Category Archives: birds

  Two Spotted Sandpipers were foraging along a beach. I watched them in the hope that one might do something interesting. Other years, I had seen one catch a bug, two mate, and chicks wander by (too early for that). … Continue reading →

  An osprey nest platform erected only this spring has gained immediate acceptance. We look forward to the chicks. The female osprey sits on the nest and awaits her mate. She bends over and he lands on her back, but … Continue reading →

  Morning brought a Mourning Dove. Named for its dolorous cooing, it is more often considered a symbol of peace. This is not the morn to mourn.

  Birds certainly have a range of both nest-building styles and sites. Sites are usually chosen to be accessible to food, and inaccessible to predators — including humans. Nevertheless, a few species have discovered that human structures meet their needs … Continue reading →

  Magpies are smart. Indeed, the Eurasian Magpie, a species virtually indistinguishable from our own Black-billed Magpie, is the only bird to have ever passed the mirror test, a self-awareness test whereby it is seen whether an animal is able to … Continue reading →

  As I look through my old pictures, I realize that I only see a sapsucker every couple of years or so. Consequently, yesterday’s sighting was fun. Actually, it started with two of them sitting on a branch, but one promptly … Continue reading →

  Folks to the north and south of me have already seen their first hummingbirds of the year. Indeed, for the last week, I too have seen some, but this is the first one I managed to photograph.  A male … Continue reading →