I stopped at Herring Pond on my way home from hiking at Wiley Park when I saw this water bird swimming about. There were several of them, all hanging around this one spot that must have been good for fishing. (Click on blog link for other photo.)
When I got home and did some research, I found that it was an American Wigeon. Wow! Another first for me this winter! Have you ever seen an American Wigeon?
The two Northern Cardinals, “Red and Birdie,” that live in our yard have been such a treat to watch all winter. (Click on blog link for other photo.)
They usually come one at a time to the feeder or bird bath and then go hang out together in the tree. Red looks very regal in the dark green evergreen tree while Birdie has just found some berries on the Juniper bush.
I love these birds. What do you think?
I just loved this photograph of this Great Blue Heron, seen through the fence at Herring Pond, warming up in the sun on a frigid day while patiently waiting for lunch to swim by.
His feathers and colors were magnificent! What a gorgeous bird! Look at that piercing eye. We’ve seen so many Great Blue Herons this winter, so many more than we ever see in the summer.
We’ve seen this Northern Harrier many times at Fort Hill searching for food. The diet of this large hawk consists of rodents, reptiles, insects, frogs and birds, including water birds, so this environment fits them well being so close to the woods, meadows and water. (Click on blog link for other photo.)
I have learned to identify them by the wide white stripe on their tail when they are flying. Have you seen the Northern Harrier at Fort Hill?
We’ve had quite a few Yellow-rumped Warblers hanging about in our yard this winter. I have never seen this many in any season, so it’s been a big treat! This little guy was enjoying a drink at our heated birdbath.
The Yellow-rumped Warbler is usually identified by its bright yellow rump which is most easily seen when it is flying. It also has yellow patches under its wings.
Have you seen any Yellow-rumped Warblers this winter?
