28 February 2014 - Hoodies and Crests

February is going out with a bang.  (Hmm--wonder if that means March will come in like a lion?) Yesterday we had one and a half inches of rain followed by two inches of snow. The snow was gone by ten this morning. We have several more days of rain in the forecast. This is great news! Rain in the valley, snow in the mountains--the more the better.   This morning the weather report said if you want to do anything outside today, do it in the morning before the clouds, wind and rain move in. I am taking a long weekend-- vacation days for today and Monday. Based on that recommendation I got myself out of the house. 

The goal for today was Hooded Mergansers, but it turned into a crested bird day. 

Yes, I did find the Hoodies. But first, amongst the hundreds of Robins eating berries in the Russian Olives, I saw a few Cedar Waxwings. 

 

The next crested bird was a Belted Kingfisher. I spent about 20 minutes watching him. He was sitting on a branch overhanging the water. Woe to any duck or goose that tried to swim under his perch. 

He was pretty ferocious in his efforts to defend his territory. He would dive bomb the intruders while screaming at them. I was surprised that even the Canada geese left in a hurry. The Kingfishers have a pretty stout bill, that may have had something to do with it. 

And finally the Hooded Mergansers showed up. All these crested birds are so appealing. 

 

Along with the hundreds of robins, the red-winged blackbirds were back in loud numbers. Most of them were busy staking out their territory. 

Would it be any kind of marsh or wetlands without a rodent?

I am always surprised by just how fast these guys can swim!

 Leaving the wetlands, I had quite a conversation with Mr. Lincoln. He wanted directions to the White House.

It was a fabulous way to start a long weekend. 

Who knows what other great things are in store? 

Whatever happens, you can bet I'll be spending time in the shop.