Bird Sightings on The Kawishiwi River

Our trip to Ely Minnesota introduced us to wonderful friends as well as abundant wildlife.  This writing was a sunny morning a few days after we arrived.  Rain had kept us indoors and we were feeling excited to go birding.  A fellow birder, Bill Tefft, had shown us this sight on a "Wednesday Bird Walk" from the welcome center. This area was on Burch Lake and the Kawishiwi

Northern Parula

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Least Flycatcher

Black and White Warbler

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Yellow Warbler

Magnolia Warbler

Common Grackle

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Black-capped Chickadee

River at the dam.  We parked, grabbed our gear and walked down the path to the water. Birds greeted us flying in many directions. We managed to get our cameras set up and began trying to photograph the small warblers moving so very fast through the trees.  I remember thinking "this is a birder's dream come true, yellow birds flitting everywhere".  This was taking place around 8:30 a.m..  It was morning feeding for them and pure excitement for us.  I am sure most of you are aware that many Warblers spend their nesting and summers in this northern part of the United States.  This is August so many are leaving or will be leaving soon to move south for the winter.  We spent four hours in this utopia and then enjoyed a picnic lunch sitting by the river.  It was as perfect a day as we could be given on this earth.  We counted 27 species that surrounded us in this small area. Amazing, we were Blessed!

Energy in Motion, Hummingbirds!

This is not my first post on Hummingbirds and it will not be my last one.  I believe these tiny birds provide entertainment for we humans as much or more than any other species of bird.  We are fascinated by their speed, attitude and habits.  Last year J.G. and I happened upon a Hummer nest while we were traveling in the Arizona, New Mexico area. We found it while we were on an early walk through our RV Park. On close inspection of an Oleander bush, we saw the nest.  I must say it seemed to me to be tiny, precise and beautifully made. This nest belonged to an Anna's Hummingbird.  We walked back for our cameras and were blessed to capture the beauty.  We photographed the Buff-bellied Hummingbird on a visit to Goose Island State Park.  This bird has a beautiful red bill and green throat.  Mother's day was truly a "buzz" with Hummingbirds in our yard. The week or two before had kept us busy filling our nectar feeders. One feeder is all that is necessary to satisfy the few Hummingbirds we enjoy now.  This 2015 spring brought many more Ruby-throat Hummingbirds than 2014 did to our yard. I believe each year is unique and we just anticipate seeing as many as visit. While in Austin in May, a visit to Pedernales State Park allowed me some nice photos of the Black-chinned.  I love the purple band under his black chin.  I hope you enjoy these amazing birds where and when you see them.  Blessings!

The Nashville

This four and one half inch warbler has brought smiles to my face more times than any other bird.  Normally the Nashville Warbler is only a migratory visitor to our part of the United States.  We always anticipate seeing him on his trip north for the summer.  He loves his bath and you can visually see his enthusiasm at the water.  My nickname for him is "Personality Cute".  His fluffed feathers and chestnut crown make him an adorable sight.  His crown is more concealed most of the time.  The white eye ring is very distinct and is a quick  identifier along with his gray blue head.  I believe he is the only North American warbler with a yellow throat, no wing bars, a white eye ring and a blue-gray head.  He jumps around and moves quickly as do other warblers.  He never seems to mind if others bathe or watch as he is in the water. He is not intimidated easily as you will notice in my photos.   I have noticed that several different warblers often come to the water together. I assume that they are traveling together.  You will most likely not have a problem identifying this little bird.  Here's hoping he pays you a visit at your water.  Blessings!