Wednesday, May 27, 2015

A Kirtland's Warbler and Other Spring Birds


I love spring migration! To the surprise and delight of birders and nature photographers, a rare bird, the Kirtland's Warbler, visited Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary in Chicago for two days in May.

Below are a series of photographs taken during the 2015 spring season.


The brilliant blue plumage of a singing Indigo Bunting


A Hooded Warbler explores the ground for insects


A Golden-winged Warbler shows off its stunning markings


A handsome American Redstart feeds at Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary


A golden beauty ~ Yellow Warbler


A striking Black-throated Green Warbler hunts among the spring foliage


Seeking sustenance ~ Prothonotary Warbler


A pretty Blue-winged Warbler looks for nourishment


A common spring sight ~ Palm Warbler


Searching for food amid the green leaves ~ Canada Warbler


A beautiful Magnolia Warbler feeds around the interior tree branches


A female Baltimore Oriole delights in blooming tree buds


Flitting from branch to branch ~ American Redstart (female)


On the hunt for a buggy snack ~ Wilson's Warbler


An endangered Kirtland's Warbler surprises us with his glorious presence


Thursday, January 8, 2015

Warm Thoughts of Florida Birds


As frigid arctic air moves into the Midwest, I thought I would post some bird photographs taken during my March visit to Longboat Key, Florida. Thoughts of warmer climes, lush foliage and stunning birds certainly ease cabin fever on a day where wind chill readings of -30 degrees are expected here in Chicago. Brrr!


A handsome Barred Owl roosts quietly in the forest canopy


A hungry owlet calls out for its parents


A stunning Great Blue Heron shows off its impressive wingspan


Two Limpkins explore Celery Fields


A Great Egret in breeding plumage finery


Two curious Great Egret youngsters move about the nest


A striking figure amid the Spanish moss ~ White-eyed Vireo


Pretty in Pink ~ Roseate Spoonbill


A juvenile Little Blue Heron scratches an itch


The midnight blue feathers of an adult Little Blue Heron


Foraging amidst the Sarasota Bay mangroves ~ Yellow-crowned Night Heron


A colorful Green Heron perches above swamp waters


Searching for food ~ Glossy Ibis


Soaring above Celery Fields ~ Northern Harrier


Exhibiting courtship behavior ~ Double-crested Cormorants


A red-eyed Black-crowned Night Heron peeks out from behind the mangrove leaves


An American Alligator basks in the warm morning sun


Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Western Wilderness Wonders


This past August, I accompanied my husband on a business trip to Tremonton, Utah. While he attended to business, I visited a couple of birding hotspots in the surrounding areas. My favorite location was Antelope Island State Park in Syracuse, Utah.  A wide variety of beautiful birds and wildlife were seen, as well as stunning scenery. I also drove through Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge in Brigham City, Utah. The bird numbers were impressive and the drive quite enjoyable.

After my husband concluded his obligations in Tremonton, we drove north and spent three days exploring two majestic and extraordinary national parks, Grand Teton and Yellowstone. We meandered through stunning alpine meadows and breathed in the beauty of dramatic vertical peaks. Large herds of bison, elk and pronghorn were observed grazing in sagebrush dotted valleys. American Eagles and Osprey soared effortlessly aloft. At Yellowstone, we were mesmerized by the spectacular geothermal wonders and the radiant colors of the hot springs. A return trip will definitely be planned, as we wish we could have spent more time exploring these awe-inspiring destinations. All in all, I tallied 37 life birds!


A feisty Rufous Hummingbird perches near the wild bergamot (bee balm) patch - Life bird!


A handsome Peregrine Falcon scans the vast fields for prey


Two American Avocets feed in a shallow salt water pool


Long-legged beauty ~ Black-necked Stilt


A striking Western Grebe floats lazily on calm waters - Life bird!


Two juvenile Western Grebes enjoy the sunny day at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge


A lone Ring-necked Pheasant steps gingerly across the road while I stop the car for its safe passage - Life bird!


A handsome Townsend's Warbler seeks nourishment in the berry laden-trees - Life bird!


Perched on a rocky peak and chattering away ~ Rock Wren - Life bird!


An adult Western Kingbird feeds its hungry offspring - Life bird!


 A second ravenous juvenile kingbird attempts to run interference


A young Mountain Bluebird perches on a dried branch - Life bird!


The always majestic American Bald Eagle


A relaxed Bison looks rather surprised when a bold Black-billed Magpie lands on its back


Shoo!