Saturday – Four Bluebird Chicks

On May 7, 2023 - Bluebird Cam, Wildlife Photography

We’ve got four bluebird chicks. As of late Saturday evening, the fifth egg has yet to hatch. Here’s a good clip showing mom coming and going. Both parents are busy hauling groceries in.

There’s a smudge on the camera lens, maybe a bug, maybe debris. Unfortunately, it is dead center on the nest. We’ll have to live with it, I can’t get at it to clean it until the birds depart.

We’re watching eastern bluebirds in a nesting box with a camera installed inside to let us watch without disturbing them. The camera switches to black & white in low light. And, the exposure control stinks, that’s why it washes out or goes black as a bird comes or goes.

bird video, birding, birds, bluebird, bluebird nest, bluebird video, bluebirdcam, eastern bluebird, new hampshire wildlife, vermont wildlife

Bluebird Chicks Are Hatching

On May 5, 2023 - Bluebird Cam, Uncategorized

Our bluebird chicks have started hatching. Two hatched before my bedtime last night, a third overnight. We’ peeking in this morning. Mom is sitting on the nest, sometimes resting, sometimes tending the chicks. Dad shows up with snacks and pops in to check things out.

baby bluebirds, birding, birds, bluebird chicks, bluebird nest, bluebirdcam, eastern bluebird

Unexpected Action on the Middleton’s Pond

On May 3, 2023 - Loons, Photography, Raptors, Wildlife Photography

The forecast for this morning called for rain. I happily planned to sleep in. Owing two huskies often thwarts such plans. When I let them out, there were stars to be seen. There was a thick fog over the Connecticut River, but clear skies above. The Middleton’s – the loons that live on the pond between the other two ponds – pond is a few hundred feet above the Connecticut. Hoping for some mood shots, I packed up and headed out.

The pond had a moderate fog and flat water. I had guessed correctly.

There was no shortage of Canada geese on the pond. I noticed nine nests while I was exploring.

It didn’t take long to find the loons, they were in one of their favorite coves. And sleeping in.

After a time, they began to stir. They both did a very quick preen and stretched their legs.

Before giving a good wing stretch to get things going.

Loons on this pond have often nested in this cove. Two years ago, they relocated the nest. This morning, they took a quick tour around the old nest site, poking into the brush and hooting to each other.

When loons are courting, they’ll swim quickly along side each other, softly hooting to each other, and they’ll make synchronized dives. This morning, our pair made a quick courting display before heading off to breakfast.

With the loons off having breakfast, I spent some time exploring the marsh. Warblers are back, the pond was surrounded by yellow-rumped warblers and common yellowthroats. I saw a black & white warbler – briefly. And, the spider webs were covered in dew and standing out. Before I could concentrate on photographing warblers, bigger things were afoot.

A bald eagle that had been sitting out of my sight dove on the pond, coming up empty. I wasn’t quick enough to get the camera around for the dive. He? landed in a tree overlooking the pond and I settled in to wait for the next dive.

The osprey on the pond have returned to their nest and were not in the mood to welcome an eagle.

One of the osprey came in and dove at the sitting eagle.

The osprey came in close to the eagle. I’m glad I wasn’t on the business end of the talons.

The osprey pulled up and came around again.

The eagle was standing higher and calling louder this time. That didn’t discourage the osprey.

The osprey made five dives at the eagle. The eagle held his ground. The osprey headed down the pond towards the nest.

Having proved he could hold his ground (hold his tree?), the eagle sat for a time before flying off to a new perch – out of sight of the osprey. He eventually came back, dove for a fish and missed. Settling in a new tree, the osprey started in on him again.

The loons would be rooting for the osprey. Osprey’s diet is almost exclusively fish, they leave the loons alone, while eagles are a very real threat to loon families.

My luck with the weather ran out. A few raindrops remined me that the huskies needed their morning run. I had the boat packed up and was pulling out of the parking spot when the rain hit. The huskies enjoyed romping in the mud when they got their run.

bald eagle, birding, birds, birdwatching, common loon, eagle, loons, osprey, wildlife

Visiting the Westons

On April 28, 2023 - Loons, Photography, Wildlife Photography

I’ve been back to the Weston’s (the loons to my west) pond three times since failing to break through the ice on the 17th, and finally managed to get photos of them. Along with some of their pond mates.

Before we get to the photos, is there anyone interested in a trip to see the puffins on Machias Seal Island? A friend and I made reservations out of Grand Manan Island for the trips on July 28 & 29. She can’t make it, I’m hoping to find a new sidekick to come along. I can get away a few days before if we want to explore anywhere along the way, but I have to head back promptly after the trip. Send me an email if you’re interested.

I ventured out to the Weston’s pond on the 20th and again the 21st. Both afternoons had a brisk breeze. The loons were out on the main body of the pond and the waves ruined any chance for good pix of them. I spent some time poking around the marshy coves.

Hank heron was checking out the buffet along the pond’s edge.

I could hear an American bittern calling ‘chu-peep.’ It took almost two hours over two evenings to finally find him in the brush.

A pair of upstanding common mergansers along the marsh. There are also lots of wood ducks and a few hoodies around, but they’ve been too skittish for photos.

The male red-winged blackbirds are working on sorting out territories. They were more animated this morning, but I still haven’t seen a female.

I was out early this morning, finding thick fog and a brisk 30° when I launched.

The loons were just starting out on their day.

There was a couple dozen geese around. Several already sitting on nests, the rest spending much of the morning honking.

As I was exploring the marsh, a gander made a ruckus. Had he been quiet, I’d have missed his mate on the nest. I had to back out and try somewhere else to avoid disturbing her.

Even though we had a quorum of geese, they kept arriving.

Landing gear down, one makes a smooth landing.

This red-winged blackbird has claimed his territory and was lackadaisically calling.

After another male landed in his territory and was escorted out, the blackbird upped his game. You can see his breath in the cold morning air.

Our loons spent most of the morning foraging, making long deep dives. After a time, they took time to preen.

After preening, the both had a good stretch.

My hummingbird feeder is out. We often get one or two the first couple days in May. I suspect they’re making a brief stop before continuing north. We should have our residents back by the end of the week. The weather forecast looks miserable for next week, but I’ll be out again as soon as I can.

birding, birds, canada goose, geese, goose, new hampshire wildlife, red-winged blackbird, rwbb, vermont wildlife

A Quick Check on the Bluebirds

On April 26, 2023 - Bluebird Cam, Wildlife Photography

I’ll be giving my slideshow An Uncommon Look at the Common Loon at the Morrill Memorial and Harris Library in Strafford, Vermont, Thursday April 26 at 7:00.

We had a foggy and dreary morning here on the hill this morning. None of us was in any real hurry to get up and about. Including Mrs. Bluebird. She got up, looked out and went back to sitting for a few minutes.

The chicks should hatch between May 5 and May 10.

We’re watching eastern bluebirds in a nesting box with a camera installed inside. We can watch without disturbing the birds.

bird video, birding, birds, bluebird, bluebird nest, bluebirdcam, eastern bluebird

Bluebirds Have Five Eggs

On April 21, 2023 - Bluebird Cam, Wildlife Photography

Mrs. Bluebird waited for me to start to post that she had started sitting on four eggs when she surprised me. She ventured out of the box and there’s a fifth egg. She spent the night sitting on the eggs last night, that starts the clock on incubation. The chicks should hatch between May 5 and 10.

We’re watching eastern bluebirds raise their family in a camera equipped nesting box. We can watch without disturbing the birds.

bird video, birding, birds, bluebird, bluebird nest, bluebird video, bluebirdcam, eastern bluebird, vermont wildlife

Bluebirds Have a Second Egg

On April 18, 2023 - Bluebird Cam, Photography, Wildlife, Wildlife Photography

Our bluebirds caught me off guard this spring. Their cameras have been acting up and not sending notifications when they’re in the box as they should. It has been on my list to figure out why, but I hadn’t found the time. Yesterday, I went to show a friend the live feed and discovered Mrs. Bluebird laying her first egg. I was able to get the video running this morning to catch her laying a second egg. Mr. Bluebird makes a cameo, delivering a snack.

bird video, birdcam, birds, bluebird video, bluebirdcam, bluebirds, eastern bluebird, nest cam

Loons Have Returned to the North Country

On April 18, 2023 - Loons, Photography, Wildlife Photography

Loons have returned to our local ponds. The Westons – the loons on the pond to my west – were spotted a week ago on Monday, April 10. The Middletons – the loons on the pond between the eastern and western ponds I’ve been following – showed up Thursday, April 13.

In other news, our bluebirds have been around the yard regularly. Their camera is supposed to send me a notification when they’re in the box. It hasn’t been sending notifications and has been on my list to fix for a time. Yesterday I went to show off the live feed and found Mrs. Bluebird in the box.

Mrs. Bluebird has been busy, I tuned in just in time to catch up on the news.

I was surprised how far along in their plans the bluebirds were when mom left the box.

A friend on the north end of the Westons’ pond messaged to tell me the loons were back. The water was open on their end of the pond. I hit the pond the next afternoon, only to find that there was still ice between the boat launch and the loons. Being too stubborn to take the hint, I tried breaking through with the kayak. Most of the ice was just slushy water, but the last 40 or 50 feet had ice too thick to break through. I had to give up. I returned Sunday and the ice was gone. There were two loons on the pond. It was a windy afternoon, and there weren’t any photos to be made.

On Friday, I tried the Middletons’ pond. Two loons were foraging together for a time before preening and settling in for a nap.

The turtles were lining the pond to welcome the loons back. Or maybe just to bask. Hard to tell with turtles. There were a couple hundred painted turtles, basking on most every long or hummock in the sun.

Insects of some sort were hatching and the trout were near the surface – or jumping above it – most of the afternoon. The loons were foraging quickly, with short shallow dives. They took the occasional break to stretch.

After preening, this loon give a nice stretch.

I hope to follow the loons on the same three ponds that I have been watching again this season. You can keep up with their adventures by subscribing. And, if you know someone who enjoys wildlife, please share the blog with them.

birds, common loon, loons, new hampshire wildlife, vermont wildlife

Spring Has Arrived in the Upper Valley

On April 12, 2023 - Wildlife Photography

Spring has arrived in the Upper Connecticut River Valley. That doesn’t mean we’re done with winter, just that you can’t expect seasons in Vermont to progress in a logical order. With water thawing, I stirred from my hibernation and ventured out around the area to see who was out and about. Signs that spring has arrive that I found included a kingfisher, a great blue heron and – definitive proof – a painted turtle basking.

We planted some azaleas back in 2014. They were promptly claimed by a song sparrow for his summer palace. A song sparrow has returned to claim them every year. (We hope it is the same one, enjoying a long life) On schedule, he appeared on April 4. He’s been busy telling the world that he’s claimed the side yard from the deck to the neighbor’s driveway, including rights to visit the feeders to the south.

This red-tailed hawk was watching over a field in Newbury, hoping for a meal.

Across the river in the Bedell Bridge State Park, this red squirrel was busy licking sap off a tree. Sap is high in sugar and provides a quick energy drink.

Here’s a clear view of her licking the sap.

Sunday afternoon, I launched the kayak in the Waits River. An eagle sat in a tree watching a pair of hooded mergansers for a time. He eventually took off and made a half-hearted dive at them before heading off down the Connecticut.

The geese were out in force. Several of them spent much of the afternoon objecting. To what they were objecting was clear only to the geese.

This goose really put some work into honking.

One pair hasn’t wasted any time, they’re already sitting on their nest.

Shortly after the adult eagle departed, an immature eagle flew in and sat watching the marsh. Several flights of ducks arrived, but didn’t stay long. I suspect they spotted the eagle. Or me. For all they knew, I may have been in cahoots with the eagle. A pair of American wigeon flew in and stayed just a couple of minutes.

Our male red-winged blackbirds have been back for about two weeks. I haven’t seen any females yet. But, this handsome guy wanted to be first in line when they do arrive. There aren’t many reeds in the marsh yet, but he’s claimed a leftover from last year to announce he’s claimed his territory.

And, positive proof that spring has arrived, a chorus of peepers serenaded this painted turtle while he basked.

birding, birds, new hampshire wildlife, signs of spring, vermont wildlife

Chesapeake & Ohio No. 1309

On February 11, 2023 - Railroad Photography

Long before I started photographing wildlife, I started tracking down our working steam locomotives. Since the 1970s, I’ve traveled throughout the US, Canada and even to Inner Mongolia to photograph locomotives under steam.

This last week, I took a trip to Cumberland, Maryland, to visit the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad to photograph restored Chesapeake & Ohio 2-6-6-2 no. 1309. Pete Lerro, of Lerro Productions, organized the charter. Pete always does a great job on the charters and the Western Maryland Scenic is a great place to visit.

The star of the show is no. 1309, the largest operating steam locomotive east of the Mississippi. She was built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in November 1949 and was the last steam locomotive for domestic use produced by Baldwin. She was designed to haul the railroad’s coal trains through Kentucky and West Virginia. She worked for the C&O until retired in 1956. No. 1309 and sister no. 1308 were preserved as static displays. The Western Maryland Scenic acquired her and gave her a complete overhaul. She moved under her own power – for the first time in 64 years – on December 31, 2020. These days, she regularly hauls the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad’s excursion trains out of Cumberland.

I have a PowerPoint slideshow of steam locomotives across the US. I’ll be giving the show at the Howe Library in Hanover, NH on Wednesday March 8, at 6:30 p.m. The show is free and everyone is welcome. I’ll have an exhibit of railroad images hanging upstairs at the Howe Library in March and another exhibit of railroad images at the New Hampshire Art Association’s Gallery in Portsmouth, NH in March.

We’re just west of Cumberland, Maryland, in the Cumberland Narrows. The Narrows is
where Wills Creek cuts between Wills Mountain and Haystack Mountain.

In La Vale, MD, the railroad makes a sweeping horseshoe-shaped curve around the valley. Inside the curve is a farm originally owned by the Helmstetter Family. This curve has long been a favorite of photographers.

We’re a little further up the line at a location known as Coal Tipple, where
Western Maryland Railroad trains used to stop for coal.

Crossing C&P Bridge 2, where the Western Maryland used to cross
the Cumberland and Pennsylvania Railroad.

No. 1309 coming out of the west end of Brush Tunnel.

Out of Brush Tunnel from the other side of the tracks.

We stopped at Helmstetter’s curve again heading back into Cumberland.

Pete set up some lights for night shots in Cumberland Station

Across the C&O Canal from the Cumberland station is the Emmanuel Parish of the Episcopal Church.

One last shot in the Cumberland Station.

1309, C&O 1309, steam engine, steam locomotive, Western Maryland 1309, Western Maryland Scenic Railroad

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