There’s been a marked decline in the number of sunspots over the past decade or so. That’s what NASA scientists say, and I have no reason to doubt their research findings. Luckily, I haven’t observed any reduction in the terrestrial version of this phenomenon. Hardly a day has passed lately when I’ve not been blinded […]
Tag: birds
Costa Rica Update
My second tour complete, so naturally, lots of editing waiting on the hard drives. Both of the 2013 tours were very successful, wonderful guests, amazing nature to see and photograph. This most recent trip was exceptional as we were able to stand in a farmers field and watch Quetzals with their nest. A tree line […]
‘A Bestiary’ ~ Downy Woodpecker and Red-bellied Woodpecker
The Downy Woodpecker, picoides pubescens and the Red-bellied Woodpecker, Melanerpes carolinus are featured in my last installment of ‘A Bestiary’ over at Native Plants and Wildlife Gardens. Downy Woodpeckers are friends to farmers and gardeners in that they enjoy dining on apple borers, tent caterpillars and more unwelcome insects. These smaller woodpeckers are often seen […]
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius)
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) is the second featured woodpecker for my ‘A Bestiary’ – antidotal tales and more about the wildlife living in and around Flower Hill Farm Retreat. You can read more about these valuable birds by clicking on Native Plants and Wildlife Gardens. These industrious members of the Picidae family contribute to the […]
Ten ways to rise for nature
Here is 10 ways to contribute to your native wildlife… – Enthuse others – Make aneffort to encourage other people to take an interest or increase their interest in the natural world.Whetheryou are watching peregrines in the lake district with fell walkers passing by or you are watching a kingfisher on a rivertributaryin an urban […]
Hooded Merganser – Lophdytes cucullatus
What I love about winter in New England is that the pond start to freeze up and it concentrates the ducks and other birds into smaller areas that have open water. At a local pond in Plymouth Massachusetts, it becomes much easier to photograph and observe hooded mergansers. I was able to observe and photograph […]
Fio Fio (Elaenia albiceps) and Wasp
I was waiting for a hummingbird when this Fio Fio (Elaenia albiceps chilensis) perches on this flower. Suddenly the wasp appears attracting his attention. Result: unexpected meal. Note: Thanks very much to all who votes for my “Andean hummingbird” for best photo of the year 2012.
A Winter’s Morning At Zoar Wetland, Ohio
The past few nights here in the southern portion of Northeast Ohio have been in the teens, so I’ve been thinking about the “odd couple” at Zoar Wetland. This past autumn, a goose and brown duck (no one seems to know the proper name, although it does resemble a Mallard), took up residence at the […]