All was well after that.This is one of the flycatchers we have around here. I believe it is a Western Wood Pewee.
Of course the deer had to show off her little ones too.

The plant with the red flowers is in full bloom and so the rufous hummingbird is very excited and sticks around in the backyard. It is fun to watch them and I get "buzzed" quite often.


The Common Yellowthroat - it is a common bird, but this is the first time I have seen one in our yard. He likes the same plant as the hummingbird. We will have to add him as a new bird to our list of birds seen at the house. We saw the female later in the day too.







The other exciting bird sighting we had yesterday we did not get a picture. We were in the backyard and a Great Horned Owl landed on the tree next to the house. We always assumed the owls we saw here were barn owls. It was too dark for a picture, but once we looked with the binoculars, we realized it was a Great Horned Owl. How Exciting!

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Ridgefield Wildlife - more than just birds


Ruddy Duck with a blue bill
Ruddy duck
Osprey - I think they should change the state bird
Yellow headed blackbird - this is the first time I have seen one on this side of the Cascades
Cute little ducklings

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Smokey

After getting to be at my side for almost 13 years, Smokey decided she was ready to go outside for good. She is under the cherry trees next to Punkin. We loved her more than any cat could ever be loved! She will be greatly missed by all.

After graduation I got some great bird pictures

We headed out to the Wallows and saw this Red-naped sapsucker while we were having a picnic lunch.
This osprey wasn't as excited to see us and we were to see him. We already had lunch and didn't want to share his lunch at all!

I got this picture out of the sunroof of the car. I didn't think I wanted a sunroof until I found a new use for it.
The great blue heron - I thought this was an interesting angle.

This mother black-capped chickadee was keeping a close eye on her youngster.

The little one was in the next bush over.
Here he is crying for food from mom.

Graduation

I know this isn't birds....but it is important to me to post my graduation. After many years of going to school after work, I finished my business degree through EOU online. The graduation gave me a chance to meet some of my professors and other students I interacted with online.

Chuck was very proud and excited for it to be done too.

Mom surprised me and came to the graduation.

My advisor - Sue - She was so helpful all the way!

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Eagles and Ospreys on Sunday

We went to Sauvie Island today since we heard that the bald eagles were still around. We saw a couple of younger ones (not a full white head yet) and then the older ones. This one was circling around to get some dinner.

This is right before he went down and out of my sight.

This osprey was flying around its nest with a fish. The fish is only a half fish, so we weren't quite sure where the other half ended up. Blah - good for him.

Thursday, June 4, 2009

More Birds In our Yard

I had to capture this Cedar Waxwing picture through the window. There were two of them gathering nesting materials. I can't wait to see where they end up next.
The Black-Headed Grosbeak sure has an appropriate name.
Here is the female.
The male was enjoying the feeder.

I think this one is a juvenile.

And of course the bird couple feeding together. Isn't that cute?