Backyard Photographer - Sandi A.

Sharp-shinned Hawk (Juvenile)

As all our fellow birders know, Sandi (with an 'i') always has her camera at the ready.  Her yard is a virtual plethora of birds and water fowl.  To our left she captures a juvenile Sharp Shinned Hawk who seems to be very intently checking something out, perhaps his next meal.

Below we have a beautiful snowy backdrop as this wonderful creature tries to catch some sun on his wings.

Cormorant

Thanks for the donations Sandi.

A Feel Good Photo

Usually I am the one that is MIA from the blog.  Now it seems that we both have been guilty of that.  Even birding and bonding once a month has proved to be challenging in the past few months.  Ar with her move and me down in Florida.

Even though my reason for going to Florida was a sad one, I couldn't help but get excited at seeing this Red-Headed Woodpecker while strolling through the subdivision.  This bird is declining in the Northeast, but can still be seen on Long Island in the summer months. 

An amazing creation of Jehovah's can do a heart good!

We are planning to do some birding in March AND it is almost time for Bird of the Week to begin again.  Hope we haven't lost our loyal readers!  Stay tuned.

Oh to Bird in India!!

I must apologize to all our readers for our infrequent posts over the winter.  It has been pretty snowy and cold.  On days when the weather was agreeable, Ar's schedule and mine just did not seem to jive.  We have been solitary birders mainly from the comfort of our respective homes.
 And speaking of homes, Ar is in the process of a move.  So, needless to say, she has been very busy with that.  Also, since her anniversary is coming up, she will be (hopefully birding) from Mexico!


So...I am left at home to pick up the slack and man the blog.


Since we have done no birding and you have already seen the birds that frequent my backyard, I wanted to share an article that I read in the New York Times. 


Those who know me, know that I have a passion for India.  As I was reading this article, it was transporting me from the 20 degree, snow covered New York area to the vastness of the Indian sub-continent.  I took a mental mini vacation (twice - I enjoyed the article so much that I had to read it for a second time.)  Tryed to add a direct link, but it was not working.  So if you are up to escaping from the cold for half and hour or so, click on the New York Times link:  www.nytimes.com and type in the search box, "India, Through a Birder's Eyes."  There are two sets of photos that are just great.  If you don't have time to read the article, check out the photos anyway.  Here is a little taste.


Paradise Flycatcher



Green Bee-eater



White-throated Kingfisher

Tent Accomodations in Chhatra Sagar

I hope you enjoy your India getaway.  I promise to keep the blog going despite the difficult winter.  Ar and I will be birding together as soon as we possible can.  And before you know it, spring will be here and Bird of the Week will be starting up once again.  Until next time...San signs out.

Snow Day 2010

American Goldfinch - Out in the Blizzard

What a great snow storm!  The only problem was my husband was out helping a friend.  So I was home alone.  I spent the day working on a puzzle and watching for birds braving the snow and wind.  My Goldfinches turned out to be quite hardy.   

American Goldfinch - Braving the Wind

Blizzard of 2010!

There is nothing like a guilt-free day!  Can't get out of the house and don't want to!  It is in the 20's with a sustained wind in the 30 mph range, with gusts up to 50 mph. 

This has been a difficult month for Birds of a Feather.  It has been so cold and we just have not gotten together to do any birding.  Pretty much the extent of our Bonding has been playing Scrabble over wifi.  I promise we will do some birding as soon as we can.


In the meantime, so you don't think that I've blown off the blog, I am posting some pictures of my backyard during the blizzard.  Most pictures are not that great due to the high wind and blowing snow.  These were the visitors to my yard.

If any other feathered friends come to the yard, I'll add them to the post.  Until next time, which hopefully won't be too long....




Cardinal

 

Downy Woodpecker



Junco in coconut half





 





House Sparrow

Mourning Dove

Blue Jay



White-Throated Sparrow





European Starling





Song Sparrow

 

Red-Bellied Woodpecker



Black-capped Chickadee

 

Alway's on my Mind

I may not be blogging as much as before, but it is always on my mind.  I am always aware of my surroundings as far as looking for opportunities for a bird sighting.  On my way home yesterday I took a shortcut down Maple Avenue.  The pond was packed with fowl, so I turned around to check things out.

I carry my camera most of the time now, because you never know what you might spot.  I was the only one there, so as soon as I parked the Mallards, Seagulls and Snow Geese came crowding around my car.

They were all so cute and docile.  As soon as the realized that all I brought with me was a camera, they soon lost interest.








They were surrounding me at one time and I have never seen a Mallard that close up.  What a marvel of creation.  I used to think how dull the female Mallard was, but she is beautiful as well when you can see the intricacies of color in her muted feathers.

So each and every day we need to be aware of the lives around us, flying above or walking around or even hiding in bushes.

Once all the wildlife saw that I did not come with any tidbits of day old bread, they all too soon lost interest in me.


So they waddle back to their foraging and swimming and just hanging out enjoying the sun on this very cold Autumn day.

What to do for our 1 year Anniversary?

No new adventures to write about, no new bird to add to our list.  I have been home for the past three days, and I haven't seen many birds. 

All the feeders are full, sun was shining but only a stray Downy Woodpecker and a Dark-eyed Junco.

Of course as soon as I got my camera he refused to turn around for me.  But this is a sure sign that winter is just around the corner since Junco's winter on Long Island.  Which means Birds of a Feather will soon be celebrating our one year Anniversary. 

San and I are trying to think of a fitting way to commemorate this special occasion.  We could return to a spot we have visited in the past, or we could go to a new birding spot.  

San is putting together a list of birds we have yet to see here on Long Island.  So the logical choice would be a spot that can afford us the most opportunities to see the many birds that have alluded us all summer.

So we were wondering if any of our fellow birders had any ideas.  Let us know what you think.  I have a few ideas, but I would love to know what all of you think as well.  So leave us a comment and we will keep a list going on our blog.