Nature's Splendor

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!