Alas, Harry the Heron hasn't shown up yet this spring, but I've had some other lovely sightings as the Ditch begins to awaken.
Slightly (emphasis on the "slightly") warmer weather and plenty of rain has helped the Ditch color to burst, and while it's still filling in, it's looking awfully good! (And yes, we dipped below freezing last night.)
But this day happened to be a perfect one to wander by the water and see the water lily pads beginning to pop up. What fascinating shapes!
I was able to enjoy both sunshine and shade as I moved around the path.
Despite Harry's elusive behavior, I've enjoyed seeing birds and critters. This grackle had the light just hitting it perfectly to illuminate his "neon" head!
The red-winged blackbirds have been out in force, too.
It seemed like every spot I walked, my Merlin was recording red-winged blackbird songs!
There were robins, too (not photographed) and this handsome blue jay.
I know blue jays have a bit of a bad-boy reputation, but they're awfully pretty!
Speaking of bad boys (and maybe bad girls!) the geese have been, for the most part, hanging in pairs. This duo is right by where a female has built a nest on the ground, right in front of that bench. I wonder if they are house hunting this year or getting ready to start building again.
And these two ducks amused me -- like a couple of guys just hanging out at the bar or over the back fence!
Of course, not all the creatures are birds. And not all have the best sartorial choices but hey -- whatever floats your boat. This guy looked comfortable and when you're on a walk, comfort is where it's at.
I saw some squirrels too. I loved his curious face!
Keep singing!
It looks like spring is finally is here! (Except for the days when it's not!)
Sharing with: Saturday's Critters
I'm seeing cardinals and anoles and butterflies pairing up everywhere I look around here. We had a rare cold front move in last night, and it's going to be a cooler day with highs in the 70s. I'm enjoying it because I know the heat is coming soon.
ReplyDeleteAww that squirrel's face is adorable! I am glad you were able to enjoy some nice weather!
ReplyDeleteThe pink flowers are beautiful. Great photos of the birds Jeanie, when I try to photograph some birds they just fly away! And that squirrel, what a cute face 😀. Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard the redwing blackbird yet. It's a favorite sign that yes, summer's getting here. I love that hoarse shout.
ReplyDeleteJeanie, you got some great pictures of the red-winged blackbird. And that's hard to do! They seem to often hide that bright red underneath. There is so much color at the Ditch right now! I loved each and every picture you took there. Look at that Pink blossom tree! I love that path photo, how peaceful that is. The blue jays are surely a pretty bird, but I don't see them around these parts - it's the stellers jay that I see mostly. The geese are so protective of the nest they built near the bench. And that picture of the ducks is charming, and your words about them hanging out at the bar go perfectly with the photo. Thanks for taking me along in nature, Jeanie. After my trip, I have been wanting to spend some time just being still with the gentleness of nature. I thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful post.
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful Spring colors and weather you are having. I have enjoyed all of your photos. No cherry blossom or apple blossom here yet, later this month, but I have had some red winged black birds in the yard. I love spring! Happy May Jeanie! xo
ReplyDeleteHello Jeanie,
ReplyDeleteYour walk to the Ditch looks nice, great weather and lots of bird sightings. Your bird photos are awesome and I love all the blossoms and the lily pads. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a great day and a happy weekend. PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.
I love the red-winged blackbirds -- one of my favorite birds, and not one we see here. The light really hit that grackle just right, didn't it?! I could have sworn you saw Harry earlier this season, but I guess I'm making that up. Maybe you just mentioned the prospect of seeing him again.
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful photos in your glorious, little ecosystem.
ReplyDeleteWhat a delightful post! Your photos are beautiful and make me smile to see all nature's beauty!
ReplyDeleteThe squirrel is so cute! The pair of Canada geese are nice to see. The trees and flowers and birds are an absolute joy to see! It looks as if the adorable squirrel was posing for you!
Your trees are farther along than ours and we're not that far away, I suppose the big lake is keeping us a mite cooler. Love all your photos. It looks like you and your camera had a good time.
ReplyDeleteHello Jeanie :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post with so many beautiful nature photos.The birds and blossoms are awesome and it looks like a really nice day for a walk at the ditch. I like the photo of the cute squirrel too
All the best
Sonjia..
OMGosh Jeanie these photos are stunning. Especially that second one. Just brilliant.
ReplyDelete...but remember, spring is a tug-a-war-between winter and summer!
ReplyDeleteWonderful series of photos Jeanie! Those blooms!!! Marvelous! And loved the shot of the retreating man in his comfortable walking gear. Great photos of the birds too.
ReplyDeleteBeaurtiful "critter" photos Jeanie! You really got the grackle's beautiful blue head feathers and the red winged blackbirds are always a wonderful sight to see. I was surprised byt he sahpes of the lily pads--they almost looked like fish jumping up in the water.
ReplyDeleteYour male critter photo made me chuckle...lol!
What a lovely post I thoroughly enjoyed looking at your photographs and reading your script. Oh and I had to laugh at how you closed . . . It looks like spring is finally here! (Except for the days when it's not) 😂
ReplyDeleteIsn't it wonderful?! So happy to see how green it is. You've had a lot of rain, haven't you? Poor Rick out in the cold. OK, self-inflicted! Ha!
ReplyDeleteWonderful spring pictures.
ReplyDeleteCathy
Beautiful bird pics!
ReplyDeleteyou have shared some gorgeous images of the birds. our red winged blackbirds have returned also, i always hear them before i see them!! the first image, of an apple tree?? gorgeous!! the squirrel is adorable, that was perfect timing!!
ReplyDeleteThat beautiful Bluejay!! Love all the nature
ReplyDeleteBirds and blooms - isn't it wonderful? This is such an exciting time of the year. The Blue Jay is indeed a beautiful bird. We don't have them here, but the California Scrub Jay is similar. A very entertaining bird, often a bully, but with a great sense of humor!
ReplyDeleteSuch lovely photos of birds. Here in Southern California we don't have the birds you have posted here. There are some similar breeds, but not vibrant like yous. The Blue jay in the mountains is a bossy bird.
ReplyDeleteSuper photos, I love the purple flowers. We had a touch of snow here in Southern Ontario this morning.......
ReplyDeleteSuch gorgeous Spring photos!!!! We had freezing sleet today. Bah humbug.
ReplyDeleteOh such glorious blossom and birds. That blue jay is beautiful. We are heading into winter but it is still very warm, and way over the usual temps. Summer has gone on forever ...
ReplyDeletesherry
I like the second photo, the color purple wow.
ReplyDelete