Archive for the ‘Birding’ Category

To Grace -  I will allow myself to think of you today, and walk in the sun, and watch the lively little birds.

For some reason, the words, “chunky monkey” come to mind when I look at this picture of a Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) who visited recently. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I indulged in a rare-for-these-days treat of eating ice cream earlier this evening. If this bird earned the affectionate nickname, “chunky monkey,” then this next one should get the handle, “slim jim.” Read the rest of this entry »

I had some time a couple of weeks ago to shoot some pictures of the activity in my back yard on a highly unusual snow day. I always put out a scoop of peanuts-in-the-shell each day, and I hang a thistle/nyjer feeder in the winter. Needless to say, my back yard was busy!

This photo is one side of my back yard – where my Bird Lounge is located, next to my pile of “cover” branches. I’ve labeled a few other items – I know it may be hard to read, but you get the idea. Now for the birds… Read the rest of this entry »

Just days before all of the snow fell in the Dallas/Fort Worth, TX area, we had tons of rain. The picture above was taken February 8 at Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve in Plano, TX. This pedestrian bridge stretches over Rowlett Creek, off the Jupiter entry. I have never seen the creek this high! The water was rushing so fast that big limbs kept thudding on the underside of the bridge, only to quickly be sucked under and shoot out the other side. Read the rest of this entry »

Hundreds of sick and starving Brown Pelicans have been admitted to the IBRRC’s two clinics in California since January 1. This huge influx of Brown Pelicans in need of care is a direct result of the polluted runoff from storms that have been battering the California coast. Pollutants int he water strip the pelicans of their natural water-proofing oils, leaving the birds defenseless against the elements. The following video is a recent news video from KTLA-TV, in California:

The International Bird Rescue Research Center (IBRRC) and three other area wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facilities have issued this joint NEWS RELEASE: Pelican Crisis Pushes California Wildlife Groups to Breaking Point (PDF)

If you would like to contribute toward the effort to help these pelicans, please see the donations page at IBRRC.

It has been awhile since I’ve penned a post here at Birder’s Lounge, and it is nice to be writing again. Like this Great Blue Heron, I have been waiting patiently – the heron, for a chance at an evening meal, and me, for a chance to share some photos and some thoughts. This heron, BTW, was standing in what had to be frigid water, since it was about 40 degrees that day! I actually thought I saw him shivering…but maybe it was my imagination. Or my empathy. Read the rest of this entry »

Woohoo! I saw a Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus)! I knew there was something different about this hawk. I saw her swooping down low over the winter fields, but I have to admit that I was unable to ID her until I got home. What a treat to watch her glide over the meadow at eye level!

Read the rest of this entry »

Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe)

This little Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) perched sweetly for me on a beautiful, sunny, New Year’s Day. I spent the entire day exploring new trails at a nearby nature preserve, and it could not have been a more invigorating experience.  I’ve been wanting to compare notes and illustrations amongst my small collection of antique and old bird guides, and this little Phoebe is the perfect subject. Read the rest of this entry »

I got a new fancy-schmancy camera backpack for my birthday and finally tried it out last weekend. I put it through its paces by loading it up, unpacking and packing it again to move around the meadow, and giving the built-in rain cover a good try. The bag is a Lowepro Vertex 200 AW, and it is a serious piece of luggage. The photos above are the product photos from B&H where I bought it online.

The bag was heavy even when empty, then I loaded two cameras, a 300mm lens, and several other items. I got my exercise, to say the least! But did I get any pictures? You bet I did. Read the rest of this entry »