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Sunday, February 4, 2018

Wonderful Birds

The birds of winter are different than the birds of summer - but just as exciting - and they do add such pretty color to our cloudy, rainy days here in the Pacific Northwest

 We have one hummingbird that hangs around all winter - we keep the feeder full and clean to insure a return - and some days he spends all day sitting on the hook that hangs the feeder - dipping down now and then for a sip
 Spotted on the Skagit flats in December - at first I thought it was a small owl - but it was an American Kestrel, the smallest of all our raptors.  It can hover and dive quickly - looking for insects and small prey.  Their feathers are brilliant!
 There is a tree in a yard in Bow, WA - we call it the eagle tree - this day - in December - we saw 9 eagles perched near the giant nest - not sure which pair will use the nest this year.  Maybe they are having a conference to decide.
 Nine eagle - in different positions.  There are almost always eagles in this tree when we visit.  Soon there will be a nesting pair.

 My little hummingbird flits about - flashing the bright colors.  I take these photos from my chair in the living room - it is across the room from the window - which faces the deck. With my fabulous camera I can get close ups in the winter 
rain 
or snow 
 or shine.

 And of course the Stellar's Jays (locally we call them Blue Jays but know that is not the proper name - but they are our only "blue" jay - so we feel we can do that - but we do use the proper name now so we don't confuse our eastern friends - who have the real Blue Jay)

Another bird spotted on one of our rides in December was Red Tail Hawk - our most plentiful hawk - and always a thrill.  They soon will migrate to their nesting area and we won't see much of them until next Autumn.


18 comments:

  1. ...look at all those eagles, a sight that I would never see here.

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  2. Your birds are pretty and how nice to se them up close through the window! I have tried to set up feeders close to my windows, but really don't have a good place to put them. I think it is wonferful that you have a hummer who has stayed around through the winter! Mine are diminishing in number and I wonder at why.
    Have a blessed week!

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  3. Your photos are such a delight. I do love the hummingbird! Thank you! Wishing you well1

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  4. Oh, I am in love with your Hummingbirds. They are so very sweet and pretty.

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  5. Hello, wonderful birds. I love seeing all those Eagles, wow!
    The hummingbirds are my favorite, they are so sweet. Beautiful birds and photos. Happy Monday, enjoy your day and new week!

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  6. What a wonderful collection of wild birds for us to enjoy this Monday morning, your mosaics are always so clever too. I've never seen a hummingbird IRL, but with pictures like these I guess I can enjoy yours.
    and.. 9 eagles in one tree, never seen an eagle IRL either!

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  7. Hummingbirds to eagles -- one extreme to the other!

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  8. Oh my goodness...an EAGLE tree! How fabulous! What a treat to see so many at once. And your Kestrel has beautiful markings! Can't believe a hummer stays all winter. Love them all! Enjoy your week! Hugs, Diane

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  9. Wow! Great series ... the kestrel and the tree of eagles! The hummingbird -- the colors! Wow! Happy Monday.

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  10. Love all the eagle pictures. Do you live near the Edison-Bow Road. We visit the Skagit Valley several times a year and I'm always amazed at how peaceful it is.

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  11. Maybe it was an eagle family reunion? "All ye who hatched here, come to the reunion!"

    I am amazed that you have hummers all winter. And such a pretty little man he is.

    Great photos, Jo Ann!

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  12. What an interesting bunch of birds. Those western hummingbirds are so different.

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  13. I am so pleased to see so many eagles in one place. Great news for conservation! What type of camera do you use to get close-ups of things at a distance? It is the one aspect of my photography that dissatisfies me now.

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  14. I love your bird photos. The little hummers are like flying jewels. We have lots of plants they would love but alas, none here. Our jewel is the common kingfisher and our jays are not nearly as flashy.

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  15. Wonderful bird photos, and I'm so impressed that you can sit across the room and still get these great captures! Magnificent eagles and pretty hummingbirds.

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  16. JoAnn, Lovely bird photos as always. Love the hummingbird ones what a bright head on him! Thanks for sharing. Sylvia D.

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  17. All those eagles and only one nest. Must be very competitive to see who gets it. I found a nest this week, but not a good one. I pulled a bunch of carrots from the floating garden and found a mouse nest underneath. Now I know who has been eating the bottoms off my beets. I hated to do it, but I set traps. - Margy

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  18. Well, your hummingbird is just so darn cute! I lost the one that was trying to stay by having the nectar freeze a few nights, but then I ordered a heated feeder, and am hoping to get some to return soon when I put it out. Love your Eagle tree ornaments! :-) And those Steller's Jays! I haven't seen one of those around lately here, but I usually get them.

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