Bird Drought

I feel like I've been in a birding drought the past couple weeks. Even Bob the Mourning Dove hasn't been sticking around for good photos. Hopefully my luck changes this week at our cabin. This weekend I hope to get some shots of the new Loon baby (I think only 1 survived unfortunately.) Wish me luck!

Baby Blue Jay

This baby Blue Jay was causing a racket in one of my pine trees!




Yes, I see you too!

My puppy Scout

Sorry I haven't been posting or visiting you these past couple days - our new puppy Scout is keeping me busy! I've been wanting a Bernese Mountain Dog for so many years and still cannot believe she's finally here! I'm working on the housebreaking (fun!) I will be over to visit you in the next couple days - promise!

Nesting Loons

One of the things I've always wanted to witness was a nesting Loon.

It's difficult for 2 reasons: 1. They're hard to find and 2. You have to be extremely careful and keep your distance, if you get too close and disturb them, they will abandon the nest.

These are my Bradford Lake Loons. This nesting raft was made by my fellow friends and Loon Rangers to help them successfully nest after previous nest failures. I believe this will be the 9th year this pair has successfully had babies. The loon chicks will be hatching this weekend but unfortunately I won't be there to witness the event as I have to go home and pick up my new puppy. Alas, there's always next year.

I used a combination of Lenses. I really need to get a tripod for my Sigma!


Here's mama Loon sitting on the eggs while daddy fishes. Later on in the day, they will switch spots so mama Loon can get her fishing time in!





She's constantly on guard for predators - always looking around her nest.





She likes to keep her nest nice and will tidy up while she's sitting on her eggs.





She keeps her mouth open to help keep her cool while she's sitting on the nest. Loons typically lay two eggs. Here's hoping both babies hatch!

Chickadee Exercises

Look up!






Look down!





Look all around!

You might be a Birder if....

You might be a Birder if...

You might be a birder if you can say exactly where you saw a dozens of lifebirds but don't recall exactly where you first met your spouse.

You cringe when friends tell you they saw a ruffled grouse or a seagull.

The roads around your favorite birding spot are completely covered with skid marks.

No, you don't think all those little brown birds in the field guide look the same.

You try to convince your child to go to college in Southeastern Arizona, for "special reasons".

You might be a birder if you're all the time wanting to stop the car, and your riders are saying "What are you stopping for?"

*Bird humor from Bowman's Bird Stuff

Whining Baby Grackle