Before A Storm?
And now, Birdchick.com presents:
SQUIRRELS ON ICE! I really don't know where I'm going with that. But there were quite a few squirrels sliding across the ice at Hyland Lake Park Reserve today.
Will there be a storm on Saturday? Since Wednesday, Twin Cities weather people have been warning about our first winter snow storm. The warnings have become more dire in the last few days. Even today the reports have been fluctuating. This morning the report was probably 2", maybe a slight chance of 5" of snow. Tonight, the storm watch has gone to storm warning with predicted amounts of snow being 5" to 9". What will it be? Not sure, when they over predict, we have very little. However, I'd love a good solid layer of snow. The goldfinch in the above photo seems to be wondering as much as I how much snow we will get.
I headed to Hyland to see what the bird activity was like at the bird feeders--a good indicator of what changes will come with the weather. This suet feeder in the above photo was in high demand. Above, you will note a downy woodpecker.
The downy was first chased away by a larger hairy woodpecker. That woodpecker was chased away by the above blue jay. But soon, that bird fled as well:
A gray squirrel took over the suet and would not let any creature--hairy, feathered or otherwise to get between eat and large chunks of animal fat. That's a sure sign that a storm is a comin'.
I spent the rest of the time getting strange photos of cardinals. This shot isn't so bad, the bird looks fairy normal...then he decides to show off his good side: 
Here you go, random cardinal butt. However, not to be out done:
A chickadee flew in to show off the junk in its trunk.
The female cardinal looks as though she doesn't approve of that.
SQUIRRELS ON ICE! I really don't know where I'm going with that. But there were quite a few squirrels sliding across the ice at Hyland Lake Park Reserve today.
Will there be a storm on Saturday? Since Wednesday, Twin Cities weather people have been warning about our first winter snow storm. The warnings have become more dire in the last few days. Even today the reports have been fluctuating. This morning the report was probably 2", maybe a slight chance of 5" of snow. Tonight, the storm watch has gone to storm warning with predicted amounts of snow being 5" to 9". What will it be? Not sure, when they over predict, we have very little. However, I'd love a good solid layer of snow. The goldfinch in the above photo seems to be wondering as much as I how much snow we will get.
I headed to Hyland to see what the bird activity was like at the bird feeders--a good indicator of what changes will come with the weather. This suet feeder in the above photo was in high demand. Above, you will note a downy woodpecker.
The downy was first chased away by a larger hairy woodpecker. That woodpecker was chased away by the above blue jay. But soon, that bird fled as well:
A gray squirrel took over the suet and would not let any creature--hairy, feathered or otherwise to get between eat and large chunks of animal fat. That's a sure sign that a storm is a comin'.
I spent the rest of the time getting strange photos of cardinals. This shot isn't so bad, the bird looks fairy normal...then he decides to show off his good side: 
Here you go, random cardinal butt. However, not to be out done:
A chickadee flew in to show off the junk in its trunk.
The female cardinal looks as though she doesn't approve of that.Labels: digiscoping
posted by birdchick at 11:15 PM
9 Comments:
Do you just want to pet them all? I do.
..Junk in the trunk...you're too funny so early in the morning! I too am wondering what the weather will hold - I live on the southern coast of Maine and lots of our snow can be very wet so when the forecast is for 3 - 6" we can usually be assured we'll get less than that. Yesterday morning our forcast for Monday was 1 - 3", at the dinner hour we rose to maybe 6" and late night it was now 12"!!! Yikes stripes....get to the grocery store quick while there's still food!!!
Jacci in S.P. ME
Ms. Cardinal does indeed look as if she disapproves mightily of all these exhibitionist males-I mean, venting in broad daylight-the noive!
I just love the picture of the female cardinal. She looks like she is having a bad hair dad. Reminds of the Disney character Ursula!
Your pictures are all beautiful, so clear and such vivid colors. I am especially fond of female cardinals. Their colors are soft and subtle and remind me of the colors of the leaves in the fall. I also love the female wood duck. I think they are more beautiful than the males. Their eyes are encircled with a white line that extends beyond the lower "lid" almost like eyeliner. They are very exotic looking - almost Egyptian. Thank you so much for this site. The weather here in SW Florida is 80 degrees, but a cold front is forecast for Monday. I guess it will go down around 60. Freezing for me!
I grew up with a lot of birds and their little (although sometimes big) personalities. I'd swear there were times when they'd flip over and stick their tails in the air like they were mooning us. As kids we'd say, "bird butt!"
LOL! Nice butts...and you guys always get the cool winter storms up there, I'm so jealous!
I had some good tocks shots at my blog this weekend too! check it out if you have a minute.
Hi -
i've just discovered your blog, and i like your tagline - "not be a geek"... LOL. you are welcome to visit my birdwatching community, too! www.esnips.com/community/birds - it is new and already has beautiful photos.
take care (and stay warm), Lonnie
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