Wednesday, June 16

Sun, Song, and Spring Fever

Tues. the sun was finally out again, after three days of doom and gloom, so naturally I went for a drive...it seemed the birds were as thrilled to see sunshine again as I was...this is another 2-part post, starting with my drive down Sheridan Lake Rd. with the usual stops along Spring Creek...

I can't figure out what this is...the silhouette doesn't seem to match any in the field guide...it was a large hawk-like bird...the head seems all white...(update: the vote is that it's an osprey, and I concur after Googling the bird; my field guide only shows a lighter phase.)

At the first turn-out, I was tip-toeing in the underbrush by Spring Creek when I realized I was almost on top of two squirrels eating pinecones...the one below was smaller...female or offspring...? It was trying to share the larger squirrel's snack but was being snubbed.


A chipping sparrow was flitting about in the same spot...

...And a willow flycatcher or two...

And plenty of song sparrows were in a very cheerful mood, tolerating my presence...


Back at the car, this robin was hopping about, gathering grass for nest material...

At turn-out two, a (red-eyed?) vireo was carrying a tune up in the oak leaves. Most of my photos were disappointing due to lighting, but I did see a large variety of birds...more to share Fri.

5 comments:

  1. Jann,
    Is your unidentified raptor by any chance an osprey? They have an all white head, there is a pair that nests near Pactola, and several others in the Hills, you might have been within its territory

    ReplyDelete
  2. Beautiful pictures. I agree with Caroline and think it is an Osprey. It is great to have enough time to do a few comments.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I see them all the time, but the Robin with his mouth so full and the song sparrow singing were my favorites.

    ♥...Wanda

    ReplyDelete
  4. your raptor does Indeed look like an Osprey Jann. Nice sighting :-)

    ReplyDelete
  5. I really enjoy hearing birds sing, especially first thing in the morning. They sound so cheerful. Love the squirrels. We have a couple in the back yard that enjoy taunting the dog. I like to think they are playing together like kids. They all seem to be having fun.

    ReplyDelete