Bluebirds, Phoebe and Osprey
There have been soooo many “nature” things going on and I don’t even know where to start. I got back from Massachusetts on Sunday and realized that all 4-5 inches of snow had melted. These are the wonderful turning points in the weather where I could be spending all my time focused on the critters (but I need to work to pay the bills). I quickly opened all my windows so my kitties could get some fresh air and there was the “wonderful” sound of Eastern Bluebirds down near my bluebird box. Monday morning the Bluebirds were actively adding nesting material to the box and I plan on trying to get a video clip of them once I get a little more time.
This Eastern Phoebe photo was taken in August 2006
I also had my first of the year Eastern Phoebe (CHECK) singing where they always are just off from the Garage. I was starting to get a little worried about these guys since there were reports of them in the area and then the cold spell hit us. Last year they started building on the house but then abandoned before laying their eggs. Maybe this year will be different and I can have some videos of baby Eastern Phoebe’s being fed??
I also got a report from one of the Park Managers that the Osprey returned while I was gone. After work I visited one of their nesting locations since I was heading out that direction already. I saw 6 different individuals (3 pairs) already staking out their territories (CHECK, first of the year). On average they always arrive around the 24th of March so it appears these guys are right on schedule!! What was interesting is that when I was editing the photos of this bird, I happen to notice that it had a band on its leg. Makes me wonder where it came from??
I know that there are many more new things showing up that I am missing because I am not out in the field. Some of these would include the early butterflies, snakes and even some bird migrants. The big “Salamander Night” happened Monday night and did take a ton of photos. I plan on making this amazing phenomenon a separate blog posting. The picture of this Spotted Salamander is only a teaser of what should be coming next on my blog.
Mon@rch's Nature Blog 
Great salamander photo! I haven’t ventured out in the dark yet. It’s VERY dark out here, there’s no one here but me, and we have bears. OK – so I’m a chicken…I’ll rely on your blog to show me the ‘manders!
27 March 2007 at 11:41 am
That salamander looks like he/she’s smiling sweetly just waiting for a kiss! Looking foreward to learning more from you about them.
27 March 2007 at 1:18 pm
Love all the pics, especially the salamander. Can’t wait for my first Osprey out here in Albany, though they only pass through on their way to more northern nesting sites.
27 March 2007 at 9:13 pm
I took a ride to Quaker late Sunday afternoon to check out vernal pools for spermatophores. I also checked the osprey platforms at Exit 19 & Cain Hollow. Struck out on both–they came back just for you. I found a great beaver pond on Holt Run Rd., and got a bunch of pictures.
Your salamander pic is very cute.
27 March 2007 at 10:06 pm
@ Laura – Well, find someone safe to head out with because you are missing some great things! Although, glad I am able to sure my adventures with you!
@ Lynne – it is smiling but no kiss from me! LOL
@ Corey – thanks! They should be there soon! Don’t you have any nesting in your area?
@ Grace – Great news and I was wondering if they were there over the weekend! Now I know! Can’t wait to see your pictures!
27 March 2007 at 10:36 pm
The Phoebe is so cute but I love the salamander. Seems like you are drowning in great photo opportunities now after that lousy winter, ey?
Bravo.
28 March 2007 at 9:07 am
That is a great Salamander shot-I found some kind of greyish salamander in my basement-Have no idea what kind it is.
28 March 2007 at 9:29 pm
Wow! Great photos Tom! Glad you made it back in time for the Salamanders!
30 March 2007 at 6:11 am
@ Mary – thanks and that Salamander was fun! Lots of photo ops, thanks!
@ Larry – Thanks and had fun taking a picture of it! Hard to say, you should have taken a picture of it!
@ Pam – thanks and glad to have made it back for the Salamanders! They waited for me though!
30 March 2007 at 9:04 am
I hope you get a clear shot at those tags on the osprey someday. I love that spring is arriving.
30 March 2007 at 9:44 pm