Dejected Blue Heron Wins First Place in January BetterPhoto.com Contest!! Wuu Huu

Rocket J. Chipmunk

Backside of a Bluebird

Kestrel in the Branches

Hello Mr. Chipmunk

Robin in High Heels

Peeking Through the Brush

Mr. and Mrs. Kestrel in the Nest AGAIN!!!

I found Mr. and Mrs. Kestrel in the kestrel tree where they had their nest last year.  Here is Mr. Kestrel with his head down and Mrs. Kestrel looking up.  Mr. is a little more colorful than the Mrs.  Oh what fun we will have if they stay and mate and make little baby kestrels…...

Red Belly of the Red Bellied Woodpecker today at Valley Forge

Click to see the little red belly.

Robin and Sumac

American Kestrel in the trees and Turkey Vultures on the Chapel (Click for Better View)

It was 15 degrees this morning in Valley Forge.  I spent about an hour in a grove of trees hoping and praying this little American Kestrel would do something amazing, but he just flew back and forth from branch to branch wishing I would go away.  Finally I got up to go.  As I was walking back to my car I looked up and saw a turkey vulture landing on top of the bell tower of Washington Memorial Chapel.  She turned around, spread her wings, flipped up her tail and warmed up.  A second vulture on the tower also spread her wings, looked down and said hello.  Another fine morning in Valley Forge.

Chickadee and Berries

A Few Poses of the Merlin Falcon

I came across this beautiful Merlin Falcon yesterday at the top of a tall tree near the visitor's center at Valley Forge.  I hadn't seen him at first and just set up my tripod and looked up and there he was.  He looked down at me and was a little nervous, but he settled down and just looked around for breakfast and let me stay.  He then took off and flew away and before I could move on, he flew right back to his same perch.  I stayed with him for a good half hour.  Not much happened but I loved every minute.

Golden Crowned Kinglet and Friends

Golden Crowned Kinglet - The smallest bird in Valley Forge

It was another frigidly cold morning at Valley Forge, but I had my hand warmers and my toe warmers and five layers on top, three on the bottom and I could not have been happier.  The birds were out in full force - wonderful diversity.  Oh how I love Valley Forge.  Please click photos for better view.

Meadow Lark

Merlin Falcon

Yellow Bellied Sapsucker Hopping from Branch to Branch

Bird Talk

American Tree Sparrows on a cold, cold morning in Valley Forge today.

Bird Watching

Sneaking Over the Fence

Temptation

It was a slow day today and I didn't get out anywhere to take pictures, so I cheated and put a little peanut butter out on the fence in our side yard and voila, the pretty little squirrel cooperated and took the bait.

American Kestrel Enjoying Late Lunch

That's Some Beak

I HATE SNOW!!!!!

Alex, Abby and Baby Avery

On Saturday, Ken, Yumiko and I went to 

visit the brand new parents Alex and Abby and their brand new beautiful baby Avery.  

Here they are.  Life begins anew.

"Mom and Babe Snow Monkeys" Gets Finalist in BetterPhoto Contest!