Osprey....the making of a nest

I was very excited to not only watch the Great Blue Herons building their nests (see previous blog) but a pair of Osprey close by doing the same.  The Ospreys were also carrying what I thought were really large sticks, the fish where not too small either! From a far distance I heard a commotion going on and observed one of the osprey going after a Great Blue that was quietly sitting on a branch.  Really now, I think there is plenty of fish for all!
In my next blog I will share with you some of the other birds I was fortunate to observe on that same day.
 

Northern Flicker

While doing some gardening this past weekend, these flickers were making a racket! There were actually three at one time but I was only able to capture these two.  They were a fair distance away but I was able to keep track of them because of that vibrant red spot!

 

I like how "fluffed up" the  breast feathers were !

Great Blue Herons....the making of a nest

A fellow birder that I know was kind enough to share with me a very special place a few weeks ago.  Not only were there at least 12+ Great Blue Heron nests that I could see (many more flying to nests that I couldn't see) but also a pair of Ospreys also in the middle of nest building (photos at a later date)  There were also other wonderful birds that I was able photograph.
 Getting there really early in the morning and watching these lanky but very coordinated birds working away while listening to all the other sounds around me, made it one really special day!

    

I also have to say that it was really difficult to narrow it down to just these few photos.  Sometimes I am lucky when everything is working correctly and the lighting is perfect and of course the subjects are preforming perfectly!

 

Springtime buds

Enjoying an afternoon snack on some new buds

Bluebirds

It's always a good morning when you see a bluebird! There haven't been many around this past winter like usual.  Here is a photo from last year, let's hope the boxes will be full soon!

 

Mergansers everywhere!

There is a short period of time when you can find the mergansers once the waters opens up. I think the most difficult is to find a safe place to park the car to photograph them or seeing them from a distance and not being able to get there (lucky them)!  You can be so focused on getting the shots before they move away, you forgot how dangerous it can be with vehicles zooming by you.  I must admit I do get mad at people not slowing down but it is what it is.  Here are some Common and Hooded Mergansers found in some of the local ponds and lakes nearby.