Category: Nature

Winter Sparrows

Yesterday the sun came out – finally! with camera in tow, I bundled up to see what was happening around the property. The first bird I encountered was a Swamp Sparrow that I saw only briefly as I entered the pond area. It flitted… Continue Reading “Winter Sparrows”

Merry Winter

On the cusp of official “winter” I am sharing this wreath adorned with some of the wild birds that visited our feeder in the depths of cold winter, February 2020. Starting from top left corner and going clockwise: Carolina Wren, White-crowned Sparrow, Hoary Redpoll… Continue Reading “Merry Winter”

Blue Jay

Blue Jays are fairly large birds, at least compared to many of the other song birds that are wintering over here. They are obvious in their color and their calls which can be quite loud and varied. However, I consider these curious and clever… Continue Reading “Blue Jay”

Mr. & Mrs. Christmas Greeting

This lovely pair of Northern Cardinals visited our feeder yesterday. I thought they would make perfect holiday greetings!

Winter

This handsome Blue Jay brought forth feelings of winter’s impending arrival.

Window Watching

Two years ago, when the first Polar Vortex deep freeze event occurred, we created a feeding platform just outside my office. It’s about 10 feet from the doors that open onto the small patio, next to the “koi” (goldfish) pond where we keep water… Continue Reading “Window Watching”

The Charming House Finch

This species is a year round resident here in Illinois. I often see them in pairs during both the breeding and non-breeding (winter) season. I find that an endearing quality. Interestingly, they are not a native species to the Eastern USA (East of the… Continue Reading “The Charming House Finch”

All That Glitters

The 2021/2022 winter season for birds was a bit sketchy. First, the Avian Flu was cause for officials to suggest removing wild bird feeders. Finches, like the American Goldfinch also presented with avian conjunctivitis, a highly transmissible eye disease and doubled the recommendation to… Continue Reading “All That Glitters”

Camo Sparrow

I was just about to head home after hanging out around a seed feeder we fill during the winter season. I was also running the Merlin Bird ID app which listens and then reports if it hears a bird and what species best matches… Continue Reading “Camo Sparrow”

Pics & Crafts

I love taking photos of the wildlife around our farm, especially the birds. I also enjoy creating art – anything from watercolor painting to unique food gifts. Here’s are a few samples of how I combine photography with electronic imagery. I don’t alter the… Continue Reading “Pics & Crafts”