Bird pics

[Oakley388]

A few from Monday in the photo blind down at the refuge.

 

[gouch]

Not the best quality photo but I love the look he gave me as I took the picture

 

[charliebravo77]

A variety of birds:

Robin Dinner by charliebravo77, on Flickr

ATX Zoo by charliebravo77, on Flickr

ATX Zoo by charliebravo77, on Flickr

ATX by charliebravo77, on Flickr

Urban Critters by charliebravo77, on Flickr

Canada Goose by charliebravo77, on Flickr

Lunch by charliebravo77, on Flickr

 

[mtmiller]

Shorebird weekend. Here is a Marbled Godwit.

 

[Hunting Wife]

Nice! Got any curlews?

 

[archer wapiti]

Exciting news is that a male American Dipper that arrived in early April to claim a nest box on the stream in front of the cabin has found a mate. One week ago they began nest building. Each morning and evening they display and sing a lively duet, then add streamside mosses to the box. Recent snow storms have slowed the progress but they seem to be a solid pair, copulating copiously. We're able to watch this from our dining table. Here's a pic I took of the box on the stream a few minutes ago, and another from a previous year of a pair passing nest material. I don't want to disturb them much at this stage. I do plan to band the adults once the eggs are laid, and later the young prior to fledging. I believe dipper populations have been slowly recovering since the big flood of 2013.

River fishermen may be familiar with dippers. American Dippers (Cinclus mexicanus) are North America's only aquatic songbird. They live on mountain streams throughout the west. Dippers can dive and fly under rushing waters to walk along the bottom for aquatic insects. Many times I've watched them capture small trout to feed their young at the nest. They build a domed cavity nest of mosses on ledges overhanging moving water. The Dipper Box is one I designed ~35 years ago and I have placed them on mountain streams throughout Colorado. Dippers are one of my favorite birds!

This summer I plan to place dipper boxes in Switzerland, France and Italy for the European White-throated Dipper. Should be an adventure.


View attachment 105556

View attachment 105557

That's really cool! I didn't know there was a nest box plan for these guys. Among my favorites as well!

 

[mtmiller]

Nice! Got any curlews?

Nothing yet this year. I seem to bump into them all the time while working, but not on my weekend expeditions. Most of my time was on the marsh this weekend.

 

[theyeti]

Great images. Can't wait until I can find the time to get out.

 

[kansasdad]

Thanks for your stellar work mtmiller. I for one appreciate when you inform us of the specific species that you capture. I love going to bird school with you.

 

[bobbydean]

I, also, appreciate identifying the bird. Living in the desert, I do not have much bird knowledge.

Thanks for the photos and description.

 

[mtmiller]

Thanks for your stellar work mtmiller. I for one appreciate when you inform us of the specific species that you capture. I love going to bird school with you.

I, also, appreciate identifying the bird. Living in the desert, I do not have much bird knowledge.

Thanks for the photos and description.

Sorry about that. I will get carried away on this one. American Avocet. Pretty cool bird to me.

Splashing water on the girl.

Getting the go ahead.

Happy dance.

 

[Lige]

 

[huronmtns]