Prescott Mills

There is a subdivision not far from where I live that has a pretty big pond.  Several birds check it out on a regular basis.
Yesterday I needed a little down time and decided to see what was there.
I love to watch the Pied-billed Grebe.  They have the softest call that is interesting to hear. 

There were at least 5 Great Egrets in various places around the pond.

One of the places I walked I saw American Coot. As I continued walking the suddenly took flight.  They did not go far though.  They hop on the water before actually taking flight.  

Somehow I manage to get the Blue-winged Teal with their heads in the water.
The pattern of their feathers is so pretty.

I felt like every Canadian Goose in the United States was here.  The park area was covered with them.  Watching them coming in for a landing is so interesting.

Greater-yellow legs

Killdeer were present around the edges of the pond.

Two American Finches were talking up a storm with each other.

This one was enjoying the sun.

House Sparrows are flocking up.

This one tree was full of sparrows.

Better picture of the Blue-winged Teal.

Great Blue Heron seemed to be hiding from the other birds.
There were lots of Mallards along the shore area.

A closer look at the Heron, you could see Mallards resting in the background.
Have a wonderful Fall day.

Backyard 12-29-2013

American Tree Sparrow
They have a bright reddish-brown crown, a gray face with a bright reddish-brown eyeline, broken white eye-ring. They have a two tone bill, a pale gray breast and belly; warm buffy flanks' dark blurry central breast spot. Their wings and back are reddish brown with 2 white wingbars.

House Sparrow
They have a black bill and chin and bib contrasting with grayish cheek and underparts. They have a dark gray crown.

Cardinal, male

Love it when they have their crown feathers up.

Hawaiian birds and flowers 11-4-2013

Zebra Dove, Geopelia striata
This is a common dove, that is abundant in residential and rural areas.
It was introduced from Asia in 1922. It is also known as the Barred Dove.

On the beach where we stayed, several people brought seed to feed the doves.

Plumeria, is a beautiful tropical American native, so common in Hawaii that it is usually the first flower the visitor encounters in the form of leis. The waxy, fragrant, and long-lasting spring flowers are borne in clusters on trees that look somewhat succulent.
They trees are drought resistant and are common sights in dry areas where other plants may suffer.
They range in color from white, to pale yellow, red or maroon.  They are beautiful in clusters.

Kou
It is a coastal tree about 30 feet tall that was introduced from Polynesia to Hawaii by the early native immigrants.  It was important to the Hawaiians as a source of wood for cups and bowls, it is prized for the beautiful grain.
It is a popular shade tree and the orange, scentless flowers bloom in clusters throughout the year.

Hibiscus, comes in a variety of colors, as well as single or double blooms, or fringed.
Hibiscus is used for food, tea, fibers, wood, dyes, perfumes, and medicines.

Northern Cardinal
It was introduced to the islands from eastern U.S. in 1929.

It is also know at the Kentucky or Red Cardinal.
There is a small wooded area in front of the Mana Kai  that I loved to watch for different birds.

Umbrella Tree
They are native to Australia and commonly grown as small house plants.  If put in the ground they grow rapidly to heights of 40 feet tall. They branch and form a flat canopy.
It is sometimes called the octopus tree, due to the flower spikes that spread from the central point like the out-stretched arms of a 6 foot octopus.

Spotted Dove
This bird is common on all the main islands from sea level to 8,000 feet. It is also know as Lace-necked, Chinese Dove or Mountain Dove.

This dove is common in urban and rural areas. It will also feed in native forest.  It can become accustomed to humans, but is more wary than the Zebra Dove.
When they are courting there is an elaborate ground display with much bowing and tail flaring.
They were displaying a lot while we were there.

Common Myna, resting in the wooded area.

They have such a soft cooing sound.

House sparrows

African Silverbill
Common on Maui. First recorded in the early 1970's, but it is not known when it was actually introduced to the islands.
It is a small bird, only 4 1/2 inches.

They like the dry habitats.  They are often found in large flocks.  This day, this was the only one.

Oleander
It has an almond perfume. It is widespread in California and Florida.
It is not a plant to mess around with.  It has been used in rat poisons.

Pacific Golden-Plover

Zebra Dove, notice the blue tinge on its face.

Spotted Dove

House Sparrow

Zebra Dove with his tail up and about to bow.

New York wildlife

While traveling some of the back roads around East Aurora, I caught sight of this buck resting in a wooded area.

Ron was inching up and down the road so I could get a shot.  He could see the deer, but I could not get a shot of him.

Finally, I got the perfect shot!  He was so nice to sit there while I composed my picture.

Ring-billed Gull

Mallards by Niagara Falls.  There were sheltered from the rapids.  Still some fairly young ones.

Geese sitting on a log by the edge of the American Falls.

Mallow

In one of the small gardens by the falls were these beautiful, Black-eyed Susan's.

House Sparrows were in big supply looking for handouts by the falls.

How many times do you get to see a black squirrel?  He sat very nice for me.

Gulls sitting just out of the rapids by the American Falls.

View of some of the rapids.

Gulls

The identity of gulls is a bit hard, as you can't tell if this is a different type or just a different phase of the Ring-billed gull.