It got down to the freezing point last night--the coldest yet this fall. However, this morning was so calm and clear. I went out for a walk at McKeough CA this morning in the crisp air. Pine Siskins seem to be everywhere right now. Many were flying over with a few Purple Finches mixed in.
I sat along the St. Clair River for a while. The James L. Kuber barge went by. Last year this was the self-unloading steamer Reserve. It was cut down to a barge and a V-notch put in the stern to accomodate a tug. This setup is more economical than a conventional freighter.
After tending to some business, I went for a walk at Reid CA late this afternoon. I think the trees had turned colour even more since yesterday due to the hard frost last night. It was a beautiful walk as I "bushwacked" through the woods. I went through spots that I had never been in before.
There are some impressive trees in there. Many of them have long, straight trunks with no lower branches. I found one large Black Walnut that I photographed.
large Black Walnut
Birds included Purple Finches and Pine Siskins, not surprisingly.
female Purple Finch
I like your blog.
ReplyDeletePaulo - Portugal
http://abebedorespgondufo.blogs.sapo.pt/
Wow, guess which picture I absolutely LOVE!? (Hint: lady in red). haha.
ReplyDeleteStill feeling sick but was determined to get out for some sun and fresh air today! ... amazed at the abundance of birds, butterflies and dragonflies at the lake behind my building.
btw - do you happen to know a good website for identifying dragonflies? Saw 2 interesting/neat ones this afternoon.
Thanks!
Jo :)
Don't know of any particular website. I have a field guide that I use, then go on the internet to find out more about that particular species.
ReplyDeleteThere are more guides out there now. The Algonquin one just came out recently!
Blake, thanks to your blog this birder now wants to know more about butterflies and dragonflies!
ReplyDeleteWill definitely be checking out some field guides at a local bookstore. btw - after lengthy searching, found a picture of the first dragonfly: male Ruby Meadowhawk. The second was perhaps the female?
The Ruby Meadowhawk is very common. Females are a bit different in colour.
ReplyDeleteYou may want to search for books on the internet. Try Chapters or Amazon and you can order online.
The second dragonfly was an unusual sort of orange/rusty colour. I'm not sure if it's the female or possibly another type of dragonfly?
ReplyDeleteHaven't seen any today - guess they don't like windy, cold, rain mixed with snow weather. Arrgh, that time of year again! :(