A crow and his family followed the the blue jays to my yard trying to discover where they were getting all the free peanuts. My luck didn't last as they were just passing through and have not returned since.
I visit a forest near my home on a weekly basis to see the changes the seasons bring. Various birds make their home here, and migrators pass through. It's always exciting to see rare birds, but the ubiquitous sparrow can always be counted on to make an appearance.
All the attention seems to go to the male cardinal because of their bright red color. The female cardinals are just as pretty with subtle shades of browns and toned down reds. This little lady was waiting her turn at the sunflower feeder on a snowy morning.
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I set up a little "bird photography studio" in my backyard, and position interesting branches in front of colorful backgrounds. Once the birds have determined these are safe to land on they will pose for reference photos. This is the first step in my painting process.
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Sometimes before gathering the peanuts I put out for them, they land on my roof and peer into my kitchen window. I guess they are curious, or checking to see who is in there. I can't figure out why they do it but it shows a level of intelligence.
Wolves are constantly under threat from listing and de-listing of their endangered species status. They are even shot and killed illegally, disrupting their family systems, and it is theorized, causing more of the problems some believe they solve by eliminating them.
These little birds are so fast and tiny it's hard to get a photo for reference. It's exciting to see them in the garden but you have to be as quick as they are.
According to Native American lore cardinals are thought to be harbingers of rain. Other tribes associate them with good fortune and sun.
These two babies just learned to fly yesterday. Now they are wondering if their wings will still work today. It's a long way down...
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Many people believe seeing a Cardinal is a message from a departed loved one. I personally believe this is possible. I think loved ones send us messages if we are open to receive them.
There is something so cheery about a red cardinal against a perfect blue sky.
This little fellow landed on my porch railing and cried for his mom for over two hours. I was afraid he was in need of rescue, but I also knew that a feathered fledgling is closely watched and not abandoned. Eventually he got up the nerve to fly to a near by shrub for safety. I hoped mom just lost track of time chatting with the other robins in the neighborhood, and would return soon. A few days later I saw him and his sibling and best of all there was errant mom helping them in their search for worms.
Robin at sundown in the bird bath. Golden hour light brings out the best colors.
I often wonder what happens to "my" wolves when they get transferred to a different facility. As a critically endangered animal Mexican Grey wolves are managed in captive breeding programs. They sacrifice their freedom for the good of their species. All in all not a terrible life. They are well cared for, receive medical attention, and never have to worry where their next meal is coming from. They aren't in danger of being shot either. So is it a fair trade? You would have to ask a wolf.
Someone once told me that the true harbinger of Spring is not when the cardinal begins singing his mating call, but when he sings it from the highest point in the landscape. I don't know if this is true, but it sounded good.
Sparrow wants to know "if I'm pigeon-toed does that make me part pigeon?"
A Blue Jay poses on my garden decoration against a powder blue sky.
Walking my dog in the early morning I hear the music of the tree tops. The tap tap tap of the woodpeckers providing the rhythm track for the cardinals and robins singing their signature songs.
My Blue Jays are starting to cache their extra peanuts in my garden. I'm happy they have made me a regular stop on their route because that means they will keep coming back. Although they don't stop by at the same time or even every day, my dog has learned their calls have meaning to me, and when he hears them, he barks to let me know so I can run outside with their peanuts.
A fledgling sparrow just out of the nest perches on a wire in the golden light of the sundown.
This crow looks pretty proud of himself, I don't know what he's done but I bet it was clever.
“The human race’s prospects of survival were considerably better when we were defenseless against tigers than they are today when we have become defenseless against ourselves.” — Arnold J. Toynbee
Peek a boo bird kept ducking behind this tree trunk. I was lucky to be able to grab a quick reference photo before it flew off.
An iconic image of a wolf howling. A recent study posits that certain of our domestic dog breeds howl because they are genetically closer to a wolf. And suggests they have retained the ability to interpret the howls meanings.
Ravens are sometimes called wolf birds for their close association and cooperation with wolves.
Bonded wolves are loyal and look out for each other similar to how our domestic dogs protect us.
Is it safe to come out? A sparrow hides in the trumpet vine waiting for the neighborhood hawk to leave the area.
The wolf stands among the sage plants, their silvery-green leaves creating a contrast against the wolf's coat.
What do wolves think about? Do they wonder about what they will find to eat? Do they worry about when a loved one will return? Do they contemplate if they have chosen a good place to live? Do they worry about the intrusion of wolves from other packs who might harm them? This wolf appears to be thinking deeply about something.
Seeing a dove in my yard always makes me feel calm. They are such gentle creatures, never scrapping or fighting with other birds. They usually just step aside and yield the right of way. They like to find a sunny spot on the ground and take a nap.
Starlings only seem to visit my yard for a brief day or two when the crab apples on my tree get to a certain level of ripeness. It's usually in late winter when the fruit is mushy. I have to listen for the squeaky sound of the flock, and grab my camera before they decide to fly off.
Wolves born in captivity are important to the recovery of the Mexican Grey Wolves in the wild. Do not feel sorrow for those who live in captivity, as they are cared for and provided a cushy life for their contribution to the survival of the species. We are privileged to be able to see them, and grow to love them. Many zoos and centers are dedicated to their welfare, and sponsor cross fostering programs for puppies to ensure future generations. The patience it took to see these puppies emerge from the den in a captive environment was well worth the time spent waiting when nothing seemed to be happening. The thrill of seeing something rare is the reward.
I was so happy when my Blue Jay decided to sun himself in my crab tree before dashing off with another peanut to cache. Afraid of scaring him away, I dared to step out on my deck, with my naughty sheltie barking at my heels, and to my delight he was not afraid and stayed long enough for me to click some snap shots to use as painting reference. The warm sun he was using as a heat source probably kept him still, but mostly the bold temperament of the blue jay kept him from leaving.
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The Blue Jay couple I was plying with peanuts have apparently moved on to their Winter stomping grounds. They only come back occasionally when the weather warms up so I know they haven't forgotten me. I hope they return more regularly this Spring and bring some babies with them. Maybe a few will stay here more permanently.
This is a mated pair and the daughter of the female. The two females were injured in the wild, and rescued by a zoo to become part of the breeding program to preserve the endangered Mexican Grey Wolf. I painted them in what would be their natural habitat of the Southwestern states of the USA.
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