Snowy Owls, Townsend's Solitaire & More

Over the last few months the weather has been rather temperamental, thus decent photo opportunities have been few and far between. I have been lucky to see a few rare birds in our area, though. In November, I was able to photograph a handsome Eared Grebe at Montrose Harbor in Chicago. I also drove to Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve in South Elgin to catch a glimpse of a pretty Townsend's Solitaire dining on juniper berries. I assume the berries are plentiful, as I heard a report today that the bird continues to remain at the preserve.

The month of December brought Snowy Owls galore! These owls are not often seen in our area. During the last month of 2013, I saw seven of these magnificent creatures. I visited Montrose Pier in Chicago and to my delight, observed four golden-eyed Snowy Owls at once. The other three were spotted separately in Michigan.

At the end of November, Bruce and I vacationed in Longboat Key, Florida . Unfortunately, the weather left much to be desired. Fierce winds, cool temperatures, rain and gray skies made photography difficult, though I was able to add a few life birds to my list including an American Oystercatcher.

Below I feature several of the beautiful birds observed over the last few months.

An American Oystercatcher seeks food along the shoreline

Two handsome Great Blue Herons nestle into the mangrove leaves

A trio of striking White Pelicans swim in Sarasota Bay

A regal Osprey, gar in talons, perches on a dead limb

Searching for prey in Montrose Harbor ~ Eared Grebe

A stunning male Hooded Merganser enjoys a quiet morning at North Pond

Floating peacefully in the Harbor ~ Red-breasted Mergansers

A Townsend's Solitaire sits amid the blue juniper berries

Seeking shelter from wintry weather and pesky crows ~ Snowy Owl

Perched atop the fishook pier at Montrose Beach, a Snowy Owl dozes

A beautiful Snowy Owl peers out from a drainage ditch in Michigan

Hunting in the vast corn field ~ Snowy Owl

Spring Delights

Here in Chicago, sunshine and spring warmth have been especially elusive. My fingers are crossed that more spring-like weather will arrive soon along with a great variety of colorful bird migrants. This post features several birds seen during the months of March and April.

A striking Horned Grebe in full breeding plumage finery

This pretty Horned Grebe still sports its winter plumage

Wading in chilly pond waters ~ Red-breasted Mergansers

Always a magnificent sight ~ Wood Duck

A beautiful Male Eastern Bluebird perches on a budding branch 

Over the last two years we have had an Eastern Bluebird couple occupy one of the nest boxes on our country property. They have raised six broods. In February, we were delighted to see that the pair had returned and claimed the bluebird house once again. We have high hopes that the two bluebirds will be as successful as they have been in the past.

A pretty Hermit Thrush forages for food in the sprouting grass

The interesting feather patterns and colors of a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

A busy Brown Creeper makes its way up a tree

The attractive russet feathers of a Fox Sparrow

A handsome Eastern Phoebe perches on a scaffold

Last year, a rather tame Eastern Phoebe pair built a nest inside the garage of our home which was (and still is) under construction. We are thrilled that they have returned and woven a new nest about a foot away from last years location.

A good stretch! ~ Barnacle Goose

This goose was seen at New Buffalo Beach in New Buffalo, Michigan and is not commonly seen in this area. Barnacle Geese breed in Europe and Northern Eurasia. They spend their winters in Europe and the British Isles. Some believe this is an escaped captive bird. No matter, it is most beautiful!

One of many Gray Squirrels seen scampering about this chilly spring