Random Photo Friday

Happy Friday! Has Spring arrived for you yet? We actually had a light snow earlier this week, and freezing temps again. Today it’s April Showers, but we’re expecting a warmer and mostly sunshiny weekend. Yay!

I’ve meant to blog about this beloved tree for a very long time. This very old oak resides near the fence on the back side of our farm. Last year our neighbors upgraded – took out the old fence row, put in brand new. There was one stipulation: save this tree! I so hope it continues to thrive. Before it was pruned, it had many large branches that dipped to the ground.
 

I miss the other trees that were sacrificed, but the positives are – new fence (!), and we have a better view of some things across the way. For example…

The old “Gaines Place” barn ---- (I fancied it up w/ some textures).

And this barn across from the Gaines barn…the superzoom created a nice painterly quality straight out of camera. Accidental art?

You know that I can’t go too long without some bird-blogging, right?

Is this a Chipping Sparrow?

Yes, Dude, we know.. time to mow the lawn again already <sigh>

Show Me some Blue! Love our state bird, and so grateful to my dear dad who keeps us well supplied with bluebird boxes. Thanks, Dad!

Finally, a Purple Martin telling a Sparrow to “Get Out!”

Have a great weekend, Friends!

Hee Haw.. Spring has Sprung!

My only regret on this little video is I missed those hearty brays at the beginning of the “rodeo!” Next time, little donkeys, next time…

We are having Spring storms in Missouri today. This was filmed a couple days ago.

Happy Spring!

You might say he’s an odd duck

At least, around our neck of the woods! But wow, isn’t he a beauty? This is a male Hooded Merganser I spied on our pond a few days ago. Thanks goes to my sister, the science teacher, who has educated me on some odd duck visitors we’ve had lately. She recommends PBS’ DUCKumentary to examine these fascinating feathered friends (good news – click the link to watch the full program online). Going to watch it soon! (And I just now noticed the video is limited to US and territories..).

Here’s the Hooded Merganser, without the “big hair” pose.

Again, but with the “big hair.” Definitely makes a statement, don’t you think?

I also saw our first Purple Martin yesterday. He was really singing to attract some purple girls!

Picture quality on all of the above is not the best. I somehow managed to change a setting by accident. I’m talented that way! It seems Spring has truly arrived here, and she is the most welcome visitor of all.

Hope you’re having a great week!

Linking to Wild Bird Wednesday: Check out Wild Bird Wednesday for beautiful wild birds around the world!

Duck.. duck.. goose!

Before the most recent snow, we had several duck visitors. Mallards, I believe?

 

Not sure about this group. Note the larger duck with slightly fluffy head.. one vote was for possibly a Gadwall. What do you think?

Hubby and I took a snow tour yesterday and HE spotted a pair of geese. I captured this one departing the scene. Oh, how I love them!

Winter has been “fun,” but I’m ready to move on. Raise your hand if you agree! The Fiddler has a birthday this weekend, and that’s also my cue to start some tomatoes, peppers and more in Jiffy pots with a grow light in the garage. I’ve also ordered my first round of seeds for the season. Trying to move forward…

Have a fabulous remainder to your week… promise me you’ll think Spring! (or try!)

Linking to Wild Bird Wednesday: Check out Wild Bird Wednesday for beautiful wild birds around the world!

Gonna have to face it…

I’m addicted to owls. Have you been following Alessondra’s Oklahoma City Great Horned Owl nest cam? There are two owlets.The parents are beautiful, and the owl-kids are adorable. I have to check in a few times a day, and sometimes just leave that window open while I do other things. Be sure to read the story behind the owl cam as well (Alessondra is an 8 year old girl). You can scroll down their page for FAQ’s. Night is a very active time to watch, with lots of “owl-yummies” brought in for the babies to eat.

Click here for the stream>> Alessondra's OKC Great Horned Owl-Cam

Photo from Alessondra’s Live Owl Cam Facebook page – “Like” their page to see more!

We seem to have several Great Horned Owls in our neck of the woods. I hear their calls often, but I haven’t seen one up close and personal yet. So I am enjoying this opportunity to observe these beauties and watch the babies grow. Thank you, Alessondra and family for sharing this with us!

We are in line for a Palm Sunday snowstorm. Wow! More snow to move! What are your weekend plans?

Happy St. Patrick’s Day

Perfect Day

What a beautiful day here in Missouri! 70’s and plentiful sunshine. Oh, how we’ve waited for this, even if it’s a brief respite. We enjoyed our walk late this afternoon. Immensely.

I know what you’re thinkin’ – oh good grief, not another video?!  You’ll see a beautiful pair of Canadian geese in flight (one is a little wobbly), Chloe and Goldie playing, and Chloe is savoring the last bit of snow, and some of our little waterfalls here on the farm. So good to see that water flowing too. Banjo was with us too. She just didn’t score an on screen part this time, but next time for sure!

A Beautiful Day

The goose pair, in “hidey” mode.

Finally, from us to you, Happy St. Patrick’s Day this weekend!

Linking up to Farm Fun Friday!

Also linking to Wild Bird Wednesday: Check out Wild Bird Wednesday for beautiful wild birds around the world!

Woodpeeker

I loved watching this “peeky” Female Downy Woodpecker yesterday at the feeders. So tiny, sweet, and a bit cautious.

Behavior: Downy Woodpeckers hitch around tree limbs and trunks or drop into tall weeds to feed on galls, moving more acrobatically than larger woodpeckers. Their rising-and-falling flight style is distinctive of many woodpeckers. In spring and summer, Downy Woodpeckers make lots of noise, both with their shrill whinnying call and by drumming on trees. Habitat: You’ll find Downy Woodpeckers in open woodlands, particularly among deciduous trees, and brushy or weedy edges. They’re also at home in orchards, city parks, backyards and vacant lots. Location: Year-round over most of United States, and a good portion of Canada. source

Check out Wild Bird Wednesday for beautiful wild birds around the world!