Out of the Garden V

When your day begins with such a magnificent splash of light you know it is going to be a good day. We did our regular birding this sunday morning and although we didn't see any migrants we felt like the world had slipped into spring since the week before. We were greated every few feet by Red-winged Blackbirds singing on territory. Red epulets were flashing on every little shrubby tree that dots the ditches. The males have been here a couple of weeks but most had not actually started to stake claims until this weekend. The females won't be far behind. Later in the day a friend emailed us that they had found a really great bird. After a phone call, we threw our binoculars around our necks and dashed over to a marsh not far from where we live. Looking at this willowy wet habitat you wouldn't expect to find such a treasure as...

this sweet littleNorthern Saw-whet Owl. Now you have to remember this little owl is only 8 inches (20cm) long. I can't tell you what a thrill it was to see this little bird. It is only the third time I have ever seen one and to be so close!!! I had to back up to use my binoculars. It was certainly aware of our presene but it didn't appear to be too concerned. We stood and watched it watching us for some time.

The sun was playing peek a boo with the clouds and at one point put quite a lovely light on the little bird. If you would like to read more about these little owls and see more picutres you can go to Mon@rch's Blog where he writes about banding these little fellows.
My Dearly Beloved took the pictures of this sweet little owl. Thank you dear. I always get too excited to take pictures when something really good happens. I want to thank our birding friend for going back out into the marsh with us to make sure we saw the little treasure he had found earlier in the day.