Sand Hill Cranes at Conboy National Wildlife Refuge

Instead of working in my garden, I’ve been going up to Glenwood quite often lately in search of Sand Hill Cranes.  The Conboy National Wildlife Refuge is a wondrous area filled with birds of all kinds.  As we slowly drove by a lovely field of purply blue camas we realized there were a pair of cranes out in the field!

Even with my new 150 – 600 mm lens they were too far away, so we continued through the refuge and found another pair who were closer.

They allowed us to watch them graze, dance and chat at one another.  Sorry to the nice man in the truck who had to squeeze past my car on the narrow gravel road.  In my haste to capture the cranes I completely forgot to close my door after grabbing my camera!

I love sharing my images with you, hoping you’ll fall in love with these beautiful graceful birds too.  I’m still hoping to catch a glimpse of the babies I’m told are in the area.

You can see some of the other birds I’ve been following on my studio blog, Steider Studios and my 365 Photos blog as well as my Facebook page, where I post most often.

I know, I should get back to work in my garden now that all my spring shows are over, but I can garden all summer and the babies are only here right now!!

When I have some time I’m going to add a page here to show you all the beautiful, colorful birds and butterflies that congregate in my garden – flying flowers.

Thanks for stopping by, it’s always a pleasure to see you!

Back Yard Birds for Mother’s Day

Happy Mother’s Day!  Happy me – I had a new bird show up at my feeders today!!  A Black-throated Gray Warbler!!  At least that’s what it seems to be from my Audubon Field Guide.

Not the best photos but he was quick!

After tending my garden all morning I kicked back to photograph some of the birds at my feeders.  The Black-headed Grosbeaks politely wait in line for the Evening Grosbeaks to finish.

I’ve had pair of Red Crossbills at my feeders all week.  Yesterday I saw a second male!

The female Crossbill landed on this birdbath as I was photographing flowers & stayed for a drink even though she knew I was so close.

Hummingbirds have been here awhile and I’m wondering if the one on the right is a baby.

One of my favorites, the American Goldfinch numbers have steadily increased over the years.

I’ve had a couple of exciting birding adventures but haven’t edited all the photos yet.  Monday I went to Conboy Wildlife Refuge in Glenwood and was treated to a pair of Sandhill Cranes mating.  You can see a few photos on my Facebook page album.

Then on Thursday I went to the Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge north of Vancouver and saw many Cinnamon Teals and Canadian Geese with a multitude of goslings!  A few of those photos are also in a Facebook album on my page.

 

Not to mention 4 nesting pair of Osprey along the Columbia River that I’ve been watching with a 5th nest being built!

And a team of vultures that watched me photographing the Ospreys!  I managed to catch this one before he took off.

I have one more spring show coming up, the Hood River Rotary Wine and Pear Festival at the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum (WAAAM) on May 17 and 18.

Then I hope to spend more time in my garden among the flowers and flying critters.  And catch up with all my blogging friends!!

 

Deer in my Garden – Again!

Enjoying my morning coffee, I was startled to see a herd of deer snacking their way through my garden.  Before I chased them out, I snapped a couple of photos.

Tomorrow I’ll  set up the last art show of my spring season (see previous post!) so today I have to pack and load my car.  I hope to catch you up with notes from my garden next week.  If I can clear out the weeds, it looks like a spectacular garden season emerging!

Thanks for stopping by … if you are near Portland Oregon this weekend, stop by the Columbia Gorge Art Festival at the Corbett Grade School & tell me you follow my garden blog!!

Columbia Gorge Art Festival

My last show of the season is this weekend in Corbett Oregon at the Corbett Grade School.  I’ll have glass garden art and jewelry; plus botanical, scenic and nature photography to share with you.

A glorious scenic drive takes you to the western part of the Columbia River Gorge.  Take the Corbett exit off I84, come up the hill & turn right on Historic Columbia River Hwy.  The grade school is just down the highway at 35800 E. Historic Columbia River Hwy.  Hours are 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

A fundraiser for Corbett Education Foundation, this is one of the best spring shows I participate in.  Festive, friendly and fun you won’t find more creativity and wonderful artists anywhere else.  The entire school is filled with amazing art and handmade fine craft with attention to detail.  I always find treasures at this show for gift giving and additions to my personal collection.

Not to mention a free lunch!  Donations accepted for a fantastic grilled cheeseburger with sautéed onions and mushrooms.  I can’t wait & hope to see you there!!  Let me know you follow my blog!

Mid May Musings

Taking a moment to breathe between weekend art shows.  I am amazed at what’s blooming in my garden.  I love these colorful Parrot tulips.

Pink fringed tulips are also favorites ….

…as are yellow, orange, and red tulips!  Blooming under my Magnolia tree.  With a glass garden fairy that I made swinging from a branch.

Little Chickadee oh so sweet.

Evening grosbeaks taking refreshment.

Epimediums are starting to bloom. I LOVE purple…..

…and pink!!  There are more, but these are my favorites.

Love catching these little hummingbirds at our feeders.

I must take 300 photos for every one that turns out.

Is there a secret to photographing hummingbirds in flight?

My Soloman’s Seal is finally multiplying.  I’ve waited several years for this to happen so I can spread it throughout my woodland gardens.

Back out in the sun my miniature iris are starting to bloom.  I love these little guys.

And these little guys.  The Goldfinches like to sip directly from the dripper at this birdbath.

That looks like a chair calling my name.  Try not to notice all the weeds, ok?  Until next time…thanks for stopping by.