Birds in Review Part XVIII 'A Bird Parade'

Bohemian Waxwings

The Great Backyard Bird Count continues through tomorrow. Yesterday we had horrific winds and every respectable bird was hidden somewhere safe. Today was bright and without

the howling Boreas or north winds, I  did count many Cedar

 Waxwings and Robins in the Crabapple Orchard.

Cedar Waxwings

Above is a portrait of a Robin singing in the Spring . . .  then another below seemingly of a surly disposition. 

Perhaps his scowling expression has more to do with defending his nesting area, for I was close to the Apple tree where later a nest was built. I do think the light paints both of these photographs with a drop of magic. 

I have not seen the Cardinals in many days, for last summer's drought prevented the Rosa rugosa from producing many rose hips. 

This will be interesting for the bird count, for they are usually here every day during the winter months. It will show from my last years list that they are missing.

I have seen two pairs of Chickadees however.

I love this spring shot showing a male singing his tiny heart out. 

I have counted two Titmice! These images from last year are to me very dear.

The image above and below were taken today. Those little black dotted eyes look towards me, as if to say . . . Well what do you have for me please? 

The Bluebirds checked in today, as well, and I can add five to my list so far. 

This is the first posting of my 'Bird Parade' . . .  a list in images of the birds photographed here in my wildlife habitat and gardens over the last two years. I am digging through my archives to line them all up in a colorful procession.

The processions of night and day . . . moon and sun . . .  continue across the sky above Flower Hill Farm. February full moon is seen here rising over Carey Hill. I long to paint a sky so beautiful. 

Next morning sunrise, painting a rose gouache wash above the Mount Holyoke Range.

A welcome spell of warmer days did eat the winter cake, not leaving a snow crumb behind. I cannot be certain another cake will not be created, before this winter is through with us. 

My bird parade will take me back into spring, summer and fall which will help brighten the coming chilling cold days. 

Birds in Review Part II 'In Flight'

Immature Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Indigo Bunting

Male Eastern Bluebirds

Male Eastern Bluebird

American Robin

Robins love the Crabapples this time of year!

Black-capped Chickadee

Male and Female Northern Cardinals

Rose hips are a favorite of the Cardinals.

Male Northern Cardinal

Male Scarlet Tananger

Blue-headed Vireo

Immature Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Migrating Ruby-throated Hummingbird sipping  very late blooming Lilac

Now that we have stepped firmly into 2011, I wish to take on the stance of Janus and look back, as I look forward, to glean through archives of mostly 2010. Several posts will illustrate the flora and fauna that visit or live in the gardens, with one or two being from 2009 archives . . .  the year I began blogging. I will be sharing more birds with you . . . here you will see birds in flight and alight . . .  both in being settled and by chance, as all of my photos are captured in that serendipitous way. All of these wondrous birds are captured here at Flower Hill Farm throughout the seasons in their habitat of choice. I have no bird feeders, but my garden and forest do feed my feathered friends year round. I never feel alone in the gardens, for there are always little black eyes watching me. The photos I take are always by chance. After years of working the land and gardens many birds have honored me by taking up residency. All I have to do to get portraits these days is to get out into the gardens. Some magical encounter usually happens. The key is to have my camera! I hope you are enjoying embarking on this new year and that these images bring you joy. Thank you so much for all of the warm New Year Greetings! The upcoming post will offer Bird Duets . . . both dueling and in more amorous moods.

April Garden Bloggers Bloom Day and Blooming Friday!

Little dapper Chickadee enjoys the view front and back.

Looking over from the north towards the gardens just behind the barn studio. Last minute clean up still going on.

My stick garden of Lilacs, Viburnums, Quince, Roses, Hydrangea and Forsythia . . . now just look a bit more to your left . . . 

Japanese Tree Lilac, English Hawthorne, Viburnums and Roses will expand into blooms soon. 

Just down below from the Japanese Tree Lilac we are in the north field where wild flowers grow. We are looking south towards the Blueberry fields and Mount Tom.

Truly Trillium. 

Daffodils are scattered all around the farm.

This lovely chorus of Daffodils can survive quite well in a dreaded carpet of goutweed!

Goldfinches are joining the colorful leaves and blooms with sprouting buttery yellow plumes.

Yummy Lilacs swell into the light!

Flowering Quince is the first shrubbery to bloom in the north garden!

Weeping Cherry and Star Magnolia still showering with blooms.

The south garden is all abloom with a mystery white Prunus adding to the white of birch and Magnolia.  It is Garden Bloggers Bloom Day (one day late) and Blooming Friday. I am happy to be able to join others around the world who join Carol's May Dreams Gardens and Katarina's Roses and Stuff. Happy Blooms! SPECIAL NOTE: I DID NOT KNOW TILL JUST NOW THAT THERE IS NO BLOOMING FRIDAY ANYMORE! THANKS SO TO KATARINA WHO INTRODUCED ME TO MY TREASURED FRIENDS IN SWEDEN! I WILL MISS YOUR DAY KATARINA!