Birds, Birds, Birds (and a Trash Panda)

After completing an undergraduate degree and going straight into Master's studies, I am finding it quite strange being out of full-time education (even though technically I am still enrolled as a student, as I have not yet received my degree certificate). I don't miss the stress of deadlines, the crash courses in time management, or immense forced mental resilience at the hands of the pandemic, but I do miss being knee deep in an academic environment and rigorously studying new topics.

As the days get longer and I continue to have tons of time on my hands (I mean, all my friends in the area work full time and we're still in the middle of a pandemic -- there's not a whole lot to be doing) I have taken to birdwatching. I mentioned this in my first post, I know, and I'm probably going to talk about birds a lot here. With recipes for suet and hummingbird food in hand, I have been closely observing the local birdlife.

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Ornithology: the scientific study of birds.

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With photography skills slowly improving, I have managed to identify the range of birds that frequent our garden.

We have, to name a few:

- Red-Breasted Nuthatches

- House Finches (I know these are common, but they're pretty and PINK)

- Anna's Hummingbirds

- Downy Woodpeckers

- Stellar's Jays (occasionally)

- Bewick's Wrens

- Pine Siskins

There are only a few that I haven't managed to capture on camera yet: two Norther Flickers (they're shy) and a White-Breasted Nuthatch. I even managed a picture of Steve!

Steve, thirsty after stealing so much squirrel food

Thief!!

I talk about Steve a lot. He showed up around midday one day last week to steal sunflower seeds from the squirrel feeder. He made himself right at home, wandering around the yard and eating seeds for well over half an hour. When he'd eaten his fill, he climbed up a tree and out of sight (honestly, he could be living up there and we would have no idea, the tree is gigantic).

While I loved seeing Steve, our little blind dog was not happy that there had been a massive male racoon in his yard. His first time out after Steve ran off he barked and barked, and came back in trembling. We used the buddy system from then on and he was much more relaxed. There have been no new sighting since then; which is definitely for the best, seeing as he scared off all of the birds and freaked out the dog.

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Back to Birds!

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So, yes, I have seen many, many birds just outside my window. Just yesterday I sighted my first Rufous Hummingbird of the season! I spoke with an employee at Backyard Bird Shop last week who said that they just started migrating back to the area. Needless to say, I was delighted that a new bird found our feeder! He's not nearly as used to us as the other birds (not to say they are comfortable with us around, they just know that we can't get to them when we're in the kitchen!) and frightens away quite easily, but he was there nonetheless. Sadly, I haven't managed to snap a photo of him -- he really doesn't hang out for long at a given time.

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On Friday of last week I took a stroll along the Columbia River. Starting at Wintler Park, I took my time walking along the Renaissance Trail.

Anna's Hummingbird

This is one of the four individual male Anna's Hummingbirds (Calypte anna) that I spotted on my walk. He and I spent quite a while on this little photo shoot! He was fully aware that I wouldn't be able to get too close to him due to a concrete and iron barrier.

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One of the joys of identifying the local birdlife is learning about the different species that live in the region. Alongside my two new field guides (I'll provide references, don't worry), I regularly refer to the National Audubon Society website. You can find their field guide to the Anna's Hummingbird here.

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So, a walk that takes me about 30 minutes sans camera was lengthened to about 2 hours. The day was perfect for birdwatching -- overcast, but still a comfortable temperature. Really the best of spring in the Pacific Northwest (barring those gorgeous sunny days that aren't scorching hot yet). There were copious numbers of ducks, gulls, and song sparrows.

Red-Winged Blackbird

Not even 50 yards from the hummingbird pictured above, staking his territory, was a stunning Red-Winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus). He was sitting atop a post and singing at the top of his lungs.

Red-Winged Blackbird, singing

According to the National Audubon Society, "to defend his territory and attract a mate, [the] male perches on high stalk with feathers fluffed out and tail partly spread, lifts leading edge of wing so that red shoulder patches are prominent, and sings." This is exactly what this blackbird was doing when I found him. He rested his wings between calls, as in the first picture, before raising them to expose stunning orange and yellow patches as he sang. You can read more about them and hear their songs and whistles here.

I'll only rave about one more bird before I sign off today. When I was on the return journey of my walk, I found this beauty off in the distance: a Great Egret (Ardea alba).

Great Egret

Now, I know that the photo isn't great. I mean, how could it be? I was leaning over a fence, zoomed all the way in, and didn't have a tripod (a tool that I will remember to take with me on my next shoot, I swear). This particular bird was enjoying the day in a way that seems impossible with the rush of everyday life -- relaxing, feet in the water, enjoying the quiet. Still waters, still mind.

For some gorgeous photos of the Great Egret and great information about them, click here.

I love springtime, I love wildlife, and it has been a joy to (re)discover the creatures living on my doorstep. The Columbia River hosts some entirely unique habitat that is home to unique and wonderful creatures. I am, in so many ways, delighted to spend time here -- living, exploring, and reconnecting with home.

Stokes, Donald and Lillian (2013) The New Stokes Field Guide to Birds: Western Region. New York: Little, Brown and Company.

Tekiela, Stan (2001) Birds of Washington. Minnesota: Adventure Publications.