Uploads from nancylynnfree, with geodata

American Redstart!

nobody@flickr.com (nancylynnfree) — Sat, 18 May 2013 03:03:21 -0700

A "life bird" for me! I "think" I "might" have seen one before --- "maybe" 2 years ago -- but these little guys are really hard to see -- not because they aren't brilliantly colored, but they are excellent at hiding in the shadows of the tree's branches. I think I took at least 20 pics of this particular male, and only this one was even recognizable as a Redstart.
Below, is a lucky catch of of a Brown Thrasher -- another bird that is VERY good at hiding, that was within feet of where I found the Redstart. I discovered both, by first using my ears -- the Redstart is very loud for such a tiny bird, and the Thrasher was noticeable by the rummaging sounds in the deep thicket. I had to be very patient and sneaky with both these guys.
If anyone is interested, the map shows this spot --- where I now live. If you put it on hybrid and zoom in or out, you can see I am right along the river, surrounded by miles of woodlands, and yet almost right by a Route 30 which goes northeast past the dam and the eagles and Townshend State Park.
Yesterday, I stopped in at the Ranger's station run by the Army Corps of Engineers. The door was locked but this awesome Ranger named Donna invited me in and I spent 30 minutes in wonderful conversation with her. She said the back road to the Eagles nest would NOT be opened this year -- again - mostly due to damage from 2 years ago by Hurricane Irene. I was SO happy to hear that --- I had found new shotgun shell casings right across the river from the Eagles nest, and had wanted to report it to the Rangers. She felt it was most likely from someone hunting Wild Turkeys as the season opened May 1st. I have my doubts. As you know I have been walking the 3/4 mile into the nest several times over the last month, and there has never been a Turkey anywhere in sight.
We talked alot about the Eagles nesting around the State, and so far there are 18 confirmed live chicks -- "ours" are not hatched yet. She also gave me a photocopy of last year's 2 fledglings in the same nest taken by a member of the Audubon Society with a zoom web cam. I was thrilled to meet her and was invited back to visit anytime I wanted. As you all know, I tend to be like the Brown Thrasher -- avoiding human contact as much as possible. But I found I really liked this "human" and had made a new friend.

Lady Bluebird

nobody@flickr.com (nancylynnfree) — Thu, 16 May 2013 01:32:06 -0700

nancylynnfree posted a photo:

Funky lighting from the skies all day yesterday --- but what a phenomenal photo day! I don't remember having so much trouble choosing "which" bird to post but this pretty little Bluebird won Queen for a Day. Mainly because I have never gotten a decent pic of either the male or female, and up until this year had only seen ONE in my life that I know of.
I decided to drop by the nesting boxes in wetlands up the road and could see a bird sitting on top of #12. I did a couple of quick clicks and inched closer. All of a sudden a Male Bluebird flies up and into the trees. I couldn't find him so went down by the wetland area to see what I could see, all the time convincing myself that it was "Really" just a lighter colored Tree Swallow that I had seen. As I was walking back to my car, I spied this little lady sitting on the post and this time I could see SHE was not a Swallow. I circled round as to not disturb her -- pretty sure by then, that at least one of the boxes had been claimed from the Swallows by a pair of Bluebirds. She flew into the brush and sat so prettily on something natural (not a post) that I took one more photo, even though she was very far away. I am very happy how the top image came out. It looks like I used special effects to enhance it, but it is really only auto contrast on Picasa because the original was so dark.
I will save the rest of my day for a surprise, but just have to tell you this! I have a RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER coming to my suet feeder!!! At first I thought it was the Norther Flicker --- and that in itself was a Shock --- all day long --- I couldn't believe I could be so lucky as to have a Red-bellied here --- this far North. I'm not even sure if it's a boy or girl because I have yet to get a picture except through the window with the Sony. (head coloring fainter and really PINK - makes me lean towards girl) But she was back this morning and that makes 2 days --- and I hope that means ALL Summer! I LOVE these birds SO much!!! So what else is new, right?

Like Threading a Needle!

nobody@flickr.com (nancylynnfree) — Wed, 15 May 2013 03:56:16 -0700

nancylynnfree posted a photo:

I have NEVER heard a Baltimore Oriole singing before -- until last evening. I went out to listen to the Rose-breasted Grosbeaks -- I'd recognize their voices anywhere a mile away. But there was a competition going on between the male Rosies and another bird with just as awesome a voice as they had. And then I spied a flash of Orange in the high tree branches. Could it be? An Oriole almost right outside my door?!!? It was, it was! And this Handsome guy would have a bite to eat, sing a little song, fly to another branch, have a bite, and sing a song --- over and over again! I was in ecstatic with Joy -- bobbing and weaving trying to catch a clear sight of him in the last rays of sun as it was going behind the mountain. I know it looks like broad daylight from these images, but it was getting quite dark down below where I was standing. I would estimate these Oak trees to be about the size of a 4 or 5 story building. OK, I cheated --- I had to do some "googling" this morning to find out for sure what kind of Trees these were and IF Orioles liked to eat their flowers. They DO! And remember I have 2 Oaks right in my back yard, but didn't realize there were a whole bunch of really old ones all along the drive and river. I've been carting around a couple of Tree and Flower Field Guides for years, but still wouldn't be able to tell you much except what a Maple leaf looks like and ID a Birch tree when I see it's trunk.
Needless to say I am once again thrilled as I discover more and more birds and wildlife in my "new" world. It seems I've inherited a "natural" feeding environment where I live -- although with about a dozen or more Blue Jays eating me out of house & home at my feeders, there's lots of curious new visitors coming round them, too.
I always say this when I hear a new Song bird -- but I tell you, Baltimore Orioles have the most BEAUTIFUL voices I've ever heard. OK, a total toss up between them and the Rosies and it seems I've got them BOTH returning here for the Summer to raise their young. Yea!!!

Celebrating Tulips!

nobody@flickr.com (nancylynnfree) — Tue, 14 May 2013 03:10:33 -0700

nancylynnfree posted a photo:

Right across the road from my old Post Office, someone has planted lots and lots of individual flowers in raised beds. It is so obvious that they are the beginning of a glorious garden to be --- many of the plants look new -- single blooms from a single bulb, and surrounded by straw as mulch to ward off weeds. As I was admiring some of the prettier Tulips, 2 little girls under the age of 5 came out and were so pleased that someone like their garden. I asked them to ask their Mommy if I could take pictures, and they were running from flower to flower showing them off. I just knew their Mom was standing by the window, happy that someone else had noticed and appreciated her "fledgling" garden, too.

I promised a Dear Flickr Friend that I would "find" something RED to post this week in a tribute to the cause of finding a cure for MS. Here you go Dona!! What a wonderful community Flickr is.
www.flickr.com/photos/24549605@N04/8717770019/in/photostream

Broad-winged Hawk Display

nobody@flickr.com (nancylynnfree) — Sun, 12 May 2013 03:21:10 -0700

nancylynnfree posted a photo:

I could NOT believe my eyes (or fortune) when I spied this triangle shape way at the top of the trees yesterday driving along Windham Hill Road, and it turned out to be a Hawk flashing his wings --- not fluttering, but slowly opening and closing them for YES, almost 2 minutes while I photographed him from below. If you think about it, 2 minutes is a LONG time in Bird time!
It had been raining very hard just before -- was he drying his wings ---- or showing off for a lady nearby? Or was he a fledgling just practicing his wing moves? I don't know, but I bet some of my expert friends out there can tell me. And GET THIS --- a half an hour later and almost 3 miles down the road, I saw ANOTHER Hawk doing the exact same thing on a tall tree just across the road from camp. And a THIRD one another mile down the road almost to Route 30. Still doesn't solve the mystery -- I understand that Broad-wings will migrate and congregate in an area in pretty decent sized numbers. The only thing I'm pretty sure about is that it WASN'T the same Hawk following me down Windham Hill for almost 5 miles, and flashing his stuff. It's things like this that make life so much worth getting out there and living!!! I started out the day looking for Moose and ended up with 4 different Hawks gracing my eyes throughout the day instead --- AND I got pics of the Belted Kingfisher --- AND I haven't even taken my new camera out of the box!!! If it's still raining all day, it will stay inside --- I am determined to treat this Nikon with respect it deserves. (-: And this little Sony is doing a pretty good job, of at least Recording what I'm seeing, if not the best pics.

Two Wild & Crazy Guys!

nobody@flickr.com (nancylynnfree) — Sat, 11 May 2013 01:05:44 -0700

nancylynnfree posted a photo:

I couldn't help but think about Steve Martin and Dan Aykroyd on Saturday Night Live when I saw the tilt of these 2 little fellas' heads.
It's always a joy to see Goldfinch -- no matter what time of year, but especially when they are all dressed up in their classy & bright breeding colors.
Check out how that rusty wheel feeding station is "growing" --- I am a tag sale nut and the Bear wind thingy and little Birch bird house are new to me and were awesome finds for cheap, cheap, cheap!

I know this humor is probably "politically incorrect" these days, but geez ,was Saturday Night Live funny in the "old days" . . . .
www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPy1D-bsFDE

Don't Even THINK About Messing With My Baby!!!

nobody@flickr.com (nancylynnfree) — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 03:38:13 -0700

nancylynnfree posted a photo:

There is a story with this photo (isn't there always, with me?) This Mother & Child image was taken on Old Cheney Road in Windham -- a place I lived for a couple of years -- at least 12 years ago. It was truly the "wildest" area ever and I spent much of time without a working vehicle, so my Son & I literally walked thousands of miles in that time period. Even though the neighbors who own these creatures were the very BEST people in the world, I learned to not walk past their place with my dogs.(Jerica, and my 2 Dalmatians) because frankly there were just too many interesting things for them to get in possible trouble over --- lambs, calves, chickens. The first time I tried it, Mallory and Jerica went ambling off into the barn, and Alan came out yelling at the top of his lungs with a shovel over his head. I think he was surprised that I wasn't angry -- I only said; "Well, I guess they learned their lesson about NOT going in their again ---- Thanks!!!" We had a good laugh and became instant good friends.
I know Alan and Caroline have used various methods to try to keep their Spring lambs in particular from being killed by the Coyotes. She makes Gorgeous wool articles processed by hand from "scratch" and thus their sheep are very valuable. I haven't seen them in years, but when I ventured down Memory Lane a couple of days ago, I noticed they had new residents. I'm quite sure they don't use this Bovine's hair for any human purpose.
I just know that if I was a Coyote, I wouldn't even think about taking this lady on!!

My First "Vermont" Wood Duck

nobody@flickr.com (nancylynnfree) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 02:31:27 -0700

nancylynnfree posted a photo:

These brilliantly colored water birds are supposedly very common in the Northeast. I wouldn't know. It was not until I took a trip to NYC's Central Park a year ago that I ever saw one in real life. So spying this pair in the wild at Burbee Pond 2 days ago was quite a surprise. I was looking for a small flock of Loons I had heard rumors were hanging out there, but finding this exotic looking fella and his mate, instead, was just as exciting. There were also Mergansers, Canadian Geese, and some Mallards, but this NON man-made pond is huge and most of the waterfowl prefer to stay way on the other side.

My First "Pretty" of the Spring!

nobody@flickr.com (nancylynnfree) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 03:48:32 -0700

nancylynnfree posted a photo:

Way up on a Southern exposure mountainside, I discovered these little Crocuses soaking in the sunshine. How Sweeeeet it is!!!
I've added a view from that new wonderful place on the backside of Burbee Pond (still mostly covered in ice) my dogs and I discover yesterday. In the background is the infamous Stratton Mountain ---- one of Vermont's highest and most popular Ski resorts. And another photo taken the day before of this awesome tree (aren't they all?) down in the valley along the West River. Thank Goodness for Green Pine and Blue skies until the "other" colors make their arrivals.

You Are a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker!!!

nobody@flickr.com (nancylynnfree) — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 02:51:41 -0700

nancylynnfree posted a photo:

Only the 2nd Sapsucker I've ever seen since a child in Montana, but a HUGE surprise and delight for me anyway, on the same day I caught the Northern Flicker. You can see from the SOOC below, again I wasn't sure exactly what I was photographing, only knew it was probably a Woodpecker of some kind. The only post processing I've done is to lighten the exposure -- the colors are real and I can only assume this little Boy's red is so brilliant because it seems it might be mating season for alot of birds around here, despite the miserable weather. I'm not complaining though -- there's only about an inch or so of crap on the ground & it will be back up into the 50s and 60s starting today.
Here's a link to the only pics I've gotten of this bird before -- a female in Dover -- and some neat info about how Sapsuckers are considered a "keystone species" -- helping to feed many other birds and critters nutritious tree sap, including the Hummingbirds, if they get up here and there's no flowers yet in bloom that they like to feast on.
www.flickr.com/photos/nancylynnfree/7151961287/in/set-721...
Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!!

Northern Flicker --- Yea! #82

nobody@flickr.com (nancylynnfree) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 02:31:02 -0700

nancylynnfree posted a photo:

I spent exactly 22 minutes photographing this bird --- first seeing it in the meadow beside my home, and my eyesight being rather sketchy, especially on dismal dark days (from dusk to dawn, also) thought several times, I was, like a fool, following "just a big female Robin" around. It had a similar shape & profile, was hopping along the ground feeding almost exactly like a Robin, but something about the size and really noticeable white rump as she flew away from me --- to the trees, to the ground, to the trees again -- made me keep in pursuit. She never really let me get too close and all of these pics are cropped and lightened ---- and I truly did not know that I had caught a "Lifer for me" -- a Northern Flicker, until I enhanced them on my computer. I was almost as thrilled as I was over the Bald Eagle(s) --- almost.
It seems I have landed in an area that is the perfect habitat for many different birds and I am in Heaven. There is no way my putting up feeders just a little over a month ago, has attracted such a variety this quickly -- especially birds like Robins, Red-wing Blackbirds, Grackles, Flickers, at least 3 different kinds of Sparrows, and of course my ever photo-challenging male Red Cardinal. Along with that, there are both Downy and Haiiry Woodpeckers, both Red and White-breasted Nuthatches, the ever delightful Chickadees, Blue Jays, Cowbirds, Crows, and more Juncos than I could ever imagine! Yesterday, literally dozens of Juncos were doing a unusual trill in the trees all around me and it seemed all at once. Thanks to another Friend of mine, I am able to give you a link to her wonderful work and this is exactly what all the Juncos at my house sounded like:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlJUsAl4YCA

Little Orphan Annie

nobody@flickr.com (nancylynnfree) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 03:08:19 -0700

nancylynnfree posted a photo:

Once again, I am giving a hint to my age, but their are several things WRONG with this photo and a reference to Annie -- even though that's what came to mind when I saw this.
1.) Annie's eyes were blank white, not black
2.) Annie was definitely a little girl and this is definitely a little boy (note: touch of red showing on head)
3.) Annie was not a Woodpecker
4.) This Downy Woodpecker does not have a dog named Sandy (that I know of)
5.) This Woodpecker does not have a benefactor named "Daddy Warbucks" but rather one who could be called "Fatty Arbuckle" (me)

So why in world did I think of Little Orphan Annie when I first saw this pic? Go figure! (-:

Where West Meets East

nobody@flickr.com (nancylynnfree) — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 04:52:04 -0700

nancylynnfree posted a photo:

Actually where the West River converges with the East banks of the Connecticut river in Brattleboro, Vermont. I've never really thought much about why this body of water is so large -- no man-made dam that I know about -- it's just a no-name lake-like expanse with huge wetlands surrounding it, at the Northern tip of town, right below the Brattleboro Retreat, that I've probably passed hundreds of times over the years traveling to & from and through "town" to some place else. I've seen swimming, fishing, boating, ice skating, ice fishing (yes with the little shanties) being partaken of during different times of the year: but on this day, only a few Canadian Geese were in sight. I have never thought about exploring it's lush banks, until I had 2+ hours to "kill" last Monday waiting for my son-in-law. I didn't feel good, so didn't want to even go into any traffic -- so just parked the car and walked perhaps 1/4 of the perimeter around this surprisingly secluded and lovely place. In some spots it was like walking in the Rain Forest -- with wonderful bird chatter floating down from ancient trees, and lush new green foliage from the recent rains all along the banks. My camera hung at my side except for a few pics of the beautiful blue water & a couple of flowers. I didn't even really "try" to see the birds --- they were so well camouflaged anyway -- just listened and looked and breathed in the delicious scents.
It's pretty amazing that somewhere always SO "in plain sight" and at the very edge of a relatively big town, could become the very spot that offered me such peace and serenity. I will return many times in the future I am sure.

Chilly Chick!

nobody@flickr.com (nancylynnfree) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 04:59:08 -0800

nancylynnfree posted a photo:

Another pic from my Kodak archives -- taken exactly 2 years ago today.
These are the most JOYFUL birds I know --- and the tamest. I have yet to have one eat out of my hand, like some of my friends, but they never hesitate to come up very intimately close when I am filling the feeders. I heard my first male Chickadee calling "feebee" this morning in a long time. Here's a link to a website that I just found this morning that has wonderful recordings of 14 different birds: I was very surprised at the clarity and "length" of the recordings. A very pleasant way to start one's morning if you can't actually "hear" your birds singing on a Winter's day.
www.birdjam.com/birdsong.php?id=12

Palm Warbler!!! (#85!)

nobody@flickr.com (nancylynnfree) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 03:45:05 -0700

nancylynnfree posted a photo:

Another "accidental" first for me yesterday! Went back to the area where I saw the Tree Swallows 2 days ago. They were flying and not landing, but again, out of the corner of my eye I saw this tiny flash of movement and it was YELLOW! My heart raced, as usual, when there is a chance that being in a relatively new area, I might see something new. This actually is NOT a new area for me -- I've posted pics of the Beavers just up the trail 3 years ago, and spotted Baltimore Orioles here and there's a marvelous semi private swimming hole that I've brought my dogs to for years now. But I've always driven down the back road past the wetlands and meadows to get closer to the River, and then gotten out for walks, until now. Never even thought about coming here before the road was open on Memorial Day weekend.
I am really, really excited about this wonderful discovery at this time of year. --- 1/2 way between my Windham Hill camp and my apartment -- I drive by 4 times a day on my round trips to and from. During the summer months it is overgrown with lush foliage almost of a "jungle" nature. I've taken many, many photos of the 'unusual for Vermont' trees and plants there in the past.
Also it is an area that pretty much only "locals" know about and thus quite private and untouched by folks who don't have a sense of awe and respect of nature in it's purest form.
I've posted below a series of crops that show how "lost" in the environment a tiny little bird can be. My photos as of late may be Boring at first glance, but they are anything but boring to me. Bear with me -- green, pretty things will be popping soon.

LOVE at First Sight!!! Ruby-crowned Kinglet

nobody@flickr.com (nancylynnfree) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 02:46:08 -0700

nancylynnfree posted a photo:

This unbelievably CUTE little boy stopped by to say "Goodnight" to me yesterday as I was walking home from the raging river behind my home. The whole day was bone-chilling cold -- dark, damp, and windy, but probably one of the most exciting days a novice bird photographer could have. Three lifer bird photos for me, starting with a Blue Bird on a wire over by Burbee pond and then a Kingfisher sitting on another wire above a connecting pond. But NOTHING could top this tiny little bird and how he preformed for me for 12 minutes -- yes, that is how long from first pic to last -- I checked! Talk about the perfect ending to a great day. The sun was setting behind the mountains, and the light was good when he flitted into it, but most of the images were in the shade deep within the brush.
I couldn't be happier with these darling portraits -- of a bird I've never even heard of before, much less seen --- and the fact that I caught that one pic with the touch of red was a total surprise. Really helped with a quick ID once I got inside and saw "what I had gotten" -- my first thought was some kind of Warbler.
No matter how I complain about my eyesight, I have developed a pretty good peripheral vision when it comes to movement in my surroundings. This is a great time of year before the leaves fill in, to catch a glimpse "out of the corner of my eye" of something moving that might be interesting. I hate to tell you how many times it's just a blowing leaf, but when it's something else, the rewards can be great. The other joy is the fact that with the P&S, it's like taking my photos THREE times -- once when I am actually seeing and pointing my camera and then again when I sit down with my reading glasses on and look through the camera's viewer, and then once more when they are uploaded onto my big screen monitor. The fun just goes on & on into the night. (-: I still have 159 pics from yesterday alone, and that's after alot of deletes already. Just one of those wonderful days!!!

Scruffy?

nobody@flickr.com (nancylynnfree) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 07:24:11 -0700

nancylynnfree posted a photo:

I sure would like to think this is the same little Red Squirrel that I adored so much. One thing for sure is he was not afraid of me, as he checked out a couple of the old feeders up at "camp" (yes, I call it that now, although I spend almost as much time there as I do here)
I sure hope alot of people take a peek at this pic, cuz I'd like to pass on someone's INCREDIBLE work with little Red Squirrels. You will not believe this woman's ingenuity, talent, patience, and just plain old cleverness. Nancy designs & creates all her little miniature sets and her characters are REAL wild, live little Red Squirrels. She's been posting adorable pics for awhile now, so check out the variety and absolute DARLINGNESS!! Guarantee you won't be anything but coming away with a huge grin.
www.flickr.com/photos/nancyandwayne/8619919179/in/photost...
Enjoy!!

Sometimes Good Grooming IS Rewarded

nobody@flickr.com (nancylynnfree) — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 03:49:56 -0700

nancylynnfree posted a photo:

Driving the back way home yesterday, I spied a some brilliant color on top of a fence down the road. Everything around here this time of year is gloomy, messy, and MUDDY! So I was thrilled to see a gorgeous male Peacock, even if he was a domesticated bird.
But he turned out to have quite an attitude about me taking his picture.
Near by in a small pond was a little flock of Muscovy Ducks -- perhaps 5-6 females and one male. And the gentleman was more than happy to show me exactly WHY he had lots of girls and the cocky peacock had none.
I just couldn't believe his brilliant feather coloring, but more stunning was how pure white and CLEAN his "White" was. You can see from the ugly background that he obviously resides in MUCK pretty much all around him, but that certainly hasn't discouraged him from keeping up on the battle of good hygiene. Last Laugh on the Peacock with all HIS fancy garb!

August 18, 2012

nobody@flickr.com (nancylynnfree) — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 02:39:19 -0700

nancylynnfree posted a photo:

Sometimes, What You See is What You Get

nobody@flickr.com (nancylynnfree) — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 04:47:26 -0700

nancylynnfree posted a photo:

Spotted this Gorgeous male Indigo Bunting ----- yep, you guessed it ---- at the "Magic Corner" near my home. Gosh, I am just CRAZY about these tiny beautiful birds --- doesn't hurt that the males are my very, very, very favorite color in the whole wide world.
I haven't seen one in over 2 years --- and was so lucky to even catch this guy --- the sun shining on him just right, as I drove past. Of course I wanted More and Better and Closer pictures. I silently pleaded with him not to fly away --- to just let me get a few little portraits of him for keepsakes ---- and he obliged by flying up to a nearby wire running from a pole to the ground, and sat there posing for me for a what seemed like a long time, turning this way and that and looking right at me.
Alas, the line was in shadow, the sun was behind the clouds, and no matter how much I lightened or brighten the photos I took, there was no way to show his true colors in a realistic way. So, to preserve the memory of this Sweet little guy's performance I put together a mosaic of several pictures (below)

I have been very dissatisfied with my pictures lately --- perhaps being too perfectionist or competitive --- or more likely, just frustrated with not discovering "new" and interesting subjects to photograph. It's not that I'm not OUT there, but most of the time my camera remains slung over my shoulder and I am just "observing" and "feeling" the energy and soul of the Natural world around me.
Not that there's much of even the "old" stuff around --- been a dismal couple of weeks for a Wildlife photographer around here --- rarely a Bird or Butterfly in sight. I will say, though that I have developed quite a fan club of Chippies and little Red Squirrels who have begun to make "my" home "their" home --- at least when it comes to "chow time" (-: