This Rufous Hummingbird visits our garden every summer and perches on the same treetop. Then he migrates on, as far south as Mexico.
Watching birds, and learning about them, has brought comfort and joy to many of us during this pandemic. It’s easier to identify a bird standing on a branch or foraging on the ground. Birds in flight are more challenging because they fly so quickly and they display more feathers. I try to never disturb birds, so all of the birds here were photographed flying past me.
A Bald Eagle stole some entrails from two river otters who were feasting on a boulder in the sea by North Beach.A Turkey Vulture flew above Point Wilson in May on its migration north for the summer.The Belted Kingfisher hovers before plunging headfirst into the sea to grab small fish.The Osprey also hovers, but plunges feet first to grab a fish. Notice its yellow eyes.
This Glaucous-winged Gull from Indian Island hopes to eat a Nuttall’s Cockle. Gulls and crows hover to drop smaller clams and crabs onto rocks to break them into digestible pieces. This Cooper’s Hawk seemed surprised to see me walking along Cape George beach early one morning.The Great Blue Herons always seem so serious as they patrol our beaches. Their prey includes not only fish, but also marine invertebrates, small mammals, and birds, and away from the beaches they also seek out amphibians and reptiles.American Wigeons love to gather in Irondale, near the mouth of Chimacum Creek. It’s fun to watch them dabbling to gather plants and to listen to their noisy chattering.This male Hooded Merganser fans his crest to attract females at Kah Tai Lagoon. Another good place to see them is Chinese Gardens Lagoon.
Beautiful photographs of birds in flight Wendy. Often we are looking down observing nature and I love that you are looking up capturing their beautiful wings and flight activity.
Love your photos. The birds at Eaglemount are varied. We have two ponds and see lots of eagles, osprey, king fishers. Also lots of ducks, my favorite is the Hooded Merganser, our neighbor has wood ducks nesting in their pond, a rare treat. I don’t feed the birds but I grow plenty for them to eat throughout the year. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for these gorgeous photos, Wendy! I especially love your photos of the kingfisher and Cooper’s Hawk. Yes, birds are great companions during these times—thanks for reminding us where we can view them.
Wonderful Wendy! I especially love the eagle and the story about how he got dinner from the otters. The pandemic has given some of us permission to slow down and be more attentive to our surroundings.. I have so enjoyed feeding birds on my front deck and getting to know them a little!
These are absolutely beautiful Wendy! How lovely to share all these birds and in excellent form. Thank you for sending these to all of us. When is your book coming??
Beautiful photos. I agree that watching birds has really helped us cope this winter. Had our first pair of Pileated Woodpeckers visit our trees and then suet feeder. I got some great video through the windows that got the most views on FB of my posts. Thanks for sharing your photos.
Beautiful photographs of birds in flight Wendy. Often we are looking down observing nature and I love that you are looking up capturing their beautiful wings and flight activity.
Wendy Feltham has taught me to look and see. I am tutored by the photos of what she observes and posts on iNaturalist everyday.
Love your photos. The birds at Eaglemount are varied. We have two ponds and see lots of eagles, osprey, king fishers. Also lots of ducks, my favorite is the Hooded Merganser, our neighbor has wood ducks nesting in their pond, a rare treat. I don’t feed the birds but I grow plenty for them to eat throughout the year. Thanks for sharing.
Bird watching is wonderful. They are singing these days more and more. Thanks for posting.
Thanks for these gorgeous photos, Wendy! I especially love your photos of the kingfisher and Cooper’s Hawk. Yes, birds are great companions during these times—thanks for reminding us where we can view them.
Wonderful Wendy! I especially love the eagle and the story about how he got dinner from the otters. The pandemic has given some of us permission to slow down and be more attentive to our surroundings.. I have so enjoyed feeding birds on my front deck and getting to know them a little!
Love these, especially Wendy’s remarks about “serious” great blue heron and “surprised” Cooper’s hawk.
These are absolutely beautiful Wendy! How lovely to share all these birds and in excellent form. Thank you for sending these to all of us. When is your book coming??
Fabulous Photos! Thank you sharing with us.
Thank you for these photographs Wendy. They will help me with identification as those great citizens of our shores fly by.
Beautiful photos. I agree that watching birds has really helped us cope this winter. Had our first pair of Pileated Woodpeckers visit our trees and then suet feeder. I got some great video through the windows that got the most views on FB of my posts. Thanks for sharing your photos.
Nice Pictures