Friday, November 26, 2010

A New Tiny, Little Birdy Nest...

Sure, it's tiny.
Like a Volkswagen Beetle compared to a Hummer...


We were at Magee Marsh(go figure!) a few weeks ago and saw a large nest in a tree. We soon saw a Red-tailed Hawk zooming overhead and off into the distance.

We went back last week because we heard about a pair of Bald Eagles building a nest in the same area. Well guess what? That nest that we thought was a hawks nest is now twice the size and belongs to the Eagles! I was always told, if you see a nest in a tree and think, "Wow, that's Big!", it belongs to a hawk or an owl. If you see a nest in a tree and say "Jeez! How the heck did that get up there?!", it belongs to an eagle.

I'm looking forward to going back next weekend if the trail is still open to check on construction. I hope they have a permit for that thing...

This is a Rusty Bald Eagle.
It's not real by the way...


We did see a few other birds, such as this Downy Woodpecker.
He nests in an itty-bitty hole in a tree.


This Red-breasted Nuthatch doesn't nest here. He's just visiting for the winter.
Apparently he thinks it's warm here, hence the name "Nuthatch!"


Yes, this is the Doodles. Yes she is laying down on the job...under the eagles nest.
She claims she was stretching. Right. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!


We still need help with the petition at the top of my blog!
Research needs to be done BEFORE wind mills are installed in a migratory bird area.
Thanks!

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

A long walk, and a few good birds...

"You never seen a Northern Cardinal eat before? Sheesh take a picture, it'll last longer..."
So I did.

Me and the Doodles decided to go to Pearson Metropark in nearby Oregon, Ohio. We've only been there a few times, and since there was duck hunting at Magee, what the heck...

They have a great "Window on Wildlife" to watch the local birds fill up on free seed...and the squirrels cleaning up after the piggy birds. But we really needed a walk..and a few good birds!

The Doodles looked at the trail map and picked a short one. She broke her little toe a while ago and it's still a problem on long hikes. We started out on our short sojourn on the one mile path. Things were a bit quiet...then we spotted the first of THREE Sharp-shined Hawks! That might have something to do with it! "Hmmm, this path seems a little longer than a mile" Than Doodles noticed a two mile marker...with one more mile to get back to the car. Oops. Swollen toe. Oh well...

It's always good to see a Bald Eagle. We ended the day with six!

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. A good name for most politicians...

So, I see this little Black-capped Chickadee posing for a photo.
I aim my camera, click goes the shutter...where'd he go?!


Okay, I'll try again. He's posing nicely on this branch...SONOFABIRCH!

ARGH! I give up...

I hate to say it, but I hope this Sharp-shinned Hawk gets that Chickadee.
(It's a joke, no letters please!)


Speaking of not sitting still...this White-breasted Nuthatch
was hopping all over this tree trying to find the best hiding place for his seed.


The nice thing about this time of year...no Hornets to come buzzing out after you!

There are LOTS of American Robins in this park!

By the way...check out "World Bird Wednesday" on The Pine River Review blog!

"Save the Burdz and sign the petition at the top of Loopy's blog!"

Thanks!

Monday, November 22, 2010

Birds From Behind...(trees that is)...

A Great Blue Heron flying OVER the trees at sunset...

Yep. The BirdMobile is our escape from insanity, or reality as some call it. We can breath as soon as we cross Sandusky Bay. Our home and it's wonderful garden and the habitat we worked so hard to make more natural is a great thing too, but, getting away from the noise and neighborhood is better. One day we won't go back home...

Tundra Swans sailing south. That's a good tick on the 'yard' list!

We've heard Great Horned Owls quite a bit during the past few weekends(much nicer than loud neighbors!)
I thought this was one until I blew it up and discovered a Bald Eagle!


Now this IS one of the Great Horned Owls!
From Behind...a tree...

...And another at sunset!

This marsh is visible after the leaves drop from the end of our row.
These are the ducks that the Eagles like to harass, better than TV!

Hey! That's a Peregrine Falcon out there!

He spent fifteen to twenty minutes chasing a Bonaparte's Gull.
Here he's diving in for the kill...and he missed again!
He never did get that gull and he gave up and headed towards Magee Marsh.


The moon was bright enough to shine through the hazy clouds...
And I'll leave you for now.


Please remember to harass your local politicians about Wind Power!