Tuesday, March 22, 2022

Let's Go and Find a Bald Eagle's Nest, Miriam.....

 20 March, 2022

World Sparrow Day

     I had no idea that a day had been set aside to honour House Sparrows (Passer domesticus) and in fact 20 March, 2022 was the tenth anniversary of this auspicious marker.
     In commemoration, I give you a handsome male from our backyard.


A Raptor-ous Day

     Our goal in setting out was to find a Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nest reported to Miriam by her niece, Julie. As it turned out the day turned into a raptor bonanza.
     It was not long before we detected a very cooperative Merlin(Falco columbarius) perched at the  top of a tree.


     Rarely does one have the opportunity to enjoy this spectacular little falcon for ten minutes, but this was one of those days.


     Miriam moved stealthily towards it without causing it concern, and was at one point almost underneath the bird.
     We still had the Bald Eagle in mind, but we were already filled with elation.
     We are familiar with the general location of the eagle's nest as described by Julie, and had little trouble finding it. In fact a couple of old birding friends were already there when we arrived. 


     We were advised that the eggs have now been incubated for twenty-one days. Normal incubation period for a Bald Eagle is 34 - 35 days so hatching is not too far off.
     The recovery of the Bald Eagle across the continent is a sign of hope for raptorial species that are no longer persecuted by humans. Left to their own devices they have the ability to thrive. In the process they provide incredible joy to gob-smacked humans. A Bald Eagle's nest may no longer be rare; it is no less special though.
     Rough-legged Buzzards (Buteo lagopus) have for the most part left our area by now, but this individual patrolled the sky above us.


     
There were of course other birds to be enjoyed. American Robins (Turdus migratorius) seem to be everywhere, feeding together and starting to pair off in anticipation of breeding.


     Horned Larks (Eremophila alpestris) were not hard to find either.


     Areas that mere days ago were still snow-covered are now bare, soon to green up as the magical transformation to spring occurs.


     Rapidly flowing streams and rivers, swollen by snow melt, carried Common Mergansers (Mergus mergansers) on the current.

Common Merganser ♂

Common Merganser ♀

     And there were more Horned Larks.


     We circled back to take another look at the eagle's nest and this shot will give you an idea of how distant the nest is from the only convenient vantage point to see it.


     The bird on the nest had turned to face the other way. 


      Both sexes share incubation duties but the female does most of the daytime shift.
      Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus), that most delightful of plovers, scurried around sodden fields and ploughed land.


     In continuation of our good fortune with raptors we thought ourselves exalted when this handsome Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) did not immediately fly off, not exhibiting the usual healthy caution hawks have for humans who throughout history have signalled death from the barrel of a gun.


     Our final raptor of the day was an American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) in an area where we have seen a pair in the past. I suspect they breed there, but I can't confirm it. This is one species that is very difficult to photograph. Almost as soon as you stop the car they fly off. 



Fairy Blogmother

     As you know, I recently had a makeover on my blog, and I am delighted with its new, clean look and greatly improved functionality. I was ably assisted in this endeavour by Linda Primmer, the Fairy Blogmother.
     Linda is kind, considerate, patient, competent, unflappable, charming, friendly and reasonable in every way. I have no hesitation in saying that if you too need a new look, don't hesitate to contact Linda with complete confidence.

www.myfairyblogmother.com
www.lifeandlinda.com

A Great Way to End the Day

     A little while after arriving home, right after dinner in fact, we watched a You Tube video of a Berlin Philharmonic performance of Beethoven's Violin Concerto with Daniel Barenboim conducting and  Yitzhak Perlman as the featured soloist. Surely this kind of music is one of the hallmarks of western civilization; a civilization one had reason to question  not so many years ago, and given what is happening in Ukraine, one cannot help but think that the veneer of civilization is precariously thin.
     There is clear irony that two unbelievably talented Jewish musicians were performing with Germany's finest orchestra, one of the greatest orchestras in the word in fact, when mere years ago they would have been dispatched to the gas chambers, or perhaps have fallen victim to the Einzatzgruppen. 
     And now, we have another Jew, desperate to save his country from the aggression of another psychopath, calling on the world for help, and watching as his cities are destroyed and people are being slaughtered or forced to flee. We have been here before. We never learn, do we?
     Better I focus on the birds and the music, on the joy they bring. It's hard not to despair for the future of humanity, however.
David M. Gascoigne,
David M. Gascoigne,

I'm a life long birder. My interests are birds, nature, reading, books, outdoors, travel, food and wine.

68 comments:

  1. ...eagles are something that I rarely see.

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  2. They are verging on common around here, Tom.

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  3. Every time I see a photo of a Merlin, I'm taken back to my age of ignorance, when I thought Merlin was only a magician! Eventually, I learned about Merlin-the-bird, and the Merlin app that's very useful for a novice birder. I'm hearing more and more about a pair of Bald Eagles nesting at a lake about thirty miles away. That's certainly close enough for a visit!

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  4. Hari OM
    Rapturous, birds and music! YAM xx

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  5. Beautiful photos David, I like the birds in your country. Your header is very beautiful with the kingfishers. Nice new look of your blog.

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  6. Ah, house sparrows... We have so _many_ of them. It's exciting to see joy in even the most common birds, but I'm enjoying your photos of birds we don't get here, too.

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  7. We have a Bald Eagle nest quite near where we live. When the eagles first arrived a few years ago, they were a rarity and a great "tourist attraction." Now they are mostly ignored and I'm sure they prefer it that way.

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  8. Today we took a walk again along the Rhein river and all we saw was CROWS, ok, and a few megpies.

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  9. Les rapaces étaient nombreux et ce sont bien laisser prendre en photos!
    Cela fait toujours plaisir de voir des moineaux. Bonne journée

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  10. The Hawks, The Eagles and The Falcons are very pretty. It must be very nice to photograph them so close.
    Great photos, David. Here in Norway there is a man called "Fotobonden"/ PhotoFarmer, who has got his own tv program. He have filmed a lot of Golden eagles, and it is so nice to watch the programs. It is a program with sheeps too, because his wife coach border collie dogs. It is a very nice family program :)
    The makeover of your blog have been a great success!
    Hugs and kisses, Marit

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    1. We see Golden Eagles here too, Marit, but generally only in migration. Always a wonderful sight. Hugs and kisses, David

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  11. What a fantastic raptor day you had. We only have few compared to you as Denmark is such a small country and unfortunately has the dubious first place of being the country in Europe with the least nature in percentage (which does not seem to worry the decision-makers much. There are many lessons we humans should learn. War included. He so desperately wants the Soviet Union back, even though history and especially the Russian Revolution show that it is not possible to oppress people forever. Shame on him.)
    I am, however, pleased to see that your snow is melting and that the Bald Eagle is nesting.
    Lisbeth

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  12. I've never seen a Bald Eagle here in Ireland.

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  13. David, such a wonderful post with beautiful photos of hawks, eagles and falcons. Nature is so beautiful. How special to see 🦅 eagles. Thank you so much for the lovely compliment on your blog makeover. It was my pleasure to work with you. Cheers to happy blogging.

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  14. I really, really like your fresh clean blog make over.
    And love the plethora of birds that you shared.
    On the human front? I so often despair about our species...

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  15. "World Sparrow Day"! Who knew?

    I thoroughly enjoyed the bird encounters on today's post, from the small to the large. Our local Bald Eagles are busy shoving new eaglets out of the nest so they can try out their brand new wings. A great time of year!

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  16. I like the new design of your blog. The bird photos are top notch as usual. I saw my first Horned Lark last month and the first Merlin last fall. The Merlin stayed around for twenty minutes or more, watching the area. The Lark was in a flock and I could only get a poor photo of the nearest one. Every outing is an adventure when you love birds. Nature provides respite from a sad world these days.

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  17. Hello David, :=) You and Miriam certainly had a good day out with so many rapture sightings. Now you know where the Bald Eagles nest is, I'm certain you will be back to see the chicks, and I wish it were possible for me to go with you. Lovely shots of all the birds. I'm pleased you included the humble House Sparrow, as I don't often see it on bird blogs, and I shall now try to remember the official date to celebrate this handsome little bird. David, I truly fear for our future. It is scary what is happening.

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  18. Wow, you had a marvelous group to site. Our eagles are back and nesting up the river and if the water was warmer we could canoe and see!

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  19. War grinds the values of civilization...

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  20. Hello David,
    It was a very good day for the raptors! The pictures are also great.
    The snow disappears quickly at your place. We can see beautiful species of ducks and passerines.
    See you soon David

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  21. Until reading this blog post from you, David, I had no idea that 20th March was World Sparrow Day. With the worrying decline of Passer domesticus in UK, they certainly need all the support they can get.

    That was a fine assortment of raptors that you found that day, and the supporting cast was pretty fine too!

    Life is more than a little depressing at present. Just as we're getting used to living with Covid, Putin comes along with an even bigger threat. I feel so desperately sorry for the people of Ukraine and fear that we will all be drawn into the situation soon. If it was not for the wonders of nature, I might be thinking that it was time to check out.

    Tske good care. My best wishes to you and Miriam - - - Richard

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    1. The damnedest thing of all, Richard, is that Putin has the capacity to set that checkout date for all of us.

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  22. Preciosa entrada amigo mío, desconocía por completo que el gorrión tenía un día especial de homenaje, bienvenido sea. Debemos intentar a toda costa y por todos los medios conservar la especie que está disminuyendo a marchas alarmantes. Me encanta el petirrojo americano, es precioso, cada vez que le veo me enamoro un poco más.
    Gracias por tan esplendido reportaje.
    Un gran abrazo profesor, amigo y compadre David.
    Feliz primavera.

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  23. News on TV I don't wish to see, but a Raptor-ous Day with you and Miriam is a completely different kettle of fish - something to enjoy - thank you.
    How amazing it is that your snowy landscapes turn into being almost spring in what feels like the blink of an eye.

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  24. Thank you for the wonderful birds. I did not know of the American kestral.

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  25. I am excited about your birding day, especially the landscape. No snow!!
    We will be back on April 1st ready to enjoy spring.

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    1. Not long now, Carol. You have been away for a long time.

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  26. You had a great birding day. Eagles are always exciting to see. But so are all the other birds you saw. I've never seen a horned lark. They're pretty and look like they may hop around like robin. Do they? And you have to give the Ukrainians so much credit. They've held their ground and if the news is right, Putin's forces are really hurting. But the sad part is that it ever even happened. And when it does end, there will be nothing physically left to Ukraine other than rubble. It's so sad. hugs-Erika

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    1. Horned Larks are very attractive little birds, Erika. They tend to scurry around quickly, almost like rodents.

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  27. I didn't know that Sparrows had a special day; I'd have sent a card. House Sparrows are having a hard time around here; although still common they are not as numerous as once they were. It seems to be because we are far too tidy for them these days. If I walk through my village I only see them where odd bits of land have been neglected or abandoned.
    Most of my sightings of Merlin last about one second - if I'm lucky!

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  28. Magnificent creatures are the Eagles,
    All the wee birds are great too..like the look of your layout for your blog.

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  29. I didn't know it was sparrow's day :) A wonderful day! There are many birds in Poland, and in my neighborhood too. I have not seen all of them, some of them may not be there, but there are a lot of animals and you can observe a lot :)
    Great post, best regards!

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  30. Hello David,
    A great outing, it is wonderful to see the various raptors. I love the Merlin, I do not see them often in my area. The Horned Lark is a favorite too. Beautiful birds and photos. Putin need to go, war, power and greed is not the answer. Have a great day!

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  31. Hi David,
    I didn't know there was a World Sparrow Day, we are always learning.
    I loved watching all these beautiful birds through your eyes. I especially liked the penultimate photo with the Red-tailed Hawk, it's fantastic.
    I agree with you it is difficult not to worry about the future of humanity. In the present, we have to focus on what brings us joy and inner peace because we don't know what tomorrow will be like.

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  32. Oh, the Merganser is beautiful.
    And the snow is gone, yipeeee.

    I wish we could really stop going against Jewish people. But, you are right, some never learn...

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  33. Hi David - oh gosh I wish I'd been able to visit with you when I was over ... it must be so wonderful to be able to just get out into space, gorgeous countryside, running rivers, trees surrounding ... and all the wildlife ... especially the birds you'd have been able to show me. Still ... life is fortunate enough for us - I just so admire the Ukrainians ... thanks for this wonderful trip - I've just heard Lark Arising ... as someone mentioned they'd been walking through the fields and could only hear larks ... Spring delights - cheers Hilary

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    1. "The Lark Ascending" is one of my favourite pieces, Hilary, by one of your most quintessentially English composers. I have listened to it a thousand times and it still thrills me.

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  34. Wow, David, you and Miriam had a spectacular bording day and were rewarded by seeing so many different species. The photos are great. glad you were able to escape reality for a while with the beauty of nature and wonderful music! hUGS; vAlerie

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  35. I love the idea of a raptor bonanza! And the name Merlin, thinking back to the Arthurian legend and all. Who knew when I put out the "good" new seed a few days ago that it was Sparrow Day? It seems that they are the primary diners at Chez Lisette and dining well! What a terrific day you had. It's all wonderful.

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  36. I was indeed in rapture seeing all the raptors you and Miriam managed to photograph, David. Now that I know there is a Sparrows Day, I wondered if there were days for other bird species too.

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  37. That hawk was quite a patient photo subject.

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  38. It's hard not to despair these days -- but I tell myself that my depression does nobody any good. So I look for joy and pretty often find it -- being outdoors helps a lot. Even reading about other people's joy in it does -- thanks for sharing yours. That really was a great day for raptors (and other birds). "Our" baby eagles have just fledged! Things are a bit different in Florida!

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  39. I love your photo of the Red-tailed Hawk. I have seen one in flight but never close up, so I enjoyed seeing what a handsome bird it really is :)

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  40. Great collection of birds! I have to limit my time following the news because it makes me cry, and I have things to do that are incompatible with weeping.

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  41. What a fantastic bird of prey day you had.
    Beautiful pictures of hawks, eagles and falcons.
    I like the new design of your blog.
    Your header is very beautiful with the kingfishers.
    Greetings Irma

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  42. Hi David.

    Great what you've seen.
    Beautiful the Falcon and the Hawk.
    I think the American Robin is very beautiful.

    Greetings from Patricia.

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  43. Hi David! What a beautiful photo of the Red-tailed Hawk. I suspect that there is a hawk (not sure which breed) visiting the woods across the road from my house. I've spotted it a few times but it was so quick, I didn't have time to take out my camera! I will keep trying! Your Raptor-ous Day provided some gorgeous sightings!! I like the new look of your blog! ☺

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  44. WOW!! I swear you get the birds to pose for you, lol. You get such great photo's. It's been awhile since I've seen an Eagle's nest, but remember being very taken back at the size and height. By the way, not sure I've mentioned previously, my Mothers name was Miriam, and it's not a name you come across very often. My Mom's nick name was Mims and or Mimi.
    Sandy's Space

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  45. Hoi David,

    I love this post. Your robin is so cute. Beautiful photos.I was in the woods this morning and saw a black woodpecker. But I'm not good at taking pictures. He made a very strange sound. Also seen: the jay (a pink-breasted small one).

    Nice post to enjoy. Thank you for it. It brightens my day and that is good. Ukraine is a mess. It is so terrible. It is a 24 hour drive from here by car. So there are many refugees in the Netherlands now. I listen tot Itzhak too, because you wrote about it.

    Zelensky is a true hero.

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  46. Your raptors are rapturous. We've seen quite a few eagles lately because we visited a spot that they love: the Conowingo Dam on the Susquehanna River near the top of the Chesapeake Bay. It's indeed wonderful that they have repopulated so many places. The funny thing is their chirpy little call -- not majestic as one would predict.

    best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

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    1. I guess that with impressive bill and talons they can get by with a less than impressive voice!

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  47. It's true, thoughts are tirelessly revolving around Putin's outrageous incursion into Ukraine, around the suffering people are having to endure, around the danger the world is exposed to. I don't understand that man doesn't learn to avoid his mistakes.
    May clever minds from all over the world bring the war to a quick end.
    Thank you for your beautiful photos...nature is our greatest comfort.
    The sparrow is one of the most common birds here with us. And the red kite also has a nest nearby every year.
    It is so impressive to see the nest of the bald eagle. Isn't that a proud building? Fantastic! I'm sure you'll see the whole bald eagle family. I wish you a lot of joy while watching.
    p.s. the annual protective measures to guard the nests for the peregrine falcons in the national park begin here - end of March to beginning of June -

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  48. So many raptors! But what really made me smile was that perky, bright horned lark. I haven’t seen one for years. I love your new look (well, your blog anyway!). Kudos to your fairy blog mother.
    “The veneer of civilization is very thin” — sadly, well said!

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  49. I have seen the Horned Larks twice on my travels. A beautiful one. :)

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    1. Ironically it is quite common here, sometimes in large flocks.

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  50. Nature provides such beauty ...
    A lovely collection of photographs in your post, thank you.

    All the best Jan

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  51. No sabía lo del día de los gorriones, él tejado de mí casa está lleno de nidos de ellos. Tus fotografías siempre están preciosas. Abrazos amigo David.

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  52. David - a fabulous post. Our snow is rapidly melting, but we are weeks behind you in terms of birds nesting. We have an eagle nest within a mile and a half of our house, and the pair has produced at least one young every year. Amazing and inspiring to observe!!! Three Swans circled the lake today, but not finding any open water, they moved on. They will return - bring on spring!

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  53. I enjoyed seeing these birds through your eyes. The humble sparrow has a day all to itself. You learn something everyday.

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  54. David, thanks for the wonderful photos. I love Eremophila alpestris, it's so beautiful!
    I try not to despair, and nature gives a chance to save my soul.
    Lщму your new makeover blog.

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  55. It is hard not to despair, Nadezda, especially for you right now, I would imagine.

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  56. Querido David es maravilloso poder disfrutar de tan hermosas aves, las rapaces son especiales, verlas volar con tanta elegancia siempre es un verdadero placer. Estoy totalmente de acuerdo con tus palabras, es difícil no sentir tristeza y preocupación por lo que esta pasando. Tristemente hay personas sin corazón y a los que no les importa nada más que el podes y el dinero. Me horroriza. Un enorme abrazo para ti y para Miriam.

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  57. Such a captivating post, David

    It is fascinating to see the various raptors.

    Happy Monday!

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  58. Hello David,

    ade sparrows are and remain cheerful birds with a lot of saw hahahaha .... Beautiful male sparrow is here. Great to see so many birds of prey. In the Netherlands I often see buzzards and kestrels but with you there are many more.
    Great to see other little birds and they are beautiful and colorful as always with you.
    A big hug from the Netherlands xo

    Helma

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  59. hello David
    here with us, the lake and osprey have arrived again, great projects are being launched for this and it is having an effect.
    I watched the osprey hunt... how he smacked the water with his wings with full force... you never forget something like that, sensational
    Greetings Fank

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