It's been a bit since I've taken you to the Ditch. For that matter, it's been a bit since I've taken myself there. Cold, gray, gloomy weather doesn't make for a fun walk. But when the sun comes out, even if it's cold, it's time to venture forth!
Alas, I've not seen Harry the Heron yet, though I've heard he is back. But there are plenty of Canada geese!
This one is building her nest in the same spot as last year -- and it's a bit dubious, close to one of the resting benches that dot the path. It looks like she has at least seven eggs, maybe eight.
I wasn't terribly close to her to get these photos, thanks to the zoom.
But that didn't make a bit of difference to Father Goose who was very aggressive. I was glad to get out with no bruises but it was a close call -- closer than I've ever been. I'm now officially steering clear of the area. (And as I said, I wasn't even that close to her or the nest!)
You can see from this angle where she has placed it. I don't think anyone will be resting there for a bit.
I'm not sure what this bird is. Birder buddies? Ideas? Here are a couple of views.
Of course, there are plenty of squirrels and this one was having great fun!
On the home front, we had an invasion of a flock of six turkeys last week. They were in my yard but I got these pix when they went to the neighbors.
This fellow even got an aerial view from the roof!
Birds are still coming to the feeder but they aren't the only ones!
Mr. Chips just crawled in to dine. I'll chase away the squirrels but Mr. Chips is allowed!
We're starting to see a few spring blooms -- mostly daffodils. There were some at the Ditch.
And, in my yard, too.
While walking home I notice the forsythia beginning to bloom. That's always such a good sign (despite below-freezing nighttime temperatures).
Bunny Foo Foo is back, enjoying life under the bird feeder. This is my twentieth bunny sighting of the year, though I suspect more than a few of those sightings are the same rabbit!
It makes no difference to me! Seeing my bunny -- especially when we're so close to welcoming the Easter bunny -- is always a plus!
It's so lovely to see spring again, even though I know we aren't out of the cold-zone woods. I hope it's lovely where you are, too!
Sharing with: Love Your Creativity / Share Your Style / Saturday's Critters
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57 comments:
So wonderful to see all the wildlife and the beautiful flowers and vegetation after a long winter. Enjoy!
Spring has arrived. These gentle creatures now grace the world once more, proudly displaying their plumage and charms.
Such great photos! You certainly live in a popular location!
Great to see you out and about, Jeanie. The geese are full of bluster, but it seems to be effective in scaring people away from their nest. Your mystery bird is a female Red-winged Blackbird, very different from the male, as you see.
It’s great to see the wildlife, but I would also stay away from the geese. They are scary. I love the bright yellow daffodils!
Lovely pictures we have turned a corner here I think the days ahead look warmer. Easter will be 50 but breezy.
I stopped feeding the birds because of the bear but I noticed the bugs starting to hatch so they have food I hope.
Happy Easter
Cathy
We have a bunnies nest in our yard. I hope to see some babies. Maybe that turkey was going to bed as they roost high at night to sleep. Hope you have a wonderful Easter! Janice
What wonderful spring pictures. I love when the plants and animals all 'come alive' as the weather warms and leaves winter behind. Glad to see you were able to get out and enjoy it. xo Diana
I am glad you are seeing signs of spring! I have never seen ducks or geese making nests by our creek. It seems like they must nest elsewhere? Things are starting to green up here. I’m so ready for true spring. We didn't have a terrible winter but it’s been a cold, windy spring.
...I have rarely seen a goose nest so close up. With all of those eggs it's no wonder that geese are EVERYWHERE! Happy Easter, Jeanie.
You had fun.I love the joy spotting wildlife brings us:)LOL of that dad.Very aggressive they are!
We are a couple of weeks ahead of you. Our daffodils and forsythia about done. I think we’ve had our last freezing night temperatures.
I think your bird is a red winged Blackbird. We don’t see them here very often.
Have a happy Easter.. missy
Your ditch reminds me of our pond, but I think the ditch has more life. Certainly, there are no geese a’layin at ours although there are often geese.
How wonderful to be seeing the first signs of Spring. I love when bunnies visit. I am even missing the squirrel antics we had at our house, but do occasionally see squirrels from a distance. I have a ditch nearby, but haven't walked there yet. Soon!!! Love, love when the daffodils show up. Hoping you spot Harry soon and don't have anymore scary interactions with Mr. Goose.
Lovely photos Jeanie. It’s nice to see spring has arrived there. Father goose is doing his job, scaring away any potential threats. Strange spot for mother goose to make a nest. Happy early Easter.🐰🐣
Your nesting goose reminded me of the year a mallard mama built her nest in the cockpit pocket of a sailboat in a local marina. By the time it was discovered, there were several eggs, and the owner decided to let things be; he didn't sail the boat until the eggs had hatched -- and some humans helped the mother get her babies to the water. It was a long way down from the boat deck, and she wasn't quite sure what to do!
Spring is definitely springing back...
I'm looking forward to being introduced to Harry the Heron :)!
I love our trips to the Ditch. We have so many geese, but over the course of a week they began to disappear. On their nests at the local lake I guess. We have a few bachelors that are still roaming around, though. Last year we had a tsunami of baby geese. I'm hoping for a bit less this year. Have a wonderful Easter!
It must feel great to see all these signs of life after a long winter. Now I know why Canada geese are so prolific. That seems like a lot of eggs for a single nesting season!
Beautiful photos, Jeanie! I love seeing the beginnings of spring in your area. The pollen is pretty much left us, and my allergies are thrilled. Oh, beware of the geese! Wishing you a lovely Easter!
What a delightful walk at the Ditch with you, Jeanie. But I'm wondering, what's the difference between a squirrel at the feeder and a chipmunk? I know the chipmunk is a bit smaller. Those turkeys are always a delight to see. Such funny birds to watch. That is so neat that the goose makes her nest right there in the same place, close to the resting benches. Wow, seven eggs! As always, it's such a pleasure to see the red cardinal in your area. The forsythia bush is so pretty and looks Springy. And a special visit from the bunny. Isn't it funny, I saw one on my lawn close to Easter last year. It's like they know. ; )
~Sheri
Spring has finally sprung. That sounds like a goose you definitely don't want to mess with. Enjoy Spring and have a Happy Easter.
Great captures! You don't want to argue with Mr Goose!
I did enjoy your photographs.
Spring is arriving and I always like to see daffodils.
Sweet pictures of the bunny.
Wishing you a Happy Easter.
All the best Jan
love all the activity at 'the ditch'. and that huge Turkey, my goodness girl so much wild life. happy easter to you.
Well, I am just envious here of your spring beauty!
Looks like spring has truly arrived in your area. Those Canada Geese can be VERY territorial. Love seeing the cardinal and the bunny.
I am sorry, but this made me laugh!!! Yes, no one will sit there for a while! Birds can be scary! A swan went at my cousin when she was a little kid and a pelican went after me. There geese in Great Britain in a camp to keep the girls from the boys - it worked! I tried that but once!
Ohhhh, Peanut´s cousin!
THAT is a turkey?! In movies for Thanksgiving they look so big.
To Spring, Happy Easter to you!!!
Nobody will be resting on that bench for quite a while--lol! I love your daffodils the best. What a lovely wander at the ditch. Thanks for bringing us along. :)
What a wonderful spring time post Jeanie. Boy, you did get a great photo of those eggs and I'm glad you got away from daddy goose. Forsythia and daffodils always make me happy because usually they mean spring is really here. And I had to smile at the turkeys. Glad it's not just me who gets them i n heir yard. I hope you have a nice Easter. Will you be seeing the little ones? hugs-Erika
Wow, gorgeous flowers and such a great view of the goose nest. It is fun to see the little ones! Mr Chips is adorable, he'd be welcome here too. Have a lovely Easter!
Beautiful signs of spring, Jeanie. As for us, still brown and not much activities yet. As for me, I’m back in the blogging world. And in my new post I share the latest. Have a blessed Easter!
Just sent a comment as Anonymous. Actually it’s me, Arti of Ripple Effects.
Jeanie, Dearest One!
I'm so glad to be here agian and be able to see your amazing shots of Nature!
Sending Blessings of Peace on your Easter
Dany
It is so nice to see nature at work - we don't really have too much slumber over Winter here, and a rabbit sighting is not necessarily rare nor welcomed! Geese can be very scary creatures - where I lived when my oldest was very young had a great playground near a lake that a group of geese had colonised and so no children ever got to enjoy it.
Wonderful
Enjoyed your post-looks like Spring Mr Goose can be quite protective we had a returning pair at the woods house.
Have a good week ahead
Kathy
I love that bright red bird. We don't have those in the Netherlands. I can kind of understand father goose for being protective, even though you of course meant no harm.
Hi Jeanie:) I can't comment now. I'm late for a very important date. :) I'll be back tomorrow.
The pelicans were on the Bark River last week. That's a sure sign that things are warming up!
Absolutely stunning! Our Canada geese certain make their way around, too. Thank you so much for sharing and warm greetings from Montreal, Canada.
everything is so beautiful and screams spring...it just makes you feel good!! i have a couple of nests i am keeping an eye on. the daffodils are spectacular!!
I hope you had a lovely Easter. The daffodils and the forsythia blooming brighten the spirits, along with sunshine!
My sweet man loves seeing the bunnies. … I like them as long as they stay away from my gardens!
I'm happy the Sun came out for you to get a walk up to the ditch! Spring is truly on its way!
Happy New Week!
Enjoyed this update! So fun to see spring waking up at the Ditch—even if Father Goose got a little too feisty! The bunny, squirrels, turkeys, and Mr. Chips made me smile. Hope you get some sunshine and a visit from Harry soon! 🌞🦢🐿️🐰
What a wonderful post! I love all the photos, you managed to photograph bunnies and a mother goose. Gorgeous pictures!
The daffodils are beautiful. Loved the nest, glad you weren't attacked :) Enjoy the rest of the week Jeanie.
Michigan is a cold, dark state, but I love all the flowers at spring. One of my favorite times was driving the first day everyone's forsythias bloom. So much color! I love the daffodils so bright and cheerful. Enjoy spring and I hope it comes with more sun for you!
It is so nice to finally see signs of spring! That bunny is so cute! I've never seen a goose nest and I'm cautious around them anyway. I used to love see turkeys at my old house every once in awhile!
Canada geese are back here. I photographed one fairly close up the other day, but we had a fence between us, so he was at ease.
Those daffodils take my breath away. I envy you getting to see such beauty!
Jeanie, I appreciated going on a virtual walk with you. That sure was a close call with father goose. Wheew! I love the squirrels and it makes me smile that Mr. Chips gets to stay
Visiting today from Barb's.
You got some amazing wildlife shots there -- I'm surprised by everything you see in an urban area. Love the goose's nest -- I've never seen one with eggs in it -- but those geese are hyper aware of any interest in a nest ... you definitely don't want to have one of them running at you full throttle, they've been known to break people's legs!
Gorgeous, gorgeous daffodils! They're one of my favorite signs of spring!
Hello Jeanie,
What a great collection and variety of critters. I love all the birds and the cute chippie and the adorable bunny. The birds can be aggressive if they feel you are close to their nest. It is interesting to see the flock of turkeys in your yard. The daffodils are pretty, one of my favorite spring blooms. Thank you for sharing your link and critter post. Take care, have a great weekend. PS, thank so much for leaving me a comment.
Things have really awakened there now! Love the eggs in the nest!
Hello Jeanie :)
When I wanted to come back we had power cuts so I couldn't, but I'm back and have really enjoyed your colourful spring post. The blooms and bunnies, Canada Goose and all her eggs, and her counterpart fiercely guarding the nest. Your yard birds, Cardinal and turkey's, male Blackbird, a nd Chipmunk, are all delightful visitors. It's always worthwhile to get out in the fresh air and take in all that nature can offer.
I love that top pic of the ditch -- it looks so springy-refreshing! And the birds and eggs are representative of the bursting out of life that is always happening there. Happy Spring!
One of our neighbors is a birder, and we stopped by her house yesterday to see baby bluebirds starting to fly on their own. I can't wait to see the geese pop out of the eggs.
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