Thursday, May 6, 2021

Fluffy Yellow Things and Other Outdoors Sights

The goslings have arrived! I've yet to see the number I suspect are there (and they are keeping pretty far from shore, so I'm glad for zoom!) but they have popped.


And learning to swim!




I love that both parents seem to be in the teaching mode.


 In another section of the ditch, another family is getting their swim time, too.


Mama Duck seems to have something to say!


She certainly keeps them in line. Most stay relatively close to her.


They seem to have things down pretty well.

 

But of course, there is always an outlier!


They aren't the only creatures enjoying an odd spring, one that is unseasonbly cool and damp. This fellow (and his cohorts nearby) were keeping an eye on things. 


And this fat little robin hasn't missed many meals!


I liked seeing this method of head-scratching!


Harry, meanwhile, was taking a break from his water time and checking out  life on the shore. 


It's probably easier to tidy up when he's there, too!


There were some lovely wildflowers around the ditch as well.


Or, are they weeds?


The blossoms are very nearly through on most of the trees.


It looks like a blizzard of petals when a breeze comes by, leaving a pattern of polka dots on the walk.


Meanwhile, in my yard, I've enjoyed Louie Bluey and Mrs. Louie as they fly around gathering things for their next.


I'm not sure where it is -- I supsect it's high in the bushes on the fenceline of the house, because their pattern is to fly in there from wherever they are. But when I went to look, all I could see was leaves! He's always on the lookout!

So is this fellow! A grackle, I think. 

It's lovely when the light hits their head. 


I leave you with this view of the ditch and the lovely redbud on one of the ponds.


Have a wonderful weekend! 

Sharing with:    Saturday's Creatures     /     Pink Saturday    

61 comments:

Susan said...

I enjoyed the visit to the ditch. I am a nature lover and these posts are enjoyable - thank you!

Haddock said...

Ha ha.... like that caption , Mama Duck seems to have something to say!

Susan Kane said...

What a great walk around! I enjoyed each picture. the redbud trees in my childhood in Illinois made me gasp.

R's Rue said...

Beautiful

bobbie said...

Gorgeous pix, as always! Hi, Harry!!

Miss Val's Creations said...

Beautiful nature photos Jeanie! Babies are always a treat to see. Good to see Harry is still around. The flowers are pretty.

William Kendall said...

Harry is quite a character.

Martha said...

All the birds and flowers are lovely to see but seeing all those babies are such a special treat, they are so cute!

Bohemian said...

Your Bird Photography is Sublime and the Beauty of your Area is Breathtaking. These are Calendar worthy Images. We have a lot of Wild Migratory Birds and I'm looking forward to seeing all the Babies of Spring. The rebirth of this Season is what I enjoy most about it. We get tons of Grackles here, my Trees are loaded with them, alas, they kick a lot of Babies out of their Nests and it was hard, our first Year, to see the intentional carnage. I had to Google why they do that, now I know, but it doesn't make it easier to see the Infanticide.

Salty Pumpkin Studio said...

Wow, beautiful pictures, the last photo is gorgeous with that pink tree.

Linda Sue said...

I meant to comment on your previous post about what a good girl you were and how blessed your parents must have felt. Perfect child.
Anyway, there you go- and this post is simply gorgeous! Down by the ditch is the place to be.

Red Rose Alley said...

Oh Jeanie, I just had to get out in the sunshine today, so I took a drive to the creek to see what it was like in Spring here in the mountains. It was a really nice outing and very peaceful. Your photos at the ditch are lovely, and what a sight those little chicks are floating with their Mama. That's a good photo of the black bird, and I love that dear Robin. That last picture with the pink blossom tree is so pretty. Spring has come to the mountains, and there were so many different birds that I saw today at the creek. Thank you for showing your Springtime too. : )

Have a wonderful weekend, Jeanie.

~Sheri

Thelma said...

Lots of beautiful wildlife including the flowers.

DUTA said...

Those "fluffy yellow things" are adorable!

My name is Erika. said...

You sure saw lots of ducklings Jeanie. They are so cute too. And aren't the birds so much fun at this time of year? You can tell they are just loving this spring weather. You got some super photos too. Happy weekend. Hugs-Erika

Prims By The Water said...

Cute babies! None here yet that I can see. I have not even seen any baby swans yet either. Love all of the flowers though! Janice

Sandra Cox said...

Could you imagine having 6 little ones the same age to take care of?

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Jeanie,
WOW!!
So many wonderful pictures!! Truly beautiful!! Tanks so much for stopping by!!
Stay safe, healthy and happy!!
Hugs,
Debbie

Misadventures of Widowhood said...

I love Harry! I love the ducks. What a great motivator to get out for a walk.

Iris Flavia said...

Oh, fluffy lille creatures, cute.
Love how Mama has something to say. The outlier made me smile, could be my Brother!
That Robin really looks pretty... fat, LOL. And Harry. Cute Bluey-couple, too.
Very nice shots,and yes, what a cold, weird Spring this is!

Sally said...

It's lovely to see your spring. Your robins a a bit different from ours in the UK.

Valerie-Jael said...

Goreous photos, spring is such a wonderful time! Valerie

handmade by amalia said...

Oh my, these Fluffy Yellow Things are adorable!
Amalia
xo

eileeninmd said...

Hello Jeanie,
The goslings and ducklings are adorable, so fuzzy and cute.
Great shots of Harry the Heron, the Robin and Grackles.
Pretty flowers, the Redbuds have been looking lovely this spring.
Happy Friday, enjoy your weekend!

Victoria Zigler said...

Spring is in full swing where you are for sure!

Carole @ From My Carolina Home said...

Wonderful photos! We have a blue jay pair here as well, and I haven't seen where they are building yet.

Joanne Huffman said...

Lovely!

La Table De Nana said...

I love the goslings♥

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

This is a really ducky post, Jeanie. LOVE those cute goslings. However, I feel for you having blue jays. I had them around my home in MO. and they are nasty loud and vicious birds. At least the ones that lived in my area were. I haven't seen any in Wichita, though. That is ONE fat robin, or maybe it was just very cold. Love photos from the ditch, dear.

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

The babies are so cute! The last shot of the pond is so pretty.

Marilyn Miller said...

That last picture with the redbud is so pretty at the ditch. Indeed, what a fat robin. He must have found the mother lode of worms. The picture of the one little duckling just reminds me of a story I had from my childhood of the one recalcitrant duckling that gets into much trouble for not sticking close to mama. I love that picture with the blueness of the water. Then of course, we always love glimpses of Harry. Happy weekend.

Anca said...

Awww, I love the pictures! It looks so peaceful, relaxing, and the birds are very cute too.

David M. Gascoigne, said...

Based on the number of babies you are seeing, Jeanie, I think it's time to officially name the ditch, The Fecund Ditch. And since you are an artist of great distinction, I hereby nominate you to paint the sign to be erected in a prominent position where it can be seen by all who enter. Be sure to post pictures.

gigi-hawaii said...

You are an excellent photographer! I love those shots of the goslings and ducklings. Terrific!

Divers and Sundry said...

I'm enjoying all your bird photos. Such a variety! And redbud trees are a favorite of mine. They have such pretty blooms.

Pam said...

Sometimes what is a weed can be pretty. Unless it is ragweed! The thought just had me SNEEZING! Look at those adorable little balls of yell fluff. You know I love animals. I might not be able to love on them all but I do enjoy viewing them out in their element. A duck in the pond, a chicken around the barn, a deer wondering in the woods....I love it and I love to catch them in a pic if I can. Thanks for the smile.

JillO said...

Be careful about getting too close to the Blue Jay's nest. They'll dive bomb you for sure...

DeniseinVA said...

I just surfed into your blog today and am loving it. I also loved all your other birds and flowers. The geese and goslings are incredibly cute. Great photos!

Salty Pumpkin Studio said...

Great photos, all. The last one with the flowering tree is beautiful.

Anonymous said...

Jeanie, is that ever a pretty place and your photos are just beautiful. I haven't been by our fairgrounds yet to see if the lake is bursting with all the new borns. It was closed so that we couldn't drive through but it may be open now. Such darling little things..xxoJudy

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

Love all these photos! Paul was near by so I showed him the photos and he loved them! We laughed at the robin scratching his head! The things you see when you stop and pay attention!!! I haven’t seen any baby ducks or geese yet but I keep looking for them!!

Karen said...

Sweet wee ducklings.
I hear lots of birds around our yard now too. There is a robin who gets a little aggressive with us when the dog and I walk out the far lane. I think we are a little too close to it's nest.

shoreacres said...

I've known that my bluejays were feeding nestlings, and the whole crew finally showed up at my feeders yesterday. There's mom, dad, and two youngsters. I've seen chickadee and house finch babies, too. I'm sure there are doves and cardinals with young -- it's the season!

Cindy said...

The most beautiful ditch I've ever seen! Beautiful birds and flowers. And those little ducks are so cute! What a view you have.

ashok said...

Lovely series of photographs

Mereknits said...

Spring is bursting all over where you are. So beautiful!!!! Enjoy every second.

thepaintedapron.com said...

Oh how sweet are the baby ducks and goslings! Adorable, Spring is arriving for you finally!
Jenna

eileeninmd said...

Hello Jeanie,

Beautiful view of your ditch, it is a great birdie spot. The ducklings and goslings are just adorable. Great captures of the Robins, Grackles and the Blue Jays! I always enjoy seeing your Harry the Heron. The wildflowers are lovely too. Great photos! Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a happy weekend!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

That last photo is really special...would be pretty to watercolor! Love seeing the Goslings! The ducks look a lot like their mother, Geese, not so much! heehee!

Rustic Pumpkin said...

Those goslings just stole a tiny piece of my heart.

Adam Jones said...

Fantastic time of year, especially with the young ducklings and goslings around.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Hi Jeanie
I loved seeing the baby goslings and baby ducks in your photos and all the wonderful birds and wildflowers. New life in spring is always such a joy!

Pam Richardson said...

I always enjoy your ditch photography and looks like a lot of spring activity going on. Redbuds are so lovely with their purplish red blooms. Wishing you a wonderful day!

Carol @Comfort Spring Station said...

Your post is brimming with beauty and I'm mad for "fluffy little yellow things!"

Deb Nance at Readerbuzz said...

What a lot of wildlife you have within easy reach. I've never seen baby ducks. I don't know if our don't nest here, or if I've just missed them, but, in any case, these are adorable. Love the robin, too. That robin looks like some of the robins who spent the winter at my house.

Thanks for sharing your beautiful photos.

Nikki - Notes of Life said...

Such wonderful sights to see!

Sketchbook Wandering said...

I'm in awe of everything! Isn't it amazing how the little ones are bright yellow? I love watching Nature where the parents teach the young ones stuff. YOU are an observer extraordinaire, Jeanie. It must do your soul so much good!

Anu said...

wonderful serie of birds.

Pamela said...

Oh my gosh, those fluffy babies are just adorable! I love seeing all the birds. Violets have always been my favorite flowers.

crackercrumblife said...

Beautiful photos!!! I love this time of year and spotting all of the little spring babies. So much happiness.

Lowcarb team member said...

Awww those baby goslings, they are so fluffy and cute aren't they.
Your last photograph shows a beautiful flowering redbud.

All the best Jan

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