Birdfeeder Bully: Blue Jay

The bright and colorful Blue Jays keep things interesting around my winter bird feeder. Whereas many other birds are content to share, when the Blue Jays arrive all the other birds flee.

I have never observed the Blue Jays attacking another bird but then again the other birds don’t allow the Blue Jays much chance either.

Winter is beginning to relax its grasp here in southern Pennsylvania. A week ago I observed my first red-winged blackbird sitting in some cattails along a frozen pond. This morning a number of them were present around the wetlands although none afforded a good photo-op.

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Cardinal

No other bird brings more color to the winter feeders than the brilliant male Cardinal.

Cardinals are year around residents in my area. Cardinals, Blue Jays, Juncos, Pine Siskins, Tufted Titmice and the Red-bellied Woodpecker have been my most consistent feeder visitors this winter. In previous winters I was mobbed by House Finches but this winter I have not observed a singe one.

SkyWatch: Bluebird Skies

There is little doubt that the clear blue winter skies encouraged the Eastern Bluebirds to begin spring house cleaning.

I first thought that the bluebirds were building nest but after observing them for a little while I learned quite the opposite for they were arriving at the nest with nothing and departing carrying nesting debris.

Earlier this week I posted photographs of the pair sitting in the bird box opening. One commenter (anonymous) mentioned the entrance hole appeared large for a standard bluebird box. The comment was spot on, the box they are using is constructed for much larger birds however the bluebirds have lain claim. I plan to continue checking on it occasionally to see if they can keep possession throughout the nesting season.

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Gull, Lake Marion Florida

I captured this image at Lake Marion during my December ’08 visit to Florida. Since I live inland and seldom see gulls I haven’t made an effort to identify this bird. Hopefully someone can help with the ID.

Of the gull flight shots I captured during my trip this image is my favorite.

Blackwater Plumes

While visiting Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge I encountered a small marsh filled with tall dead grass still carrying last year’s spent seedheads.

What was simply a bunch of brown grass from any other angle was transformed into a scene of beauty by the natural backlighting.

Ice Patterns

When I went looking for waterfowl Saturday morning I was greeted with thin ice covering the entire wetland and no waterfowl to be found. I had expected as much as the thermometer read 19 deg F when I left home.

Although I could not photograph waterfowl I was delighted to capture the geometric patterns in the ice.

A Hint of Spring: Eastern Bluebirds

During my Saturday morning outing I encountered a pair of Eastern Bluebirds cleaning a nest box. At first I thought they were building nest but as I observed their activity I noticed that they were carrying debris from the nest box.

Male Eastern Bluebird

Female Eastern Bluebird

Both Bluebirds were somewhat hesitant to go in the box after I situated myself close by but after a short time they resumed housecleaning.

Camera Critters: Red-bellied Woodpecker

The pretty little Red-bellied Woodpeckers are popular winter feeder birds. Not only are they attracted by suet they will also frequent common birdseed mixes.

This Red-bellied has been visiting our deck feeder all winter eating the sunflower seed we feed. It has become acclimated to our presence allowing me to shoot through the window from only a 3-4 foot distance.

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Winter Patterns

We are now in that time of winter where the ice covering our wetlands melts on the warmer afternoons and refreezes over night.

Sometimes the patterns formed by the thin ice are striking. Backlighting accents the patterns found in this natural ice formation.

Skywatch: Canada Sky

Making the approach for landing, a flock of Canada geese grace the bright winter sky.

This image is from Maryland’s beautiful Delmarva Peninsula. The Delmarva derives its name from the three states who in part occupies it; Delaware, Maryland and Virginia

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