Views of Sequim, the Olympic Peninsula. . .and beyond
Sibling Rivalries
While those of you with siblings may not always see eye-to-eye like these two eaglets; hopefully, any childhood rivalries are far behind you and that as adults you haven’t cultivated new ones.
These two, photographed several years ago, had their squabbles, and food fights too, but when push came to shove, neither shoved the other out of the nest; they both survived the turmoils that faced them, and through it all remained feathered friends till the end.
Two Unlikely Teammates
While photographing birds at my favorite local pond, observing these two species interact was a bit of a surprise and a joy to watch.
At first, the Junco (left) appeared to be feeding the brown-eyed cowbird (right), but then both had their mouths so full that they resembled a couple of teenagers stuffing down popcorn in a theater. So possibly, they were helping each other keep hold of their catch! I’d not seen anything like it and doubt I will again.
And if you read yesterday’s post, you’ll know that they were catching dragonflies and other insects, but instead of filling their bellies, these two took off to the trees to feed their young, and returned again and again to do the same.
So if you’re kids, or anyone else, needs a lesson in teamwork and nurturing, you have only to look to the birds!
Cedar Waxwings Munch on Dragonfly Larvae
As a continuation from yesterday, above is one of my “keeper” images from a nearby lily pond.
Again, if these striking birds strike a cord with you too, please see more from the experts at the All About Birds website from Cornell University, and now that you know where to find them, grab your binoculars and/or camera and go!
A Pensive Cedar Waxwing Perches above a Pond
June marks the time of year these lovely birds show up and perch in our trees, nibble on berries, and surprisingly (at least to me), hunt down dragonfly nymphs.
My first encounters with their appearance, feeding, and nurturing behaviors occurred here in Sequim in the spring of 2019, and I must say, I was smitten. I found them to be not only beautiful but extremely agile, cunning, and more enjoyable to watch than any football team, even with a name like the SeaHawks – sorry football fans!
Personally, finding them was and still is a challenge except on our warmest of days and in ponds filled with lily pads – where one typically finds a plethora of dragonflies hatching.
At those times, groups of waxwings, and a few other bird species, dart back and forth over the ponds, snatch gobs of insects out of the air with lightening speed and maneuverability then transport them back to their nests to feed their broods.
My self-imposed challenge is to photograph them in the process and to (hopefully) keep one or two of my hundreds of shots. But first, this beautiful bird deserves time in the limelight, as above. But if like me, you’re inclined to learn more about them, I’m happy to point you to the experts at Cornell Universities’ All About Birds website.
A Sandhill Crane Colt Shadowing her Mom
Although I went to Florida to photograph sandhill cranes, and many other birds as well, I could also stay home and photograph them in eastern Washington during the Othello Sandhill Crane Festival, or across the border in Langley, British Colombia at Reifel Bird Sanctuary.
The sanctuary is where I saw and photographed this particular one and it’s one of my go-to spots to photograph eagles, herons, harriers and many others.
Sandhill cranes are larger than our local Great Blue Herons but even so, they can easily be mistaken for herons, as one was when it was photographed in Sequim a few years ago.
Personally, haven’t seen them locally, but the one photographed appeared to be an orphan that was wise enough to connect with another species in order to survive…sort of a foster child, I suppose. So if you think birds are bird-brained, think again!
Lucy Feeds One of her Chicks on Marine Drive, Sequim
I’m stretching out Mother’s Day a bit since one never knows when they’ll be fortunate enough to grab a photo of our local bald eagles and their latest offspring.
And you may not be aware that the couple is lovingly known as Ricky and Lucy, after Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball, from the TV sitcom, I Love Lucy and that these two have been reproducing for at least 10 years, and some estimate 20. But each year they attract more attention than lavender, at least in May.
And until the chicks fledge in June, a group of local photographers, neighbors, passersby and even some out-of-towners stop by daily to compare photos, sightings, and stories about years gone by; when two chicks fell out of the nest, how they survived, etc., all while keeping an “eagle” eye out for any emerging fuzzy heads. And luckily, for us, one popped up today.
So if nest watching intrigues you as well, consider this an invitation to join us! Bring your coffee, binoculars, and/or camera, or phone, and either pull up a bench, or bring your lawnchair. The show runs non-stop, daily!
And…know that one of the concrete benches across from the nest is dedicated to Susie Killins. Susie was a dear friend and fellow eagle photographer who sold her photos and jewelry at Sequim Saturday Markets, but who sadly passed away in August 2023. Susie is truly missed by many and probably the eagles as well.
An Osprey Attends to her Young After Fishing for Food
In Sequim we have many raptors to photograph but rarely do we see osprey, and that’s what makes seeing them elsewhere quite special, at least for me.
So while I found this nest along the Riverwalk in Sanford, Florida, another lovely city, I was practically tripping over myself to get a few shots and fortunately, this avian mama was happy to oblige.
Not only did she lovingly attend to her young, and to the nest, but she swept down to grab a passing fish before I could say, “hold that pose”. And although she came up empty this time, her tenacity was incredible, along her commitment to her family.
And I’m sure the same is with all mother’s – although not always equipped with the resources, the commitment is ever present, and should be recognized. So Happy Mother’s Day mamas, and may you spend the day being celebrated and may you too be happy to pose!