Bird picture from Iraq

Noon Today and a few new creatures

This noon we had a few returning birds and and a couple new spring visitors. Here are a couple more pictures of the White-Throated Sparrows. Today we finally identified their call with the help of Yardbirds software. Clearly a distinct call.




This Yellow-Shafted Flicker ventured into the yard today, my wife at first thought it to be a dove and I thought it might be the Thrasher, but seeing the bib I knew it was a Norther Flicker, last year I asked for help to identify the same kind of bird and everyone knew immediately, now you know why I am an ammature bird watcher.



Brightly colored Gold Finches once again arrived this noon.



I think this is "Ma" and "Pa" Gold Finch and it kind of looks like they are watching to see if the other is staying or ready to leave



This is the Thrasher that returned from yesterday.



Here is a pair of House Finches, the female is rather dull but the male has nice red coloring.




And finally "Ma" and "Pa" Cardinal feeding at opposite sides of the feeder.
The left side is female and the right side is male.

Visitors Yesterday and Today at the Normal Back Yard

The White-Throated Sparrow



The Norther Cardinal Female is a very pretty bird.



The Northern Cardinal Male counterpart to the female above.



This is a Warbler, just don't know what make or model. Seems like it was always behind a green leaf. I would a guess that it is a Yellow-Rump Warbler.



I am guessing that this is a female Brown Headed Cowbird



This then would be the counterpart Male Brown Headed Cowbird



And finally three pictures of the late arriving Brown Thrasher that appeared as I was just shutting my camera down.

Here and There in Central Illinois

Got tired of sitting on my computer chair waiting for different kinds o wildlife to appear in my back yard so off we went on Sunday to Lake Bloomington. Since the son will soon be getting married we decided to view the site. Took a couple pictures of the view so that those coming might get an idea.





After visiting the lodge at Lake Bloomington we ventured toward the Merwin Nature Preserve and discovered the entrances wouldn't allow my wife's electric scooter as they were too narrow, so we drove around the place looking for an entrance that might allow her to follow the trails. We ended up on Clarkstown Road and this was a pretty drive. As we crossed creek bridge we found this Blue Heron enjoying the 80 degree weather.






Leaving the creek we continue on the Clarkstown Road until we were just north of the Merwin preserve. Just across the road from the preserve we found this Pheasant out in the field. He decided to run, but I dig get a picture.




We then left the Lake Bloomington area heading for Evergreen Lake and found this Heron that posed for us on the dock and then flew over to a stump in the water for another pose.






Heading around to the sound end of the lake we found this flock of ducks enjoying the water.




Meanwhile back at home we had a visit from a White-Throated Sparrow and a American Robin.

Tax Season is DONE!

Tax season is over and now it is onto Spring! Was it cruel fate or destiny that I chose accounting as a occupation? I had little to do with choosing my birthday of April 15, but the choice of occupation does fall upon my shoulders. I no longer do a lot of tax returns as in years past, but the few I do seem to end up being completed around the deadline.

This year everything was out the door by the 16th and Monday night was my time to unwind. After supper, that's what Mom always called it, the wife and I headed out to Moraine View State Park. The sun was already beginning to set as we arrived and the posted sign said that the gates would be shut around dusk and dusk was certainly approaching. It had been years since we had visited this place and back then it went by the name of Dawson's Lake, no fancy Moraine View State Park title then. My California son called about the time we entered into the park. He got a good laugh out of his old mom and dad going birding.

As we drove over the dam I spotted what appears to be a Barred Owl in the trees. He was pretty close to the road but by the time I got the camera ready he had flown a little more into the woods. I did get a couple of pictures as you can see below. Then we found a lone duck swimming on the lake. Across the lake we could see one of the multiple "Wind Mills" from the wind farm throughout the area. Off to a corner of the cove was what looks to be a Heron or Crane, not good at identifying so you can choose.

Here is Lake Dawson with the "Wind Mill" in the background.



Our lone duck on the Lake Dawson.


A couple of pictures of the Owl, maybe you can identify which kind.



Lurking in the corner is "Big Bird" or is it a Heron or Crane?

A Heat Wave hits Normal

Wow, all of the country has been getting hit by bad weather and we have had very pleasant days. Our backyard had quite a bit of activity this weekend and I was able to take a few pictures. Along with the squirrels we had starlings, house sparrows and a few new birds to our yard including Golden Crowned Kinglets, Chipping Sparrows and even a Brown Headed Cowbird. Only one bird could I not determine its character.

Yes, it was a lazy day here in the neighborhood and our pesky squirrel decided sit on the park bench for a spell and sun himself.

Which way did that Wrabbit Go?

I spotted the Easter Bunny out and about. He even posed for this picture. Mighty nice of him to give this full body shot. Problem is I didn't find any candy or eggs or even an empty basket. Lousy Wrabbit!

My wife thinks I want to claim this owl on my tax deductions, but I have only been looking for a better picture than the earlier pictures. At least on these you can find a little more of the owls color.