Signs of Spring

After a long, cold winter, spring is finally returning to the Saginaw Bay region.  This past weekend I slipped out to one of my favorite wildlife areas, and captured a few pics.  The birds were pretty shy, so I had to zoom in a lot.  Some of the pics are not as clear as I would have liked, but hey, after this last winter I will take what I can get!

I think this guy may be a song sparrow, but they do all tend to look alike after a while.  I will classify this as a LBB (Little Brown Bird)

This pair of Canada geese are wondering why the water is so hard…and cold.

Speaking of cold water, I thought this little patch of ice was neat.

I was thrilled to hear, and finally see, some sandhill cranes.  They never landed in a spot near enough for me to take a picture on the ground, but I did manage to get a couple in flight.

And finally, one of my favorite signs of spring, the red wing blackbird.

Saturday Morning Birds

The weather finally took a turn toward spring over the last few days, and Saturday morning I was able to get out with the camera.  I headed to my favorite spot of open water on the river, and I was not disappointed.  The usual crowd of ducks, mergansers and geese were there, plus another regular visitor.

Some of the mergansers I mentioned did not like me walking up to their spot on the water, so they literally took off to the other end of the swimming hole.

Common mergansers.

Looking down the spot of open water, you see ducks, geese, mergansers, and someone else looking over the whole scene.

How about a closer look at that majestic observer.

Spring must be approaching, the gulls are starting to come back.  I think they look a little miffed that most of the river is still ice covered.

One of my favorites is the Hooded Merganser, who is hanging out with some mallards.  Or I like to call it, the Punk Duck.

Not everyone is back though.  Some of the homes are still closed up for winter, awaiting the return of their warm weather occupants.

Even though I did not visit anyplace too exotic, it was good to get out with the sunrise and watch a bit of nature.  I hope you enjoyed my selection.

A Couple Random Subjects

Hi.  I am  back again.  I realize I have not posted in several….months.  Well, I have been a tad busy.  But then, haven’t we all?

I want to touch on a couple subjects.  The first one I title….

Why I Hate Winter:

No further explanation needed.

My second subject needs a bit of an explanation.  I title this one….

Ok, So Birds Are Not The Brightest Creatures:

I came out of a store today, and saw this male cardinal (the bird, not the church official) flying between two vehicles parked on the other side of the lot.  He appeared to be attacking the rear view mirrors.  I soon realized that he was seeing his own reflection in the mirrors, and was trying to drive off the intruder.

I suppose a bird defending his territory is a sign of spring.  Lets hope so.  Thanks for visiting, and lets all think warm thoughts.