San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary in Irvine, CA

Spotted Towhee


Hummingbird


Common Yellowthroat


Glossy Ibis eating something gross

Mute Swan On Lake Nelson

 

 

 

Mike usually spots the early morning visitors, but this time Chris let out the "swan alert." While taking the last photos, Mike noticed that there were also common mergansers.

Mute swans are very rare visitors to Lake Nelson. It's been two years since we last saw one, but that one stayed for two weeks. This one just flew off as we were blogging. It is stunning in flight.

Wood Ducks Visit Lake Nelson

A few weeks ago during a heavy snow storm, a neighbor's tree fell into the lake. Now that parts of the lake are unfrozen, it is providing good shelter for some wood ducks. Here, two male wood ducks are vying for the attention of a single female. We're glad to see these less frequent visitors and hope they are a harbinger for spring.

Isn't spring here yet?: Photo by Gene and Lynne

 

A Red Bellied Woodpecker, I've been waiting to catch a picture of. He's been coming around for about a month now.

Winter is still here

Male Cardinal

Female Cardinal

The latest snow storm seems particularly difficult for the birds. We've had many more at the feeders. The cardinals that are usually too skittish to come to our deck for food joined the finches and the juncos for some nyjer seed.

We're ready for Spring

 

 

 

Here are some photos from last spring. We are tired of the winter weather, the snow and the rain. We are looking forward to spring when the orioles return, the goldfinches are brighter, and there are baby birds around.

Virginia Rail: Photo by Greg

 

Virginia Rail seen Feb. 12th. at The Celery Farm in Allendale. Observed it for about 45 minutes from distances as close as 10 feet!! A very cooperative little bird & a lifer for me!

Thanks - Greg (Clifton, NJ)