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 / Love Your Creativity / Talking About It Tuesday / Share Your Style / Friday Face-Off
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.
ReplyDeleteWOW your photos around and upon the ditch are effing gorgeous! wonderful birds and the squirrel looks like it would like to go home with you. What a fabulous day for your camera!!
ReplyDeleteWhatever that is in the second photo is just gorgeous! Enjoy your spring days, Jeanie!
ReplyDeleteThese pictures could have been taken here, Jeanie. Great to see you taking such an interest in nature! 😏
ReplyDeleteYour nature photos are lovely! I just started seeing our heron in the last week. But it looks like you have far more color than we do right now.
ReplyDeleteYou snapped some fantastic spring shots Jeanie. That squirrel takes the cake. That one could be in someone's meme or even an ad. I love it. And it's great to see spring coming back, isn't it? And we've been chilly too. Tonight they say we could drop to about freezing. Come on, it's May, right? I hope you have a super rest of your weekend and start to your week. hugs-Erika
ReplyDeleteI have seen lots of Herons over here. Maybe Harry moved here. wink wink. Love your pics. am seeing the same birds here too. Janice
ReplyDeleteTaking it's sweet time here..Only 43 F..Brr.. makes you want the sun to warm all up:)
ReplyDeleteLove these birds very much
ReplyDeleteYour bird photos are lovely. But that squirrel face is just adorable. Somehow it seems like the blue jays are always scowling when I get a pic of one.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed joining you on your spring walk. Now that it is May, I'm sure your weather will be warmer. Karen (Back Road Journal)
ReplyDeleteSo you finally were able to 'ditch' the wintertime blues a bit! This is such a wonderful collection of photos. Your blooming trees always amaze me; they're so different, and more numerous, than ours. That's such a typical squirrel pose; they are curious creatures. I can almost hear this one thinking, "You got a peanut for me?" And that pair of mallards cracks me up. Your characterizations of them are exactly right! Happy spring!
ReplyDeleteWhen the redbuds and fruit trees come into bloom (and just as other trees are showing bright feathery glimpses of their unfurling leaves), the world seems so intoxicatingly beautiful, I don't know how people do anything else besides stop what ever they're doing and gawk.
ReplyDeleteThe critters are mighty busy, and for all that Harry hasn't shown up yet, you succeeded in getting some wonderful pictures them. That bluejay is a handsome bird, and you got some wonderful pictures of one of my favorites (the red-wing blackbird), and I loved your storyline for the sitting ducks. The squirrel, though? Chef's kiss!
Glad to hear you're using Merlin ID! I just started with it, and I've been evangelizing it to everyone I know!
Hope you're enjoying a fabulous weekend!
Great pictures! That squirrel looks ready to talk. It is peak Spring season there.
ReplyDeleteMay
Oh Jeanie...what a wonderful visit to the Ditch! Your photos are amazing...I adored the little squirrel...how cute was he? And the red winged blackbirds seemed to pose for their close-up. I have always admired the blue Jays...yes, they can can be onery but they are beautiful shades of blue....we have an endangered species of jay here in Florida called the Scrub Jay...his blue is beautiful but a shade lighter than the blue jay. In N.M. we had the black headed Steller jays and I do believe they were more territorial than the blue jay. Your spring flowers are so beautiful and the ducks description is right on. Thanks for taking us on this journey today...Loved every minute of it. Hugs and blessings my friend.🌸🦋🐝🧚🏻🦆💕
ReplyDeleteYou take wonderful pictures! That squirrel has such personality. You have so many types of birds on your walks.Thanks for sharing them!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jeanie, for the walk and I agree about the bluejays reputation, but such colorful birds. We haven’t seen our local heron along the riverbanks yet, but there are Canada geese, Mallards, cormorants and mergansers
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! Had to link!
ReplyDeleteI want to walk that path, too.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like spring has sprung and all the colors are beautiful. I especially like the photo of the squirrel - looks like he posed for you and every detail of his face is so distinct. I hope you will be enjoying many wonderful walks . Your photos are fabulous.
ReplyDeleteThe birds are a joy to see. Blue jays can be naughty. The squirrel has the most adorable look on its face. Seeing wildlife in action is always fun.
ReplyDeleteHip hip hooray for spring and colour!
ReplyDeleteJeanie, I know you were excited to see signs of spring at the ditch. The bird photos are beautiful. I think Blue Jays’ coloring is lovely! They seem to love our Chaste tree and that is where we always see them. Your description of the ducks is perfect. Thank you for sharing your walk at the ditch. I always enjoy your photos and commentary! Happy May!
ReplyDeleteThese photos are all gems, Jeanie... Your quirky captions and interpretations made me smile. I'll never look at ducks the same again :).
ReplyDeleteHaha. You see Mother Nature at her best. You won’t see blue jays here in Hawaii. If they are here, then where are they?
ReplyDeleteI love all of the photos of the birds! They are so pretty! Did you watch 60 minutes last night? There was a segment about birding in Columbia that was really interesting!
ReplyDeleteWe had a few really cold nights but things seem to be improving. It hit 70 yesterday so we spent lots of time outside! I enjoy hearing the birds singing in the morning. Last Monday it poured for much of the day. When we got back from Paul's eye appt, 2 ducks were snoozing and taking shelter from the rain on our front porch! Paul really got a kick out of that!
So many wonderful bird pics!
ReplyDeleteWow! Wow! ... and lots more WOWS!
ReplyDeleteFabulous photographs and I especially like the squirrel.
Have a good month of May.
All the best Jan
I love, love your signs of Spring!!! The apple blossoms in the first picture - glorious! To the bird songs and beauty - delightful! And a squirrel sighting too! Enjoy!!!
ReplyDeleteFantastic bird photos, Jeanie. The squirrel image is stunning. Have a wonderful week.
ReplyDeleteCute post. & Great spring colors and love seeing the birds. We like the mountain Blue Jays here ... they are pretty! Great shot of the curious squirrel. It's looking very green there.
ReplyDeleteJeanie,
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures!! Loved seeing the birds too...Thanks so much for stopping by as often as you do...I am way behind returning visits. as I have been so busy with trying to get my yard in shape...
Hugs,
Deb
Debbie-Dabble Blog
Those purple flowers above the water are amazingly beautiful! Such a lovely splash of color.
ReplyDeleteThat squirrel really does have the sweetest expression!
ReplyDeleteThe blossoms add such a lovely splash of color, and your bird photos are a treat to see.
I enjoyed every bit of your walk through the Ditch, Jeanie.
The squirrel is my fav :-) I don´t know what happened to "mine"...
ReplyDeleteHave a beautiful day.
ReplyDeleteRed-winged blackbirds and blue jays are real North American classics. I would love to see them in real life. Hopefully one day, if I ever make it to the other side of the Atlantic! Lovely photos!
ReplyDeleteLove the squirrel picture..I have a few taken over the years..Their facial expressions are adorable..I hope Harry will be back soon even though the Ditch has lots to offer without him..Great pictures!!
ReplyDeleteOh, Jeanie. What wonders. Just looking at the pictures made me smile.
ReplyDeleteOh, Jeanie, Jeanie, Jeanie, I am howling here, just howling! That chap in his comfortable clothing! Well, just yesterday afternoon I tapped on someone's door and they answered in, well, what I can only describe as an outfit that would make your chap there look covered up!!! And not a small lady either, but of ample proportions . . . as seen in Walmart? Back to The Ditch. How I love visiting it with you, and colour me pea green, but you have Blue Jays!!! here, we just have Jays, but it is still a sight to behold for they have that bright blue flash under their wings! Hopefully, now that I have started to walk again I will be seeing more of our wealth of wildlife and birds!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your supportive comments on my blog! It means a lot and I am so humbled by the lovely comments I keep getting. Don't forget to stop by and keep up with my progress, will you? Hugs, Debbie xx
Beautiful photos! The peonies are blooming here.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed taking this walk with you! It is nice to see redbuds again. And that squirrel! What a face!
ReplyDeleteI so enjoyed the pictures! The picture of that man made me laugh and the pretty blooms and bird just brought me joy.
ReplyDeletewww.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Jeanie, I love all the wildlife over there in the ditch! And Mr. Squirrel has already gone up on Animal Friends over on Pinterest. ;) I will be happy to share your post next week at SYS #498 for you. <3
ReplyDeleteHope spring is hanging around,
Barb :)
So beautiful!
ReplyDeleteJeanie, Your photos of spring are so delightful to see after winter and all the cold we’ve had. I finally saw a robin yesterday and also a beautiful cardinal in our tree. I love the squirrel photo. We had a large male goose keeping watch for his mate by sometimes sitting in our road (near the pond) or sitting on the grass next to the road.
ReplyDeleteYour Photos are stunning. What a variety of wildlife you saw. I LOVE squirrels.
ReplyDeleteVisiting today from Talking About It Tuesday.
Lovely photos, and that red winged blackbird is stunning
ReplyDeleteThank you Jeanie for sharing this particular post with FFO. It is so beautiful and full of life. Have a very good weekend.
ReplyDeleteDear Jeanie,
ReplyDeleteI'm absolutely captivated by the color of your ditch—it's such a head-turner!
I enjoyed walking with you through beautiful nature, in the company of various birds and a grey squirrel. I didn't know that blue jays had such a bad reputation... when I first met them, they behaved very well.
Isn't it wonderful that spring is here—it always brings so many beautiful gifts!
All the best from Austria, Traude