Less a sighting than a hearing, but the wood frogs are awake here in West Virginia, USA. And my neighbor spotted a bald eaglet in the cow pasture. I’ve been enjoying watching its parent stretch its wings in the warming air. (So far, the eagles have left our chickens alone, which I credit entirely to our terrifying, noisy geese.)
That all sounds very exciting compared to my local wildlife - I suppose you might say the same about the some of our locals, though I’m not sure which ones. We see peregrine falcons, ravens and hedgehogs relatively often, perhaps those?
Besides our regular sparrows, I've been seeing some birds with a reddish throat and face. I'm not sure what they are, if they had a crest I would think Cardinals but I've never seeing one on this area. Yesterday I saw a big hawk and today I spotted a lonely crow too. And at night I've been hearing an owl.
Lovely post and photos. Thank you for sharing them with us. I have never seen a marsh harrier, what a spectacular bird! I haven’t heard a chiffchaff yet, but it’s heartening to think that it won’t be long! Sending good wishes to you and your Dad.
Yes I discovered that recently too! We also have firecrests, which have a black eye stripe - their crests overlap so much in colour that it really wasn’t the best choice of name
Beautiful photos! I'm envious of all your spring sightings. There have been few whiffs of spring here thus far, but I'm hopeful that I will start to see signs in a few weeks. Temps are supposed to go to double digits for the first time in months tomorrow, so perhaps that will get rid of some of the snow. Fingers crossed! I will go look for some hardy birds tomorrow despite their scarcity!
Sending healing vibes to your father. Please do take care of yourself as well. Having navigated cancer with both my parents, I know all too well the toll it takes on the whole family.
Thank you, that’s very kind. I hope the snow has cleared - the wildlife seems to think it’s going to be a good year, it’s active far more early than usual - I hope it’s right!
Gorgeous images, as always; but I feel the pain your dad’s absence causes threaded throughout your words of joy at the return of spring and sunshine. Look after yourself; and I really hope his health improves soon.
PS: My spare battery is usually in the other pocket, buried under a glove.
Thank you, that’s so kind. We seem to be edging closer to dad coming home (so I’d better find his ‘spare’ memory card I borrowed that is probably in a pocket under a glove somewhere)
First chiffchaff for me today. About a week earlier than last year. I love hearing about Fowlmere. It’s not too far from me and I always enjoy a walk around.
All healing energy for your dad. I hope you can spend some time at the blind together soon 🦆
Common Grackles and Red-winged Blackbirds are back. Song Sparrows singing like crazy. Eastern Phoebes and Louisiana Waterthrushes soon.
I LOVE Grackles. I met some on holiday once and they were so naughty!
Less a sighting than a hearing, but the wood frogs are awake here in West Virginia, USA. And my neighbor spotted a bald eaglet in the cow pasture. I’ve been enjoying watching its parent stretch its wings in the warming air. (So far, the eagles have left our chickens alone, which I credit entirely to our terrifying, noisy geese.)
That all sounds very exciting compared to my local wildlife - I suppose you might say the same about the some of our locals, though I’m not sure which ones. We see peregrine falcons, ravens and hedgehogs relatively often, perhaps those?
I would die of excitement if I saw a hedgehog. 💚🦔
Likewise, all the best wishes for your dad. (From a tablet…)
Besides our regular sparrows, I've been seeing some birds with a reddish throat and face. I'm not sure what they are, if they had a crest I would think Cardinals but I've never seeing one on this area. Yesterday I saw a big hawk and today I spotted a lonely crow too. And at night I've been hearing an owl.
Lovely post and photos. Thank you for sharing them with us. I have never seen a marsh harrier, what a spectacular bird! I haven’t heard a chiffchaff yet, but it’s heartening to think that it won’t be long! Sending good wishes to you and your Dad.
Today I learned: what I know as a golden-crowned kinglet. You call a goldcrest!
Yes I discovered that recently too! We also have firecrests, which have a black eye stripe - their crests overlap so much in colour that it really wasn’t the best choice of name
A lovely walk through the forest with you. Well wishes to your dad. Hope he can join you again soon!
Beautiful photos! I'm envious of all your spring sightings. There have been few whiffs of spring here thus far, but I'm hopeful that I will start to see signs in a few weeks. Temps are supposed to go to double digits for the first time in months tomorrow, so perhaps that will get rid of some of the snow. Fingers crossed! I will go look for some hardy birds tomorrow despite their scarcity!
Sending healing vibes to your father. Please do take care of yourself as well. Having navigated cancer with both my parents, I know all too well the toll it takes on the whole family.
Thank you, that’s very kind. I hope the snow has cleared - the wildlife seems to think it’s going to be a good year, it’s active far more early than usual - I hope it’s right!
Heard the first chiffchaff here as well. And the skylarks, oh their song, I love it!
Best of wishes for your Dad.
Gorgeous images, as always; but I feel the pain your dad’s absence causes threaded throughout your words of joy at the return of spring and sunshine. Look after yourself; and I really hope his health improves soon.
PS: My spare battery is usually in the other pocket, buried under a glove.
Thank you, that’s so kind. We seem to be edging closer to dad coming home (so I’d better find his ‘spare’ memory card I borrowed that is probably in a pocket under a glove somewhere)
First chiffchaff for me today. About a week earlier than last year. I love hearing about Fowlmere. It’s not too far from me and I always enjoy a walk around.
It’s so special for such a small reserve, I could go every day!
I love all the photos, especially the ones of the Marsh Harrier. Thanks for sharing 🤍