Closing 2010

I wanted to close out this year with some special pictures, but had no idea if it would be possible to navigate paths in the park. 69th Street held promise. Wait till the local birds find this gingerbread goody.


The roadways are clear in the park and some major walking paths, but for the most part there's a layer of slick snow, trecherous underfoot. I wasn't about to risk life or limb, so looked for safe spots. This eliminated the possibility of getting into the Rambles or following hawks on the hunt.

The titmice stood right by me and waited for handouts.

The parking area by the Boathouse was clear, lots of sparrows chattering. Cooper's hawk above parking lot aware of everything.

I'm not good at flight shots, but right overhead were two redtails floating on the thermals. Gorgeous!

The cooper's was totally aware of what was going on "upstairs".

Lots of people in the park, walking, enjoying the sun , but it was hard getting around, too many slippery paths. It was probably easier the day after the storm provided you had hip boots.

These are not champaigne bubbles, but happy bubbles nevertheless.

HAPPY NEW YEAR to all.

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Pre-storm

Week before snow. Blue jays hunting for food. Hit-and-run food grabbers.

Food face-off.

Gullet filled with acorns.

Titmice also searching for food.

Snow now melting to soup. It may be easier tramping around the park in another day or two.

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Bit pickin'

From December 20th. I'm staying put until tramping around is safer. These were taken while hiking near the 59th street Lake. Cardinal and titmice.

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Cold 25th

Cold and quiet Christmas, few birders, more tourists. One cooper's hawk.

One redtail.

Pigeon feathers strewn over one area. Hawk lunch clue.

I brought peanuts in the shell, a Christmas treat for small friends. Lots of titmice.

When I began to feel the cold it was time to head back here. Surprise of surprises, a great blue heron on the little island near Bow Bridge at the 72nd street lake. There is little open water. I have no idea how this heron is finding food. This has to be an immature heron to have missed the signal to head south.

Blizzard on the way. I'll stay home until the hazzardous weather is under control. It may even interfere with getting to work with 100 lbs. of gear. The birds will weather this storm. They have for thousands of years.

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Cold weather friends

They're here. Food available. Spend winter in the park. Just whisper "food" and the hordes will arrive. Funny gulls.

There were the usuals - titmice, chickadees, cardinals, jays. Then this caught my eye, a song sparrow. Hooray! Something different. Wait for a proper pose. Wait, wait, wait, wait. Pecking seeds takes top priority.

Finally, sparrow on a log. A pose split second.

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