cindyzlogic

March 16, 2010

March 9, 2010

Cedar Waxwings: Buds & Birds

My first views of Cedar Waxwings in my part of the the world!

I was taking a walk around the neighborhood today...and because it's Spring...I decided to bring my camera along just in case. I was barely 3 blocks into the walk when this flock of little birds flew out of an evergreen-ish bush. I almost kept walking...but, their color caught my eye. I stopped and looked up...I could not believe my eyes!! I was so excited!! Those were Cedar Waxwings!! These are "lifers" for me! Also, it was my goal this Winter to see a Cedar Waxwing and here they were just 3 blocks away. Can you tell I'm excited ;-D

These birds are so small, I visualized them to be as large as a Cardinal. They were a little larger than a House Sparrow.

The Kansas Field Guide says they commonly nest in NE Kansas. I'm located in SC Kansas, so I'm assuming they are Spring migrants. They like to eat tree buds and there are "plenty to be had of them, I assure you".

I counted 54 Waxwings in this photo.

Eurasian Collared-Dove

This is another lifer for me :-)) There was a beautiful pair, but they flew off as I tried to get closer.

Carolina Wrens

We found out what the Wrens like...this fruit & nut seed bell. It was overcast getting ready to rain.

Female Cardinal

She was also grabbing a quick snack before the rains.

Black-capped Chickadee

He just wanted some suet, but the Starling's voracious appetites chomped the suet block down in a couple of days. Another great day of backyard birding!

March 2, 2010

Cindy's Nature Sketchbook: Downy Woodpecker

A pair of Downy Woodpeckers began to appear at the suet feeder. I captured a few photos before they flew off. I've since learned that the male has the red mark on the back of the head. I haven't been able to capture a photo of the female...she was a bit more cautious :-) but, a very pretty bird as well! Oh, before I decided it was a Downy, I did some arm chair study, Googled several sites, and conferred with my husband. We decided they were a pair of Downys. The Hairy Woodpecker has similar looks except for a longer beak and larger size.

Regarding the sketch, I sketched using a graphite #2 pencil. I used the photo below as my reference. After completing the sketch, I colored it in with watercolor pencils.

photo by cindyzlogic

February 25, 2010

Cindy's Nature Sketchbook

I decided to start a Nature Sketchbook. I was inspired after reading and viewing some blogs focusing on nature and keeping a sketchbook. I think it's going to be a lot of fun!

This young man stopped by yesterday to say Hi!

We are looking forward to Spring around here. The Robins have arrived and the forecast is for snow tomorrow. Driving up to Wichita we saw a beautiful Cooper's Hawk and several Red-tailed Hawks. In the backyard, we're still being visited by Juncos, Harris's Sparrows, male & female Cardinals, House Sparrows, an occasional Chickadee, a pair of Downy Woodpeckers, a Red-bellied Woodpecker and a bunch of most unwanted birds...the Eastern Starling. A "lifer" bird spotted this month was the Red-headed Woodpecker. We haven't seen our pair of Carolina Wrens for awhile. I think they were attracted to the fruit and nut seed bell and it's all gone. So, we'll need to get another and see what happens. I am not sure what happened to the Tufted Titmice? We haven't seen them for a couple of months. The Kansas Bird Guide says they are permanent residents...hmmm...they must have found better "eats" somewhere else :-(

That's all for this post...back at ya'!

by cindyzlogic