One bee was on the reliable heather which blooms throughout the winter.
I also found a bee collecting pollen on the snow crocus early today when the temperature was in the 40s.
With temperatures climbing into the upper 50s, I took a walk in the woods to the back pastures.
These holes on the sugar maple tree were made by a yellow-bellied sapsucker probably in the last day or two. They were oozing sap which should have attracted something, bees, mourning cloak butterflies but nothing was there.
This red-tailed hawk was capturing thermals, flying higher and higher above our big pasture. He comes near our feeders too to prey on the birds. The last time I noticed him, a single blue jay chased him away. So, I guess I am feeling better about blue jays.
Back from the walk, I noticed two more Dutch Irises blooming. That was fast. I need to remember to plant more next fall--I always say that in the spring.
A Brown Creeper was spotted near the bird feeders. I noticed this bird for the first time last fall. Now, it seems I see him everyday. Why had I not seen this bird before? Maybe he was attracted by the flocks of birds.
Although the creeper does look similar to the White-Breasted Nuthatch, his behavior is very different. The nuthatch goes down the tree while the brown creeper starts at the bottom and circles the tree going up. On the ground, he creeps just like his name suggests.
The nuthatch also feeds on the suet whereas I have not seen the creeper there yet. Maybe he will figure it out soon.
With the days longer and a few warm days now and then, I am feeling that spring is not far away.
Your photos are always so good. Am very jealous of your skill, and probably your camera. Glad to see the bees out.
ReplyDeletenature enchants me daily.
ReplyDeletebeautiful photo sharing.
the wild magnolia--thanks. I too find nature enchanting as well as inspiring.
ReplyDeletewebb--thanks for the note. I just replaced my old Canon Rebel (first generation) with the newest version. I still have the same telephoto and macro lenses which I used for most of these pictures. I am still learning about the new features.
Those Dutch Iris blooms are beautiful! I'd like to think spring is just around the corner, but folks not very far to my north are experiencing quite a blizzard at the moment.
ReplyDeleteAhhhh...spring.... Nice walk around your garden. The Brown Creeper ar my sisters loved bark butter. You can make it or buy it at Wild Birds Unlimited ..just spread it on tree bark... Beware..i
ReplyDeleteMarvin--So far, February is quite wintery with a few warm days in between. I think we have been spared the worst weather while the Northeast and Midwest are getting it. Stay warm.
ReplyDeletedAwN--Thanks Dawn. I will look up how to make that bark butter. I guess if I put it out I would use only a little since the raccoons visit at night here.
Beautiful captures!! Love the bee on the white flower.
ReplyDelete