Sunday, December 11, 2011

Cold but no snow

I spent Tuesday evening looking for birds and fishing for perch at Mud Lake.  The fishing was slow with only three perch, and even the birding was slow.  It has been very cold with no snow and the winter birds have not showed up yet.  I did find this Northern Shrike that posed for me.



Then as the sun was getting ready to set, the ice started popping and cracking, forming pressure ridges on the lake.  The last open water had frozen over the day before.


Trumpeter swan looking for open water to sit on for the night kept coming in, but had to land on the slick ice.  What a funny show I watched with my binoculars as the inexperienced swans would slide across the ice crashing into each other or taking a tumble.  I wish I would have been closer and with more light to get some pictures of the skating party.


What a great way to spend another wild evening in the wilds of Idaho.

14 comments:

eileeninmd said...

Cool Birds, Bill! I would love to see the Shrike and the swans are beautiful in flight. Great captures.

Lois Evensen said...

Lovely. That last image is fantastic - what perfect lighting!

theconstantwalker said...

Lovely birds to see Bill... I really like the last image.

Unknown said...

I hope a Snowy Owl show's up in your neck of the woods.

Bekkieann said...

Beautiful shots, as always. I have seen that same skating dance of the swans. The Northern Flickers have arrived at my backyard feeders along with the juncos, finches, quail, and ever-present chickadees. Robert mentioned the Snowy Owl. Here in Utah one was photographed a week ago on the Antelope Island Causeway, and now all birders here are hoping to be the next to catch a glimpse.

Jo said...

Beautiful photos, Bill. The last photo is fantastic ! Greetings, Jo )(Kenya)

Mary Howell Cromer said...

Welcome back on Bill. Thank you for the news about the Great Gray Owls. Can't wait to view some new images, when you get them. The Shrike is a beauty. Have a great week~

Gaelyn said...

So next time it snows in AZ I'll know it really belongs in ID.

Great shots and nice sighting of the swans. I'll bet they looked humorous skidding in on ice.

Monts said...

Hi Bill great times and images in your last two post's and good to see you back again.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Wonderful birds Bill -- Merry Christmas to all at your house.

tybugs1 said...

Love the sunset!

tybugs1 said...

Love the sunset!

Janie said...

The sunset is fantastic, and I love the glow on the trumpeter swan wings.

Grandma Yellow Hair said...

Beautiful post as always.
Been wondering if your okay because I have came by several times but have not found updated post.
Hope everything is okay
Maggie