Days are getting longer

Birding lately has been much brighter, thanks to our days growing longer and the sun rising higher in the sky. That means that the birds are more active as well, and I have been noticing that many species are already pairing up and beginning to build nests. Spring won't be far behind and with it will bring a bussle of activity.

I have not posted since the last half of February following my trip to Seward for the Audubon Alaska field trip. My new bird sightings have had a 3 week dry spell. Not for lack of getting out and
searching I can tell you. I've been out searching for Ptarmigan, Snow Bunting, Rusty Blackbirds, and others that have been reported by others with nothing to show for it. I've gotten out and gotten some great shots of local wintering birds, but nothing new. That is, until Tuesday the 9th of March.

I was out on my daily birding walk during my lunch when I heard several Chickadees and Nuthatch's making a big fuss in the woods off the trail I was walking. I decided to investigate and I'm glad I did. The black spruce was thick, but I weaved my way through the thicket until I spotted the Nuthatch squawking at a nearby spruce. It was pointed toward another nearby spruce to my right. As I looked over, to my surprise sat a little Northern Saw-whet Owl staring at me with it's lunch (a small Chickadee or Nuthatch) half eaten underneath it. I can't believe how small these little owls are! I snapped a few photos and then let it finish it's lunch in peace. That owl broke my dry spell, and what a find!

I also ran into 3-4 Boreal Chickadees that day which were very inquisitive, coming very near to me. I wish I had had some peanut butter or seeds with me as I am sure they would have taken it from my hand. That was a really nice moment seeing them so close. At one point I was an arms reach from one of the little birds. Of course this close proximity and the wonderful lighting allowed me several photo opportunities which I was more than happy to take.

I also saw, for the first time, a couple of drake Common Mergansers being swarmed by 8 hens in open water swimming with local Mallards. They are a beautiful bird.

I am eagerly awaiting the birth of my daughter so I will be not as active for a few weeks once she's born. But soon after, it will be spring migration leading up to summer which brings all the songbirds, shorebirds, raptors, waterfowl and more back to the local ecosystem. It will be a great time for photos, as well as racking up my bird count!

Below are some recent photos from my outings.
As always, keep your eyes to the trees and your binoculars handy.