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.