Clever as a Fox!

Our Park Director installed squirrel-proof bird feeders in his quest to outsmart them! Wrong!! They found a tiny hole where spring attaches and can pull out seeds with their tongues!

On top of the hummingbird feeder - caught in the act ---

Baby Robins OUT OF THE NEST 6-29-08

These little peepers were seen in the grass under a pine tree today.

A nest was seen directly above them. They were moved a few feet to be under the cover of some bushes. Crossing our fingers for the little sweeties!

Baby Bird Alert Video 6-29

A robin parent should surely hear this!

Osprey Banding Trip, Part IV, 6-28-08

Suzanne and Loretta return their chicks to the nest platforms

Bob, with help, displays the large female chick who should fledge very soon.

Osprey Banding Trip, Part III

Normal view of a nest, but as our boat approaches, the adults leave with a warning call to the chicks....

"You can't see us. We're hiding!"
Pickerelweed and cattails......
The lightest green foliage below is wild rice. It is an important staple for birds, particularly those migrating in the fall. Our naturalist, Greg, has gone to great lengths to revive our stand by replanting, fencing off areas, and helping start an early goose hunting season. Resident geese consume the seedlings.

Osprey Banding Trip, Part II

Great Blue Heron



The Twins
The Menace!



Triplets

Osprey Chick Sounds 6-28-08

Today we heard sounds from both adult ospreys flying over the nest and larger chicks. Had never witnessed this before--almost like a light quacking. We're all familiar with the squealing type calls--this is probably a distress sound.

Osprey Banding at PRP 6-28-08

Here are the reps of NCTC Bloggers & Eaglet Mom & Dadsters
















Suzanne holding her osprey chick







Loretta with her chick




















Bob with the BIG osprey chick. Check out those wings!

Wood duck eggs

Chelsea Spotties 6-25-08

Gypsy Kitty Party Guests

Slumber Party after the Birthday Festivities

House Wren Finale June 20, '08

At 6:30 PM on June 20, the female wren returned to the house. She looked inside and up and down in Magnolia Acres, saw no one and flew away! Shortly Mr Wren was heard singing in a neighbor's yard with some chirpy replies.

Later, Tufty Titmouse, the Real Estate agent stopped by for a visit, but no one was home.......
.....so he went about his professional duties.
God speed. We hope to see you next year---same time, same place.

House Wrens and Magnolia Acres Part III

And then we saw THREE!! Mom and Dad have been delivering food nonstop since the hatching.........

....however, on this day there was a long delay in food. Impatient chick said, "if they don't come soon, I'm going to have to go get us lunch!"
"Should I fledge soon? Can't do wingercises in here."

P.S. On Friday, June 20 at 7:30 AM, little Mr. Nosey came OUT onto the perch but went back into the house!

Other residents appeared for lunch----Dad and Sonny downy woodpeckers.

House Wrens Part II cont'd

Mr Wren can even sing with his mouth full!

Baby Peeps

House Wrens Part II

Mr Wren, Opera Star

This was shot to capture the sound-(pic is a little blurry)

House Wrens at "Magnolia Acres" Part I

There is a sweetbay magnolia near the back of our house, next to the deck. It contains suets, hummingbird feeder and wren birdhouse. It came from the woods many years ago and explicit orders were given to resident handyman before deck building of "don't touch that tree"!!

"I know I can get this furniture in that door!"
For about 3 days, decorating continued. Then Ms Wren began her incubation vigil.
Incoming food!! Someone must have hatched!
Junior occupants became visible and audible!

Lunar Eclipse 2-20-08

Here was the moon at 9:57 PM

Eagle Nest at PRP June 10 2008

Tuesday PM, June 10, revealed an empty nest at Patuxent River Park. On Saturday, June 7, one eaglet was seen in the nest (humidity prevented taking photos), so the two seen have fledged!! Hope we see some of the family perch in clearer spots!

Delta, B. C. Cartoon

Finland Ospreys June 12, 2008

Tip: Click once on pictures to enlarge.

One tiny chick's head is to the right of the vertical stick near Mom's feet.

Male osprey mad and hollering at something!