Living in Season

White-faced ibis

I'm hoping more experienced birders can let me know if this is truly a white-faced ibis instead of its close relative, the Glossy ibis. With the snow, it is difficult to see its eye, although I was able to pop the color on the photo to have a better look at the plumage.

Grant spotted the bird in our yard when he returned after forgetting his keys, and was pretty excited since he's only seen one other in his life. Our best guess is it was set down from the weekend storm. We were able to take a few shots before the neighbors walked by with their dogs, and unknowingly spooked it. He flew to the east where there are large rock piles and landed there. Any ideas where this fellow is going?

Cheater

When my stepson brought his little dachshund, Brandi, over for Dachshund Days at the fairgrounds last weekend our intention was to take her along on our frequent walks to burn a few calories off of her plump frame. Unfortunately, the proverbial puppy dog eyes prevailed and she caught a ride on the way home yesterday.

Backyard Wildlife

   Even though we’re living in town for the moment, we’re not lacking wildlife. In the mornings, when the sun is just starting to brighten the sky, a variety of bird song fills the air. If the traffic is light, it’s a pleasing chorus to start the day.

   Our other wild neighbors are the squirrels on the block. They make a point in tormenting Melvin, dancing and chirping in branches just above his head, or running along the fence line taunting him the entire length of the back yard. Since Melvin can’t hear, the squirrels often are in his face before he notices them, but once visual contact is made the game is on.

   Grant built a couple of feeding platforms for them where he rations peanuts to them. It’s probably not necessary to do to have them visit us, but it certainly is enjoyable watching them dart in for a peanut then dash off to hide it somewhere. I’m sure it won’t be long until we can pick out individuals, and discover which ones have the most interesting personalities.