The Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) has used the dormant osprey nest for a lookout post most of the fall and winter seasons. We have seen two flying over the river, so there is a pair. They are extremely adaptable birds in terms of habitat. They also eat a wide variety of water life. The first year we lived here my husband was sitting on the dock as the sun set and a heron tried to land on his head! I do not know who was more surprised.
The Mourning Doves, at least four, come in when I put the seed feeders and winter bird bath out. Otherwise, I may only hear a call in the evening during the summer months. They are such a gentle looking bird.
Our Northern Mockingbird ( Mimus polyglottos) is far warier than those that have adapted to city life and so they may be common in your yard and more fearless. This image I caught through a front window. Yes, they are mimics and I love that "polyglottos" name. They can be found perched on high somewhere singing their heart out.
The above Eastern Towhee (male) which has the colors of the robin is also a very wary bird. They are seen only a few times over the winter picking at the seeds that fall from the feeders. I saw two together for the first time this year.
They are the perfect distraction for a retired old lady who wants to learn more about the earth.
I am far from an expert but have always been fascinated by birds.
ReplyDeletebesides our usual year round residents, we have little yellow warblers and goldfinches.
ReplyDeleteThose are lovely pictures, thank you. We have some wonderful great blue herons locally. One I got to know, because he'd lost a couple of feathers at some point. He was solo for a couple of years, and I wondered what would he do without a mate. Then suddenly a female showed up, and I saw them a few times together. Happy Ending! We have a lot of marshland, clear running water with plenty of fishing possibiities for the herons. And the otters and black backed cormorants, all competing for the life in the water.
ReplyDeleteWonderful birds to enjoy. I can't imagine how a heron almost landed on your husband! How shocking! I love the rare sightings of Towhees...I have heard their scritching in underbrush that led me to seeing them sometimes.
ReplyDeleteLovely photos.
ReplyDeleteFunny heron story makes me laugh.
A feathered friend is better than most friends in fact, and this is a delightful quartet to have in your life.
ReplyDeleteConsidering the size of heron feet, I'm glad one didn't land on your husband's head!
ReplyDeleteGBHs are common here in Puget Sound country, but I never tire of watching them when we are on Whidbey Island. We have the western version of the Towhee. They love to scratch around in the leaves used as mulch.
I’ve ever seen a mockingbird or a towhee. Beauties! You are so fortunate to have them all nearby.
ReplyDeleteWhat a pleasant post -- good photos and information and not too long.
ReplyDeleteWhat interesting birds. You could have had more photos as far as I am concerned.
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