The birds are definitely acting Springy. I remembered to put out the fiber ball—a wad of super soft alpaca wool wrapped in vine, that I hang out back. Every now and then I see a bird on it but mostly I see telltale tufts having been pulled out.
“Spot” is looking handsome.
Edit: I think maybe a goose of some type, wish it would have made a call.
Can someone help identify this bird? (I know horrible picture) It was about 4-5 times that of a mallard in size, grey and white and had an orange/red bill. It had the proportions of a duck, no swan like neck.
I was thinking more along the line of a cross between a domestic/duck pond goose and a White Front. A Graylag would have to be way lost to be in this neck of the woods, unless maybe it was zoo or farm stock that escaped/went feral.
This isn't a bird pic, it's a nest pic. I thought some of you may not have seen an eagle's nest. Bald Eagles are known to have a degree of nest fidelity and may use a nest year after year, adding new material with each reuse. I think this nest is around 5 years old. It's stacked about 8 feet high and 7 feet across.
Sorry about the picture quality - those ghost obstructions. The nest was about 450 yards out and I was shooting through a jungle of swamp willows.
We made a short trip to Bickleton (self-proclaimed bluebird capital of the world) yesterday. Prime season is supposed to be April/May for the birds there, but there were plenty. We saw at least 100 bluebirds and there will be more in a month. Also saw two Bald Eagles, Horned Larks, California Quail, Meadow Larks, Red-tailed Hawks and Mule Deer. If you are ever in the area Bickleton is a cool little town and a sure thing for bluebird watching.
Male mountain bluebirds
Female Mountain Bluebird
Male Western Bluebirds
Horned Lark
A Washington state man accused of helping kill thousands of birds has pleaded guilty to shooting eagles on an American Indian reservation in Montana and selling their feathers and body parts on the black market