A Couple of Regulars

Spring Waxwing

Extra Credit for Spanish Class

That's my kind of extra credit assignment - home made salsa! Something the whole family can enjoy.

I also finally got a shot of one of the elusive blue jays.

Slow Trigger Finger

We've had 3 blue jays frequenting the feeder in the morning. This was my second attempt to get a shot of them. I failed again. The first try was new years morning. I even had a great title in mind for that post - Happy New Years Jay.

Since I'm too slow to catch a decent shot of the jays, you'll just have to settle for the less skiddish and fuzzier chickadee. Here's a stationary maple seed as well. Those I can do.

The Apple

I figured this guy would like a peek at the fruit of his labor. That, and a nice oriole.

Spring Afternoon Walk

This AMGO seems a bit put out. Too much paparazzi perhaps.

The tree swallows didn't mind we were there.

A Yellow-rumped Warbler? What do you think Ranger Paul?

American Goldfinch

I finally got around to putting the heated birdbath out. Didn't take long and all our fine feathered friends from miles around stopped by for a visit. The Juncos and Sparrows were first on the scene. But a bunch of Chickadees, a pair of Cardinals and a Blue Jay weren't far behind. Our little buddy in the picture even made an appearance.

A Junco in the Snow

Eagles and Otters

Ranger Paul's well documented birding adventures got me to thinking it might be something I could try this winter. I certainly don't plan on twitching any time soon. Though I did subscribe to a local bird list (mnbird) and reports of a Long-eared Owl in Crystal sparked my interest. I know, way too geeky already.

This morning Deanna and I discovered we had one of those rare days with no commitments ahead of us. The sun was shining so I suggested we give the new field guide it's first workout. To my surprise, she agreed (as long as we could stay warm in the process). So we loaded the kids in the car and off to the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge we went.

The teenagers were less than enthusiastic. A few minutes into the journey they cracked open the field guide and I think they forgot how nerdy an errand this was. We got there a little late to catch much activity. I think the very recently frozen wetlands had most all the wildlife hunkered down. But near the end of our tour we happened across this scene. There were 2 adult bald eagles, the pictured juvenile, and several otters playing in what little open water was left in front of their den. Well worth the 15 mile drive. Alondra thought it was fun anyway.