On Jan 5 & 6, I made a couple more trips to add more birds to my year list – and enjoy whatever other sights were encountered along the way. This doe sure kept a close eye on me as I walked one of the trails at the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge.
There was little open water at the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge, but the water birds were making due and the light was just right for displaying the colors in plumage that often looks black, as with this common goldeneye. The head of this species often appears to be black. In this light we can see there is more color there.
The tail-up posture of nothern pintails gives them a proud appearance, does it not?
This pair of pileated woodpeckers chased each other in a dance around the cottonwood tree trunk.
The dance concluded, the two flew to separate trees and one landed close to me on a burned snag.
The following day I birded the Mission Valley. With rough-legged hawks seemingly being present on every power pole or fence post, I suppose it was inevitable that eventually I would roll up on one, using my car as a blind, and have one sit still, despite how flighty these birds are. I think that’s because I interrupted her meal.
48 bird species on the year list, and counting…
You have some nice photos here, Katie. You caught the iridescence of the goldeneye just right and I like that you got both Pintails sharp. I love those elegant ducks. But I’m especially jealous of the Pileated Woodpecher shots. I don’t even have a category for the species in my organizer. I suspect it’s turned very cold and snowy up there like it has here. I hope that gives you some photo opportunities that you can’t get otherwise, like those conditions often do for me.
Beautiful photos of the ducks. I have to agree with Ron above, the Pileated Woodpecker photos are spectacular! Such awesome birds!! I recently had an up-close and personal visit with one, and was able to snap some pics and video with my iPhone. Check it out on my bird lady blog.
http://birdladyblog.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-best-of-birding-adventures.html
Great pictures, especially the Northern Pintails (I have to admit, I’m very biased towards them because they happen to be my favorite Duck)!