Some Weekend Birds

A Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher from Prairie’s Edge.

A Caspian Tern from Buck Creek State Park…
















A Common Loon from Buck Creek….















A Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker from Ferncliff Cemetery…..

Flying Squirrels...Rocky Lives!

After our walk to see the owletts, Lynda mentioned that her husband had informed her that flying squirrels were living in a nesting box on the property. Lynda gently tapped the box with her walking stick and out popped not one, but two flying squirrels.
I had never seen one up close and personal, but these were simply adorable…..I can easily understand why folks have begun keeping Sugar Gliders as pets….
Here, Rocky peeps around the tree trunk to see if we’re still nearby.

In this shot you can see the flaps of skin that allow the squirrel to glide.

Great Horned Owl's Nest

Our visit to the Great Horned Owl nest on Friday with friend Lynda Pauley (of Prairie’s Edge Art Studio) revealed just how fast these chicks are growing.
This is a look a week prior….we were barely able to see the fuzzy heads popped up in the nest.

One week later here’s what we saw….

Can’t wait until this week’s visit!

Swan Wars

We headed out Friday morning on our usual drive…..stopping at Old Reid first. That was a good decision, since we were able to witness some interesting swan behavior.
The resident pastor Mute Swans were defending their territory from another pair, which we had seen fling in from over the lake a bit earlier. David was able to get some great shots of the flyover.

This swan is going after one of the intruders….he’s leaving a wake!

He’s showing his stuff after chasing off the other swans.

Once the intruders were gone, our resident swans met up to congratulate themselves.

Golden Crowned Kinglet

Here’s a cute little harbinger of spring…..a Gold Crowned Kinglet!
I was watching some ducks, when I heard a familiar call from the nearby brush.

Ross' Goose

This goose was cohorting with some geese at SR 334 and Middle Urbana Rd in Clark County….not sure if it is a Ross’ or a Ross’/Snow Hybrid. I will post to the Ohio Bird List for an ID.

Grebes & More

What a beautiful day! It was a welcome change to be able to get out and enjoy the weather for a change.
We headed to Old Reid this morning, where we photographed 3 Pied-Billed Grebes….

Then on to the Buck Creek Marina, where we saw numerous Horned Grebes, including the fellow in good plumage….

Here’s a few other favorite shots from today….