Christmas Day 2013

After some cold weather dropping to the single digits in the preceding weeks (well, cold for Boise) Christmas Day warmed to right around the freezing (or melting) point.  Cyndi and I went out for a walk in Barber Park and enjoyed the day.

Down by the River

I took a walk by the Boise River today. Though the temperature was below freezing, with no wind and a warm sun it was a glorious day!

The Song Sparrow does not mind the winter weather. They're here all year long.

With smaller birds gathering by the seeds and berries, the accipiters (birds that hunt and eat smaller birds) are arriving. This one is a Cooper's Hawk.

Splashes of color always catch my eye, like this American Goldfinch.

My favorite sighting today, though, was this Downy Woodpecker, eating mullein seeds ... or, perhaps, seeking insects in the seed heads?

Sunny Day

The weather report isn't always correct. Today it kept predicting clouds and snow, even as the sky turned blue from horizon to horizon. That means warmth for outdoor activities, and good light for photography!

This American Goldfinch was eating seeds.



This was the first Northern Goshawk I've seen, and I just happened to have a camera.



The female Downy Woodpecker was seeking insects to eat, and a bit further down the trail a male was excavating a nesting cavity. Birds must be already thinking ahead to springtime. The Mallards were exhibiting their head-bobbing courtship rituals.



The Northern Flicker was seeking a meal as well.