It's been crazy busy around here. Lots of work. Lots of play. Still more work. Deadlines getting away. Ugh. Nonetheless, Dave has found some time to get some nice photos we thought you'd enjoy seeing.
What a beautiful Red-Tailed Hawk! This is the first bird shown. I love the way he is looking at the camera and how beautiful his feathers are. Very pretty.
This winter has offered a special treat - a Townsends Solitaire. She is pictured second and last in these photos. These birds generally stay in higher elevations, but this winter, this bird has been visiting us daily. They are generally found alone (hence the name). She (not sure really if it is a male or female) generally shows a little after 7am to get a drink. And some days she comes back for some additional drinking. These birds eat berries so she must have found a nice source nearby. It'll be sort of sad when she moves back up the mountains when it starts warming.
No collection of bird photos in the this area would be complete without the ubiquitous Red-Shafted Northern Flicker (third bird). I like this photo of this male. He has clearly been napping and just pulled his bill out from the warmth of his wing/back feathers to take a look at the camera. He even has a 'groggy' look about him. Cute!
The fourth photo shows a couple of European Starlings. Considered a heinous pest by many, yet I like them. They did not ask to be brought to this country! But brought they were and they are terribly successful. Of course, this comes at the cost of native birds (they are pretty aggressive). I wish they'd adopt more peaceful ways, but one can't deny how beautiful they are fresh after a molt. By the time Spring comes, the tips of their feathers will have worn off giving them the more commonly seen glossy black look.
Up nest, a common American Robin. Common, but still quite pretty. This bird is a female (note ash colored head versus a black head found on males). Not much to say about them except to note they are pretty in their own right.
And finally, a groovy little sprite - a Red-Breasted Nuthatch. I love these little birds and their wispy feathers. They are fast too - happily Dave caught this one sitting still for a nice portrait.Enjoy!
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