Nature-ally Beautiful Photography Moments

Birds ... Bean ... Best Wishes for 2012

2011-12-31T13:15:00.001-08:00

Millennium Park in Chicago Illinois at the Bean

The bean is fun in rain or shine ... a camera is a must.

Birdwatching also fun rain or shine.

Above a Sapsucker hangs out in what looks like a favorite tree.

A beautiful Black-throated Blue Warbler migrating through the area.

Delicious sap satisfies a hungry woodpecker, while the warbler

enjoys a few tasty tidbits left on the tree by a kind Samaritan.

More fun at the bean.

Happy .... cheesy smiles shine in the rain.

Best Wishes to you and yours ...

May 2012 bring you all things good,

from beans to birds and beyond.

Have a Nature-ally Beautiful 2012

Mooseheart Eagles ... First Flight Toward Their New Home

2011-11-13T05:25:00.000-08:00

Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation President and Founder Dawn Keller

prepares a Mooseheart Eagle for it's new journey back into the world
on Saturday November 12, 2011 at Starved Rock State Park, Utica IL.

Two young eagles became temporary residents at Flint Creek Rehabilitation Center
after their nest was destroyed in a storm several months ago. They were ready
to be set free. The chosen destination was Starved Rock State Park in Utica, Illinois.
Eagles winter here every year along the Illinois River. A good time to view them again
may be this winter when the river freezes and eagles fish close to the dam. A long
viewing deck is available at the The Illinois Waterway Visitor Center which is located
on Dee Bennett Road, across the Illinois River from Starved Rock State Park.

Dawn showed loving care and tenderness as she
prepared the eagle for it's first flight.

At this point the crowd was silent, it seemed as if everyone was holding their breathe.

As our anticipation grew so did our smiles followed by our whispers and awes.

One last look before departure.

And .... Free!!!!

The crowd roared!

The sound of camera shutters clicked by the thousands!

All of us wishing we were these lucky photographers.

The first eagle flew straight for the photographers on the beach then straight

toward the crowd before flying down the river as if it was choreographed.

He was beautiful!

A memorable sight that sent sighs of delight through the crowd.

The first eagle landed on a few branches and then went toward the ground

before the crowd turned to pay attention to the second eagle about to fly.

The second eagle did not practice the toward the crowd choreography as well

as his brother did. He started out toward the photographers on the beach for

just a moment before making a u-turn away from the river, away from the crowd,

toward the tree line and quickly out of sight. This time the sighs from the crowd

changed to a gasp and just a moment of silence before the roar of applause.

After the crowds faded this eagle was barely seen camouflaged

above the rooted area of this small tree. The small crowd that

viewed it all felt it was the first eagle. It was right about where

the first eagle landed after taking it's first flight along the Illinois River.

We will all have these brave young eagles in our thoughts and prayers

as they begin to discover, learn about and live in this big beautiful world.

For more information about Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation visit :

www.flintcreekwildlife.org/

To vote for them for Chase Community Giving please visit: apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/charities/20710988...

A Prothonotary Preening Is ...

2011-05-17T18:14:00.000-07:00

... Sunshine on a cloudy day

Wishing you many sunshiny moments and beautiful birds.

Illinois Spring Bird Count

2011-05-09T23:13:00.000-07:00

Spring Migration Scavenger Hunt

... A little piece of DeKalb

P.A. Nehring Forest Preserve

Seeing six Scarlet Tanager fly in and hunt bugs

around us was just one highlight of our day.

They really do take your breath away!

Northern Illinois University Lagoon

N.I.U. Lagoon near the Kishwaukee River.

They were also in the wooded area by the Technology building.

P.A. Nehring Forest Preserve

I always hope to see this little beauty during migration.

I am amazed how very quickly they move through the trees

while searching for and collecting insects.

I continue to try and capture it's essence in the brief seconds available to me.

Until we meet again sweet American Redstart.

Bathing in the Kishwaukee River! How sweet is that!

I love birdwatching!

Taking a little drink.

N.I.U. Lagoon

I posted this one just so I could say "ROCK N' ROBIN"

I counted 51 Robin in DeKalb, Illinois today.

Just a splishing and a splashing.

Tweet, tweet, tweedle deet.

The Northern Flicker is a striking bird up close.

Texture rich, beautiful!

A Pheobe melody "feee beee" ... music to my ears.

Home sweet home. DeKalb, Illinois.

This guy was working the same area as the Tanager's.

He hopped up on this branch for a moment to survey the area below.

They like to forage through the leaves for goodness.

This is the last bird I counted today. He even posed for me.

I whispered 'thank you' after taking this shot.

He turned his head and looked me right in the eye

with a 'happy bird count day' gaze just before flying off.

This is the first time I participated in a bird count.

This is what I saw while out and about in DeKalb, Illinois today.

I started birding at 5:45 a.m. with another birder from our group,

then continued searching the rest of the day with my husband.

I stopped counting at 4:30 p.m.

It felt like we were on a scavenger hunt.

We enjoyed every moment!

Birds seen today Count

American Goldfinch 6
Baltimore Oriole 2
Blue-headed Vireo 1
Blue Heron 1
Black and White Warbler 1
Black-capped Chickadee 9
Black-throated Green Warbler 1
Blue-gray Gnatchatcher 3
Canadian Geese 41
Canadian Geese Chicks 21
Cat Bird 6
Chimney Swift 18
Chipping Sparrow 3
Common Yellow-throat 3
Crow 4
Downy Woodpecker 1
Eurasian Tree Sparrow 4
Great Horned Owl 1
Grackle 12
House Sparrow 5
House Wren 2
Magnolia Warbler 2
Mallard 17
Mourning Dove 4
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 7
Northern Flicker 3
Northern Cardinal 6
Palm Warbler 4
Phoebe 4
Red-winged Blackbird 14
Red-bellied Woodpecker 4
Robin 51
Redstart, American 1
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 4
Rock pigeon 3
Ruby Crowned Kinglet 3
Scarlet Tanager 4
Swamp Sparrow 1
Swainson's Thrush 1
Starling 34
White-crowned Sparrow 4
White-breasted Nuthatch 3
Vulture 3
Yellow Warbler 8
Yellow-rumped Warbler 2

Days Count   TOTAL                                                       332
Days Species TOTAL                                                         44

Area Covered: DeKalb, Illinois
                        Elwood House Woodland & Cemetary behind it      5:45 a.m. to 7:45 a.m.
                        My Backyard                                                             8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
                        Around NIU Lagoon & Technology Bldg woods     9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
                        Fairview Cemetery                                                   2:45 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
                        P.A. Nehring Forest Preserve                                    3:15 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Flip Flappin Splish Splashing Bird Bathing

2011-05-04T05:07:00.000-07:00

RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD

Have a NATURE-ally Beautiful Day!

Wings On Wednesday

2011-04-27T06:08:00.000-07:00

Montrose Harbor, Chicago
At the beach

A Ring-billed Gull spots a little something in Lake Michigan.

Hmmm ... looks interesting.

Could be tasty.

Got it.

Hmmm.

But do I want it?

Not much taste, a little crunchy.

No thanks.

Think I'll leaf it behind.

This guy flew by so fast I had to wait till I got home
to see what it was on my computer.

Horned Grebe, a lifer for me!

Two Coot, too cute enjoying a little time on the beach.

Wishing you sunshine and a NATURE-ally Beautiful Day!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-20T05:14:00.000-07:00

Common Grackle

Red Finches ... In Loving Memory

2011-04-06T06:43:00.000-07:00

For my mother in law.

The last bird we discussed and viewed together at her backyard feeder.

A beautiful red finch had been making frequent visits to her feeder.

What red finch was it she wondered? We got out her field guide and discussed the possibilities.

House Finch

A beautiful red head, forehead, neck and breast that get your attention right away.

The reddish chest fades into unmistakable brown streaks throughout it's underparts.

Purple Finch

Purple? No, not even close. It's more like a raspberry red richness that flows softly down the head, neck and into the underparts. The Purple Finch lacks the brownish streaks that comb through the sides and belly of the male House Finch.

We noticed there were no streaks on the underparts of the bird visiting her feeder. The delicate raspberry shade gently washed down it's belly. A cheerful visit and view of a beautiful bird on our last visit together. A memory that will forever be cherished.

Finchy Phenomenom

2011-03-30T05:27:00.000-07:00

Fabulous Feathers Molting into Spring Plumage

This beautiful American Goldfinch is beginning to change as spring begins.

You can see hints of brilliant yellow splotches emerging.

His beak is beginning to turn a bright orange as well.

Such a handsome little fellow.

A Pine Siskin and sweet Spring Goldfinch perched near a shared feeder.

In my backyard, a Summer male Goldfinch in a sunflower patch.

I am really looking forward to summer, sunflowers and Goldfinch.

Seeing the Spring Goldfinch has me thinking about Spring planting.

In a few weeks it will be time to sow a few sunflower seeds.

A Goldfinch from late last fall ....

plucking the petals to get to the good stuff.

Mr. Goldfinch feeds a young finch last September in my yard.

A young fall Goldfinch ...

Such beautiful colors. A beautiful bird any season.

Happy Spring!

It's Raining It's Pouring ...

2011-03-24T06:22:00.000-07:00

We Still Went Exploring ...

A Rainy/Cloudy Road Trip for Spring Break 2011

We decided to drive up to Trempealeau Wisconsin

to revisit the beautiful Perrot State Park.

Here is a (map) of the park.

Rolling meadows along the way.

Wisconsin is beautiful any time of year.

Especially when you take the river route along the Mississippi.

It is amazing to view Blue Heron flying

along the Mississippi River as we drove along it.

For just a moment it felt like a race, we were neck and neck.

The Heron won of course.

We stopped at the National Wildlife and Fish Refuge Areas along the way.

So many beautiful views and wildlife to enjoy.

While watching this Blue Heron beauty ....

I neglected to see this beautiful Common Merganser until it was to late.

I think this is their favorite way to be photographed.

We saw many ducks along the Mississippi. They all had a

tendency to play 'Exit Stage Left' when they noticed us.

Above a pair of Ring Necked Ducks. I think.

A Hooded Merganser male and hen strut their stuff.

Me ... taking road shots along the way ...

... like a puppy hanging out the window,

enjoying the view and ride.

An American Bald Eagle with what's left of it's catch.

We saw quite the 'Eagle dance' around it's kill.

Not so pretty in pink.

I believe it was a very chewed up fish head.

Then finally we recognize an old building from our visit five years ago.

I don't know what it was or is, but it got our attention both visits.

We didn't see a sign near it and forgot to ask when we got to the park.

It sits along the river not too far from Perrot State Park.

Then finally ... our destination!

We spent HOURS hiking. It was wonderful!

Five years ago we saw and heard Pileated Woodpecker here.

We were told that two nesting pair reside here. We unfortunely didn't

see or hear them this visit. We did see lots of old evidence of their presence though.

There were many Chickadee dee dee melodies to enjoy on our hike.

Along with the dainty drumming of Downy Woodpeckers .

A proud looking White Breased Nuthatch appears

to be claiming king of the hill at the top of this trail.

We could also hear the call of visiting Tundra Swan

and saw a flock of them fly by through the trees while hiking.

Then on the road again for more gray sky and rainy day views.

A Wood Duck and a Robin in the rain to end our bird watching.

Then blankets and McDonald Mocha Frappes in our toasty warm car ...

Because wee wee wee ... it rained all the way home.

Brrrr...ds In My Yard

2010-12-30T06:03:00.000-08:00

A Frosty Morning And Feathered Friends

House Finch

Blue skies, soft white snow and beautiful birds.

Just a hop, skip and a jump for this Junco

as it flits from branch to rusty roof top ... and beyond.

Junco

From my kitchen window a breathtaking view.

House Sparrow

Creating and trapping warmth like an insulated coat,

a little feather fluffing, brrr...dorable.

Ah ... fresh snow powdered perches and a handsome House Finch.

The pear tree was hopping with House Sparrows, literally.

House Sparrow

Hopping here, there ... happy little feet.

Happiness.

Then the delicate pause of a Junco on the move ... magical.

Junco

A frosty winter dusting .... a peaceful morning perspective.

A Nature-ally Beautiful Morning .... to you.

Today and everyday.

Hook, Line ... Sinker

2010-11-16T01:23:00.000-08:00

How He Captured My Heart

Photographing the White-breasted Nuthatch

The Pause and Point
It is what it is, but I see what I see. Let me explain.
What it is: Common nuthatch behavior.
The White-breasted Nuthatch often pauses,
then points while foraging up and down a tree.
He is just getting a better view point of his surroundings.
What I see: A model posing for me.
Look at that profile, that chiseled beak.
It appears through my rose colored viewfinder that this handsome statuesque behavior
is a proud pose intended to be noticed, photographed and shared.

Slate gray and navy blue beauty shines while he searches.

Silently slinking along branches then up and down the trunks of trees

investigating every nook, cranny, crevice and crack until ...
his beak appears to be swallowed whole as he plunges in for that tasty tidbit.

His curious nature was captivating.

Another it is what it is but I see what I see moment.
I try to capture what I see during moments like these.

What it is: Common bird behavior.
He is simply rubbing his beak on the branches.
It is what birds do. How he cleans his beak.
What I see: A coy glance.
My rose colored viewfinder imagines this engaging glimpse
is wholeheartedly intended to endear me and then you.

It worked. He captured my heart.

Hook, line and sinker.

How about you?

Wondering Wings Wednesday

2010-11-10T07:00:00.000-08:00

Birdwatching Identification Photography
#1

While birdwatching in October I came across this little beauty.

My first impulse thought was American Goldfinch,
until I noticed the light gray head.

Thumbing through my field guides and online searches
led me to believe this is an Orange Crowned Warbler.
The gray upper parts, olive back and yellow under tail coverts, my tells.

The Orange Crowned Warbler is reported to be one the latest fall migrants.

I believe this bird to be a Prairie Warbler.

I love this warblers lanky legs.

The yellow greenish head, cheek stripe, yellow coverts
and black streaks on sides of neck and body were my tells.

I believe this series to be of the Ruby Crowned Kinglet.

A sweet small bird with a very small beak.

Olive green color, white wingbars and eye ring were my tells.

Identification comments, corrections and tips welcome and appreciated.

Wishing you a Nature-ally Beautiful Day,
today and everyday.

Autumn Photo Workshop

2010-11-05T00:34:00.000-07:00

Howell Nature Center

This is my daughter Becki. She recently took a 7 hour car ride with me and was a guest at this Autumn photography workshop. As the photographers did their thing, Becki did hers. She pulled out her sketch pad and pencils and viola a beautiful Barred Owl suddenly appeared on her pad. She amazes me!

I think the Barred Owl is humbled by her sketch.

Here the beautiful Barred Owl hoots for Janet as she photographs it's adorable personality. Janet, my sister and I enjoyed the day photographing the residents of Howell Nature Center.

This is Circe a 20+year old Great Horned Owl that resides at the Howell Nature Center in Michigan. Many of it's residents are not able to be released back into their natural habitats due to injuries. The photo shoots are fund-raising educational events that benefit and help care for the animals that live at the center. Today Circe blessed us with an abundance of natural charisma and charm during the photo shoot.

It was a joy to be in his presence and photograph him.
The Great Horned Owl is my favorite owl. Circe is gorgeous!

Mr. Groundhog hesitates with a curious pose.
This was my first time ever seeing one, they are much bigger than I thought.

The opossum was adorable inside the log peeking out.

Slurp! Look at that tongue and those sweet ears! Awe.

A Gray Phase Eastern Screech Owl in the sunshine.

Hmm ... something caught it's attention.
This owl was sweet and curious during the shoot today.

A Red Phase Eastern Screech Owl perfectly perched.

He was sleepy and sweet. Beautiful.

Today was this Kestrel's first photo shoot and my first time seeing one up close.
I often see them while driving along country roads perched on telephone wires. As the car approaches, the kestrel flies ahead another fifty feet or so always staying just far enough away.
Being so close to one was wonderful! The colors were just brilliant in the sunshine.

The Eagle possesses such beauty and strength and is always a joy to view and photograph.

This was the October 17 Autumn Workshop hosted by Steve Gettle.
It was wonderful. Good advice and captivating residents that capture your heart.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-11-02T21:01:00.000-07:00

BELTED KINGFISHER ON THE KISHWAUKEE RIVER

Wishing you a Nature-ally Beautiful day,
today and everyday.

Where 'Owl' Be ... Hoot n' Holler

2010-10-28T05:17:00.000-07:00

Sycamore Pumpkin Festival
At the High school

555 Spartan trail Sycamore, IL 60178

Saturday October 30, 2010

from 9.a.m to 6p.m.

Sunday October 31, 2010

from 9a.m. to 4p.m.

New cards featured this show:

Waterfall ducks from my visit to the Batavia Riverwalk on the Fox River this summer.

Snowy Owl from last winter's visit to
Howell Nature Center in Michigan.

Great Horned Owl giggles from this October's visit to the Howell Nature Center.

American Bald Eagle from October's visit to the Howell Nature Center.

A little Mourning 'Lovey' Dove moment from one of April's Wordless Wednesday posts.

Red Screech Owl from last winter's visit to the Howell Nature Center.

Barred Owl beauty captured during this October visit to the Howell Nature Center.

Check out other on line choices any time.

Blank note cards

smugmug gallery

If you are in the area, please do stop by for a visit. I would love to see you.

Map:

Sycamore High School

Spartan Trail.

Wishing you a Nature-ally Beautiful and Happy H'owl'een!

Wings On Wednesday

2010-10-20T00:14:00.000-07:00

The Enchanted Forest

Kensington Metropark
Milford, Michigan

Until we meet again.

Hawk Happenings At The Hedge

2010-10-13T22:30:00.000-07:00

Late Autumn Visit
Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary
Chicago, Illinois

"Shhh, listen. It's too quite. Where are all the birds?"
Our conversation just before .... a gasp and this enthusiastic whisper.
'There is a hawk in that tree!'

The hawk had it's kill in it's claw and hardly paid attention to us.

We stood breathless, watching.

It was hard to tell what it was eating.
Our guess ... a mouse meal.

Oops, most of the mouse fell to the ground.

With in seconds the young hawk followed to retrieve.
We believe this hawk to be an immature Coopers Hawk.
Positive ID comments welcome, and appreciated.

During our visit we came across several hawks.
Every time we thought, 'Hmm... it's quiet' ... there was another hawk.
The second sighting was in this beautiful tree.

This hawk also appears to be young.
It's tail is shorter. It has a white throat and chest.
My guess is juvenile Broadwinged Hawk.
Apparently they hang out in groups during migration at perspective lookouts.
Magic Hedge may be a migration lookout in their path.

I'm not sure why, but we were not considered a threat to this hawk.
We were allowed to quietly stand very close to this tree to watch and photograph.
The hawk shared a variety of expressions and personality.
Here it is watching a Thrush, possibly Wood.

One of the many brave birds that bounced, skipped and fluttered
throughout the tree with the hawk in it. The Thrush is watching
the hawk as the hawk watches it.

Toe tapping patience.

Claw flaunting ... the better to catch you with my pretty.

A few choice tweets for the hawk.

Guesses for the Thrush are Wood, Hermit, and Swainson's.

Last but not least ... believed to be another Coopers Hawk.

It was an exciting day at Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary.
We were blessed with tolerance, patience and beauty during our visit.

I find identification difficult in both the Hawk and Thrush families.
I would appreciate any thoughts, tips or ID's.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-10-05T23:13:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday

2010-07-28T10:40:00.000-07:00

Downy Woodpecker
Berry Picking

Wordless Wednesday

2010-07-21T06:22:00.000-07:00

Nesting News ... The Inside Scoop

2010-07-19T12:24:00.000-07:00

Cedar Waxwing Nest
Photographed June 2010

Today I am sharing the views from a nest I found while birdwatching this June
with my daughter and sister. I enjoyed several captivating visits to this nest
with my family and a good friend during my week-long stay at my sister's.

A favorite view
Mr. Waxwing exhibits the notable waxy red flinders he is known for
while safeguarding their nest.
Within the nest the Mrs. discreetly tends to their young.

So sweet, a soft maternal view through the branches.
Twigs, grasses, spider webs and pine needles provide necessary
protection on a sturdy branch about eight feet above the ground.

The Waxwing pair chose a lovely pine tree
to house their nest this summer.

The nestling's young mouths were endlessly open.
Vulnerable, dependent, relentlessly rooting.

Such good parents, they were
continually curious, cautious and protective.

They provided many delicious deliveries.
This course a juicy berry, plump and red.

Just what this nestling ordered.
Sweet satisfaction.

Busy parents, very busy.

Hmmm .... some-birdy is hungry again.

Mama finally takes a well deserved break.
She continues to observe the nest from a nearby ash tree.
Then off to search for the nestling's next meal.

Good squirrel view.
Enjoying a delicious treat of tart, unripened berries.

Bad squirrel!
A heartbreaking view
Yes ... I'm sorry to say that is a baby, one of the nestlings :(
So very sad.

An angry parent returns. It immediately gives chase.
The squirrel's attempt was unfortunately successful.

Returning to a nest of one less mouth to feed.
Gut-wrenching.

Mrs. Waxwing then settles in with her remaining babies.
She bakes in the hot sun, shielding her young while nest sitting.

Positioned just above the nest ...
a perfect birds eye view for a paternal prospective.

Positioned directly below the branch ...
my birds eye view prospective.

One week later the nestlings were reported as fledged.
Another generation, unfortunately minus one continues.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-07-14T08:15:00.000-07:00

White Breasted Nuthatch Nest

Dabbling Ducks

2010-07-12T07:42:00.000-07:00

Foraging FunNosh, slosh, waddle, wade ... the life of a Mallard.

Mallard Siblings just munching along a shore line
on the Fox River in Batavia, Illinois.

The dip-n-dabble for some sop dropping goodness.

A hot spot (or should I say cool spot) to this Mallard family today,
was the Batavia Riverwalk fishing area, at the dam. They spent hours here
trawling along, digging their noses down deep for that good stuff.

Splashing, splattering, diving ducks.

Their bodies were like little buoyant bulldozers plodding along,
their bills vacuums, sucking up snails, fish eggs,
submerged aquatic grasses and weeds.

Notice the odd ball ... a not so ugly duckling in this brood.

Actually quite a looker, a dapper duck.

I call him Ed. That's Fred next to him.
There's Gertrude in the back.

The entire brood was a breathtakingly beautiful bunch.

Meet Mrs. Mallard.
Like a mother hen, she positioned herself here.
Just planted her foot like an anchor on a rock
and kept watch over her dapper dabbling ducklings.

The brood had this rhythmic ebb and flow
about them as they nosed around the area.
It was like watching a dance performance
along the rocky floor-line of the falls at the bottom of this dam.

Ed, quite the ham of course stole a few scenes in the show.

However Gertrude knows when to nose in and take center stage.
A moshing mallard.
She plunges forward for her reward ...
mouthwatering, beak-smacking pond scum. Yum.

Beauty they say is in the eye of the beholder.
Ed, definitely not an ugly duckling and his family
captured and kept my attention today for quite some time.

Just a few Nature-ally Beautiful Moments in the life of a Mallard family.
Summer 2010
A riverdance

Meandering Mallards

2010-07-08T09:31:00.000-07:00

Waterfalling

A Mallard hen and four chicks casually drift along the Horizon
on the Fox River in Batavia Illinois.

This was my view from the fishing area
below the dam on the Batavia Riverwalk.

The chicks stay close to mama as she sizes up the waterfall
they are about to journey into.

Confidently she approaches the cascades with her chicks at her side.

The bravest one pulls ahead for a peek.

Mama backpedals making sure the babes go first.
They seem ready.
So how do ducks go over a waterfall?

Backwards! How fun.

Made me smile, made my day.
It was thrilling to watch!

All safe and sound they gather at the bottom of the dam.
They then just casually continue to meander along the Fox River.

A fleeting moment in the life of Mallard enjoyed, shared.
Ah ... the little things.

Nature-ally Beautiful Moments.

Mrs. Red-winged Blackbird ... Lily of the Lake

2010-07-05T07:28:00.000-07:00

Bug PatrolA female Red-winged Blackbird searching within the lily pads
of WildWing Lake, Milford Michigan.

She is in the perfect position ... cleverly cupped just above the water's surface.

Listening carefully with eyes peeled.
She is primed and ready.

Lifting up for a perfect birds eye view.
Her eye then suddenly locks on target.
She sees her next meal.

Her technique , the dine and dash.

She then pauses with a bountiful beak full of bugs.

A delicious dragonfly, her next choice in this all you can eat buffet.

WildWing Lake is paradise to her.
She sits looking like a queen on the lake.
Enchanting.

I thoroughly enjoyed watching her during my visit.
A few Nature-ally Beautiful Moments appreciated , shared.

What's Up Wednesday ... Art At Elwood

2010-06-30T06:30:00.000-07:00

My next art show: 38th Annual Art at Ellwood Art Fair & Sale
Sunday, July 4, 2010 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Ellwood House Museum
509 North First Street
DeKalb, Illinois 60115
Featured Boxed Card Set:
Hummers in the Summer Eight blank inside Cards with envelopes $15.00

Elwood Art Show photo from 2009 show
I truly enjoy meeting the people who buy and browse through my work at my shows. Venture into some favorite memories from my fall show that were experienced, appreciated and shared in this Favorite Moments from My Fall Show post.
Come see me and my artwork personally this Sunday July 4th at the Elwood House show. I will be there from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. I have a memory or story to share for every image, just ask. My images have a way of sparking stories and memories for many people who view and purchase them as well. I love to hear your stories too.
You will find my Nature-ally Beautiful Blank Note Cards as well as boxed sets, framed pieces, matted and assorted print sizes. I look forward to seeing you there.
If you are not in the area visit my smugmug photo gallery where you can view and/or purchase a nice variety of my nature art photography on many types of mediums.

Local Great Horned Owl Nest images featured at this show
new images not yet in gallery or website

I look forward to seeing you this Sunday!
38th Annual Art at Ellwood Art Fair & Sale

Fine Feathered Friends ...

2010-06-25T00:24:00.000-07:00

... Photo-walk For FunJanet & Debbie June 2010

Twitter, Facebook and Flickr friends get together again.

Our first photo-walk together
Nov. 2009 at Stony Creek Metropark
Friends of A Feather Take Pictures Together.

This post is to celebrate and share Nature-ally Beautiful moments experienced
at Kensington Metropark with my daughter Becki, sister Mary Jo and friend Janet.

Debbie, Becki (my daughter) and Janet

Enjoying a ride
on the Island Queen pontoon
around Kent Lake in Kensington Metropark.

Janet, Mary Jo (my sister) and Becki

A birds eye view from the pontoon boat.
Cormorants soaking up the sunshine in the tree tops.

A cautious swan pen moves her cygnets along on WildWing Lake
as they snack on pond scum, weeds and bugs in the water.

A bug nestles in the petal of a pondlily bloom on the lake today.

The beauty of a pondlily bud beginning to blossom.

A breath of fresh air for this painted turtle.

Camouflaged among the lily pads, a wee little frog.

Green is one of my favorite colors, I think this is why.

The catch of the day for this Blue Heron! And us!

Just look at that bulging eye as he captures this huge fish.

I'm sure that our eyes were bulging as well while

watching and photographing this moment from Wildwing trail.

I know mine were.

A female Red-winged Blackbird has her moment too.

This poor dragonfly made a fine catch for her.

It was interesting to watch the Red-winged Blackbirds

as they patrolled the lilypads for bugs today.

A little love in the sun.
Two damselflies (I think) in a mating wheel.

Maybe a blue-dasher or blue pond skimmer.
I need Janet's dragonfly book or Janet.

The dancing duet of the Baltimore Checkerspot while mating.

An ant and a Great Spangled Fritillary
share the nectar of a Milkweed bloom.

More milkweed action,
a monarch caterpillar munching along.

I found Buckeye and Speckled Wood Butterfly
when trying to identify this sweet flutterby.
I don't think either is correct.
The Buckeye is larger, and the eye pattern more distinguished.
The Speckled Wood has a darker brown base color that this one.
Maybe a Ringlet Butterfly ???

Ah the sound of Red-bellied Woodpecker ... music.

A house wren outside it's cavity. We think it belongs to the house wren.
It was in and out several times. Singing and defending the territory.
A Black-capped chickadee had attempted to enter several times.
They had words. Didn't sound pretty. We wondered.

The area around this nest was quite a hot spot.
We watched Red-bellied and Hairy Woodpecker eat
berries just a few feet from the tree the nest is in.
In fact we were under the nest for at least half an hour before I noticed it.
Made me laugh, as did this "What you talking bout Willis?" expression oh her face.

A hungry nestlings eager to eat. Mama fed juicy red berries today.
I'm not sure how many babes are in the nest.
We watched a squirrel walk right up to the nest
take something out and quickly scurry off.
Papa Waxwing suddenly appeared and gave chase.
As I was going through my pictures I noticed that I did get
a shot of what the squirrel took and got away with. It is not pretty.
I'm not sure if I want to post it or not. Bad squirrel!

I look forward to future posts and updates on the progress
and growth of the sweet babes in this nest by Janet here.

Time to feed the birds. Who wants to eat?

"I do! .... I do!"

A charming chickadee alights upon my daughter's hand.

Life is good. Memories to keep and share.

The regulars ...

A Blue...tiful Bluejay.

A female Cardinal fluffin' her feathers.

Mr. Cardinal's redness radiates.

Mr. Red-wing sleek and smooth.

Janet (in the middle,behind Mary), Mary Jo and Debbie
photographing a White-breasted Nuthatch cavity.

The Nuthatch couple and nestlings were adorable.
We spent a good deal of time watching and photographing them.
Mama and Papa caught caterpillars, bugs and brought seed to them.

Janet, Mary Jo and Debbie
Good times.

Janet and Debbie get creative with our shadows.

Memories made and moments shared...
one photograph at a time.

To many more Nature-ally Beautiful Moments
today and everyday ;)

Wordless Wednesday

2010-06-23T07:37:00.000-07:00

A Lovely Interaction

Celebrating New Life ... American Bald Eagle

2010-06-18T07:09:00.000-07:00

Mooseheart Eagle Nest

June 2010
Just a few moments from the Mooseheart nest in Kane County.
How wonderful is to see the return of eagles nesting in the area.
Happy American Eagle's Day!

Hybrid Geese Beautiful But Confusing

2010-06-16T00:02:00.000-07:00

Another Duck, Duck .... What?

What kind of Goose is that?
There are two Hybrid Identifications to make in this post.

The second hybrid followed this whiter taller version around today.

June 2010

This goose was in a retention pond
here in DeKalb, Illinois.

In a another sighting earlier this spring I saw two different unique geese ..
locally and thought them to be Leucistic or Albino.
One of them may have been a hybrid. You can see that post with pictures here.

This sighting I am leaning toward a hybrid mixture verses leucism.
It's a learning process. I'm learning.

A rear view .... nice football shaped rump,
and three toned marbled tail feathers.

My first guess was a Snow x Canada Hybrid
but then why the orange eye ring?
Neither a Canadian Goose or Snow goose have one.
Both the Snow & Canadian geese have black beaks and feet.

This beauty has an orange beak, feet and eye ring.
Mostly white feathers that are marbled with gray, black and beige.

About the size of a Canadian Goose.

Hangs out with Canadian geese.

Obviously I think Canadian goose is one of the mixes.

Next I noticed the neck texture.
Greylag Geese have that texture on their neck.
They also have the orange beak and eye ring in addition to a pudgy rump.
I think the coloring of a Greylag goose matches the marbled feathers on the hybrid.
It could be a Canada x Greylag Hybrid.

However the Domestic goose has that pudgy rump, neck texture and is all white.
It also has an orange beak, feet and eye ring.
Could also be a Domestic x Canada Hybrid.
or a Domestic x Greylag Hybrid.

Here is the second hybrid goose.
It is smaller with darker feathers. It has that ruffled neck texture.
Notice that the neck is shorter.

There is the football rump, and orange beak.

The beak has that white fronted ring around it
and shines with tinges of black and pink.

It's eye ring is lighter, white.

There are the orange feet also a pinkish tint.

This hybrid has a grayish cheek patch like that of the Canadian goose.

The smaller hybrid followed the larger one around during my visit.

It appeared to me that they were together.

The white fronted ring seems prominent to me.
Maybe a Lesser White Fronted x Canada Goose.
or
Domestic x Lesser White fronted

A few Links
http://www.gobirding.eu/Photos/HybridGeese.php and
http://www.birds.cornell.edu/crows/domgeese.htm and
http://tinyurl.com/24o3paw

Another Wondering Wednesday
If you know ....
I welcome your input and knowledge

Birds of a Feather ...

2010-06-14T14:29:00.000-07:00

...Love Nature TogetherSharing your passions with friends is good for the soul.

To many more Nature-ally Beautiful moments like these ...

Twitter, Blog, and Facebook friends
Julie @Hummingbird2 and Debbie @HooootOwl
sharing our love for birds, nature and photography
at North Pond in Chicago.

Julie shared this little pocket of paradise in Chicago
with us (my husband Paul and I) early this June.
I was excited to hear about the Black-crowned Night Heron that frequent the area.
My hopes were high .... within minutes we came upon a pair, one barely visible.

First Glimpse
A Black-crowned Night Heron, hidden within the green of this tree.
The tree grew as if it was reaching over the pond.
I tried every angle, this was the best view. Onward.

A mallard and turtle share the sun on a log

There are so many little things to appreciate here.
So many beautiful views ... quiet moments to bask in.
They say take time to enjoy the little things in life.
This is just the place to do that.

Seeing Wood Duck today was a special treat for us.
Paul and I are very partial to Wood Duck. You can read why
in the 'close to my heart' story here.

This immature Wood Duck captured our attention for a while.
Such a cute little ragga-muffin look to it.

We were mesmerized watching it ....

... AND MISSED THIS!
Yes all three of us!

A Black-crowned Night Heron was just a few feet away,
sitting in the water like a duck.
A sitting duck, and we missed it!
I must say though that the immature Wood Duck WAS worth it.

It flew just a few hundred yards away... look he is laughing at us.

Enough of that, time to turn around ...
maybe a fish is on the other side.

He waited and watched, we did the same .... patience.

Oh ... what's that? He humps his back, looks and listens.

Crouching lower .... more focus ... wait for it!

The arch and point ... are you ready?

The plunge!
Look you can see it's eye just at the water's surface.

And capture!
... Or not. We didn't actually see what, if anything
was captured. It flew off right after this plunge.
Those shots were blurry ... like my aging sight.

A few more views of today's beautiful
Black-crowned Night Heron at the pond.

Visualize an old pair of jeans or coat lined with pockets.
Imagine going through those pockets.
Suddenly you find a hidden pocket and are amazed by it's contents.
That is what North Pond is like.
An unexpected nature-rich little pocket of Chicago.

Thank you so much Julie for sharing this pocket with us today.
It was a wonderful day and treasured time spent with you friend.

Future North Pond posts from this visit will feature
an adorable interaction between a Wood Duck pair
and some dragonflies that kept us captivated for some time (the little things).

Sightings today at North Pond:

Black-Crowned Night Heron (three)
Wood Duck (Male, Female, babies and immature)
Mallard (Male, female and immature)
Blue-winged Teal (pair)
Coot
Canadian Geese
Several different kind of dragonfly (not sure of ID)
Bold Red-winged Blackbird
House Sparrow
turtles

You may also enjoy these blast from the past posts that share
Friends of a feather moments in nature
and photowalks with Twitter, Blog and FB friends.

Friends of A Feather ... Take Pictures Together with Janet @KissnHug
and
Autumn Arboretum with Diane @DianeKMiller

Wordless Wednesday

2010-06-09T08:33:00.000-07:00

Wondering Wednesday

2010-06-02T00:18:00.000-07:00

Sparrow Identification

Spring migration is a time not only to see and enjoy many wonderful birds but also an opportunity for birdwatchers from novice through experienced to learn or share.
I have about 138 life birds under my belt so not quite a beginner.
However when it comes to identifying skills I am novice.
I met an experienced birder while out and about this spring.
He shared with me a little birding identification 101.

The Lesson
Basic but good advice...
He told me to look at a robin, a common bird I see daily.
"Now close your eyes. Tell me everything you can remember about that bird."
After mentioning the obvious orange breast and dark gray feathers, he asked me for specifics. "What color are the feet, and beak? Does it have an eye ring? If so, complete or partial?" After guiding me toward getting details that would lead my search toward identification, he told me to look for differences instead of similarities to narrow the possibilities.

So here goes:
What do I see?
I saw this sparrow for just a moment and was lucky to get a photo.
I see:

A buffy streaked chest
White chin
White eye-ring, complete
Gray eyebrow
Rufous crown stripe (ruffled because I startled it)
Rufous or brownish malar and eye stripe
The beak looks two toned grayish top
I can't see the feet or back very well.

I was able to exclude many sparrow that did not have these common features.
Here are two I found that share these characteristics.
Lincoln Sparrow
Juvenile Song Sparrow.

My next step look for differences in the two.
What is different?

My National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of Eastern North America tells me
The juvenile Song Sparrow should have a longer tail.
When I look at this tail, it is hard to tell but I would go with shorter.

the Lincoln's Sparrow should have thinner beak and malar stripe.
Behavior I noted was mentioned in this guide. It is known to raise it's crest when disturbed.
This bird did ruffle it's crest when it saw me.
However, the malar stripe looks to be a strong feature like on the Song Sparrow to me.
Two out of three differences: 1. The shorter tail and 2. the behavior
leads me to guess Lincoln's sparrow.

I am wondering on this fine Wednesday...
What is the correct identification of this sweet Sparrow.

Not What I Was Expecting

2010-05-26T17:01:00.000-07:00

This Great Blue Heron Gave Me a Bird-day Present Today
Can you guess what is was?

The landing.

Checking himself out first.

There it is ...

...in all his glory.

I think he is proud of himself.

Yep, I was flashed by a Great Blue Heron on my birthday.
Not at all what I was expecting .
It was hard holding the camera still
as I laughed and photographed this moment.

Showing off made him a little thirsty.

The shiver ... I just told him I was posting these on the internet.

He is okay now ... thinks he can handle the publicity.

My My ... Magnolia!

2010-05-22T11:40:00.000-07:00

More Magic at the Hedge

A stealthy masked migrant emerging from the forest edge.

Pausing,

perching, searching,

enjoying the buffet in this leafy bug infested bush.

My my ... the breathtaking beauty of a Magnolia Warbler.

Mmmm ... a tasty treat.

Then inconspicuously back in the bush.

Magnolia Warbler during spring migration
at Magic Hedge, Chicago Illinois
May 2010

You may also enjoy views of the Common Yellow-throat warbler, in addition to
the Least Flycatcher and Ruby Crowned Kinglet from a recent visit.

Fine Feathered Friends on Friday

2010-05-21T01:02:00.000-07:00

Common Yellowthroat

A happy migrant pops into the Magic Hedge bird haven with eager eyes.
Just one of many happy visitors this month.

May 2010
Chicago Illinois at Magic Hedge

Wondering Wednesday

2010-05-19T09:54:00.000-07:00

Magic Hedge I saw this bird last weekend in the Chicago-land Area.

I'm sure it is a flycatcher. But what kind?

There are so many similar looking flycatchers in the field guides.

This bright patch of sunshine colored blossoms
supplied a jungle of delicious bugs and larvae.
It kept this flycatcher very busy.

I saw what I think is the same bird in several different spots on my walk.
This one was happy under the canopy of green leaves.

Here assessing my presence ... deciding I was not a threat.

Eyes peeled continually searching on and under leaves.

Here the pause ....

then the preen and fluff.

A fence at the woodland edge leads to a smorgasbord of potential bugs
in an overgrown field of weeds and prairie plants. It was just a small piece of
the beautiful view this flycatcher and I enjoyed today at Magic Hedge.

I am wondering this fine Wednesday if anyone can help
me identify this beautiful flycatcher?

Other beautiful birds I saw on this visit to Magic Hedge

American Goldfinch
Catbird
Black and White Warbler
American Redstart
Ovenbird
Magnolia Warbler
Common Yellow-throat
Sparrows (I will ask for ID help on)
Winter Wren (I think)
Yellow Warbler
Many regulars including a Robin that stood on one leg to get my attention ... competition.

Birds Eat The Strangest Things

2010-05-17T18:06:00.000-07:00

Good BirdEvery spring I look forward to the return of the sweet

song and beautiful blue hues of the Indigo Bunting.

This weekend my husband and I went to Lake Shabbona to search.
Within minutes of entering the campground area an unmistakable brilliant
blue bird caught our eye bouncing around in the grass along the roadside.

It was enjoying a little grass seed.

The bunting took notice of us but really was more interested in the seed.

Grass seed wasn't the only thing the Indigo Bunting enjoyed here today.

Suddenly the bunting dove it's face and beak
into a dandelion that had gone to seed.

Pulling and twisting it's beak around ...

and around.

... finally coming up with a beakful of dandelion fluff.

Dandelion is usually thought of as an annoying weed,
especially once it has gone to seed.
As a child I enjoyed blowing the fluff while making a wish.
As an adult I cringe at the sight of it floating toward my lawn.

The earth definitely yields a bountiful harvest of dandelion seed.

Good bird.

Indigo Bunting Lake Shabbona May 2010

You may also be interested in:

As The Sun Sets Lake Shabbona posted July 24, 2009

Wordless Wednesday

2010-05-11T18:14:00.000-07:00

Great Blue Heron

Celebrating Mothers

2010-05-09T05:17:00.000-07:00

The Beauty of Motherhood

Robin

Tulip

Barn Swallow

Great Horned Owl

Canadian Geese

Osprey

Robin

Blue Heron

Osprey

Hooded Merganser

Barn Swallow

Iris

Great Horned Owl

Tree Swallow

Blue Heron

Tree Swallow

Mallard

Canadian Geese

Red Tailed Hawk

Red-winged Blackbird

Magnolia

Canadian Geese

Happy Mothers Day!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-05-05T01:19:00.000-07:00

The Chain Gang

Tree Swallow
Lock & Dam 14
May 2010

What's Up Wednesday

2010-04-28T02:35:00.000-07:00

While watching cuddly and duddly owl from Great Horned nest #3 this season,
I observed a Wood Duck in the adjacent tree.
My first thought was ... oh no, sitting duck in Great Horned Owl territory!

Mr. Wood Duck sitting pretty in the tree next to the Great Horned Owl nest.
This was my first time actually seeing one in a tree.

I watched the wood duck attempt to enter this cavity just a few trees away from the great horned nest. A group of not so darling starlings cut him off at the pass. I was full of emotions ranging from scared that the Mr. Gho would hunt, capture and feed the duck to it's babies. Annoyed that the starlings muscled him away and excited about the possibility of seeing nesting wood ducks.
The thought of seeing bouncing baby wood ducks fledge from their nest thrilled me. It is my hope that a wood duck family is successful in it's attempt to nest here.

The following day I was searching for a Prothonotary Warbler recently sighted in this park near the Kishwaukee River. While searching I came upon this cavity, and saw something inside! At first glimpse my guess was ... ohhh a Wood Duck! Obviously the hope still fresh in my mind. I could actually see it's back and the back of it's head and neck! Can you see it?
I was surprised too.

Sigh. Just a raccoon.
Mr. Masked Bandit giving me those gotta love me eyes.
I do.

Owl Bloopers

2010-04-24T03:09:00.000-07:00

2010 Great Horned Nest #1 N.I.U. Lagoon

I have had the pleasure of photographing three different Great Horned Owl nests in DeKalb, Illinois during the 2010 nesting season. The N.I.U. owlets had fledged to the tree tops in early April this year. One of my visits was right before a rain. The owlets were busy and active. I have noticed my feeders at home become busy and active just before and during a rain or snow storm. The fact that my feeders are more active with birds before a rain and the owls were active before this rain may be a coincidence, but I did find it to be an interesting similarity.

During one visit two of the three babies were high in the tree tops.
One was all over the place perfecting it's flying/landing skills.

Landing on a branch and balance were the obvious objectives.
Baby steps.

Steady now.

Ground work
During this visit two owlets had fallen to the ground while flying from tree to tree. One baby made flight all the way across the lagoon then landed near the edge. It stayed there during my entire visit. One parent stayed close to that baby in a nearby tree. The other parent kept watch in the small wooded patch, where the second owlet had fallen. This owl did make it back up into the trees by itself during my visit.

The owlet puffs out it's feathers to appear bigger.

The owlet became very attached to the smallest branches/twigs on this tree.
Use every thing in your grasp to achieve success in life.

If at first you don't succeed ...

Try, try again.

and again ...

and again.

Hanging on by a beak and a prayer.

Success
Whooo hooo!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-04-21T05:37:00.000-07:00

Lovey Dovey

Wordless Wednesday

2010-04-14T10:02:00.000-07:00

Leucism or Partial Albino? That is the question.

2010-04-07T18:21:00.000-07:00

Duck, Duck .... What?

What kind of Goose is that?

April 2010

This goose was in a park in Kingston, Illinois.
The goose has a unique look with the lack of black coloring on it's neck.

April 2010

This goose is in the Northern Illinois University Lagoon.

The head and neck have normal goose coloring,
however the feathers have no color.

They may be partial Albino or Leucistic Geese.
I am leaning toward Leucistic geese (or pied, a degree of Leucism).
In each case the geese have black eyes. Albino would have pink.
Lucism is a pigment coloration reduction disorder affecting the feathers.
About Bird Leucism

Wordless Wednesday

2010-03-24T00:49:00.000-07:00

In Search of the Snowy Owl

2010-03-15T17:59:00.000-07:00

When You least Expect It

In Illinois this is where you look in winter for the Snowy Owl.
Rural small town cornfields that go for miles and miles.

Last winter there were two local Snowy Owl sightings.
One was just two miles from my home.
This year eyes were peeled, always searching the fields.
I found a cat, snow buntings and an eagle. No Snowy.

Then just as I had given up on seeing one this year ....
I heard about a sighting a few hours from my home in Fox Lake Wisconsin.
We found the sleepy Snowy relaxing in some brush
along a fence line near the road.
Thanks Karen for the wonderful directions.

It is hard to see the owl camouflaged in this setting at this angle.

Another angle of the Snowy. She is smirking at us.

A view of the fence line where she likes to hang out.
She was about 100 feet from the road.

She is a smiley owl.

Just beautiful.

We watched her for a while then decided to get some lunch and return. Word was, she perches at the top of a pine tree in an intersection near this fence line at around 3 p.m. each day.
We had lunch at a quaint diner in town and returned for the excitement.

It was just three o'clock when we returned and she was on the other side of the road along the same fence line only further away. Five or six hundred feet now. I thought maybe she knew about the time change tonight and would perch at 4 p.m. instead. We waited ... watched ... she watched .... waited ... no movement. Four o'clock turned into five o'clock.

This is a picture of Saturday's sky. A gray, gray day.
The sky was one big gray nightmare for photographing a Snowy Owl.
You go when you can. You deal with the weather you get.
I turned my ISO up to 800, my exposure compensation to +2/3
with a cloudy white balance setting and hoped it was a good decision.

Just after five o'clock she flew across the field.

And landed on a snowbank just across the road from the perch location.

She sat watching cars pass for about 10 minutes then flew back in the field.

Where she stayed.

We did not see her perch today.
The light was fading and so did we.
As winter fades and spring begins ...
this was a pleasant end of the season sighting.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-03-10T00:54:00.000-08:00

Wordless Wednesday

2010-03-03T16:43:00.000-08:00