Come Rain or Come Shine

I decided to thumb my nose to the forecasted rain today and get out there to bird. The weather was dismal and cold but the birds didn't seem to care much so neither did I. All of the photos I took are lousy because of the gray skies and rain. Birding under these conditions is getting rather depressing. One good thing about it though is there are not as many people out on the paths to scare the birds away.

I met up with a fellow birder for a while who needed to check up on the Raven. As you can see from this rough digiscope she is doing fine and still on her eggs. Look at her peeking at us. She is so sweet.

A picture of a Northern Rough Winged Swallow. LIFER!! There were a half dozen of these at the cemetery in Grafton and they spent their entire time skimming the surface of the water for bugs despite the wind driven rain. Very interesting to observe.

A Norther Flicker (Lifer!). Yes I know it's a common bird but one I had not seen yet. When I first heard its call I thought for one faint second the it was the Pileated, but it wasn't as high pitched. The call almost sounds like a Robin imitating a Pileated. Very cool bird and it doesn't seem that afraid of people. I can't wait until we get better weather because I want a photo that will do this lovely looking bird justice.

The closest photo I have gotten of a Belted Kingfisher this year. I had to take this one through the windshield of my car as I was afraid if I got out of my vehicle, it would fly off.

Eastern Phoebe. I have been seeing them everywhere I go lately.

Another gull photo people! I just can't seem to help myself. This time it's a Great Black Backed and in its first winter plumage. There is also a third year Great Black Backed on this pond that I couldn't get a decent picture of. I will go back tomorrow to see if the sun makes it easier. This gull is the largest gull in the world and you can really tell the difference when you see it next to the Ring Billed Gull.

Speaking of not being able to help myself, another photo of the Graylag Goose. Despite his disdain of me, I am drawn to him like a moth to light. I don't know what it is about him, but whenever it comes near I have to take its photo. If anyone has an anser anser on why this could be, please let me know. I will be keeping my eye on this goose as the birder who lives in my town told me they have been know to interbreed with Canada Geese. He is always with the one in the far back of this picture so it will be interesting to see if anything comes from it. I can only imagine what the geese will look like!

Have a wonderful Easter everyone! My mother is going away this weekend so it is the first time I will not be cooking for 10 people! In fact, my oldest son is making dinner tomorrow at his insistence. He told me to go out birding and to be home by noon! What could be better than that!