Spring at the Pond

There's a huge amount of satisfaction when I glance at the pond/stream and see a bird party going on.

This picture is taken from the house (through a window) and shows how I set up the bird cam today.

Notice the little guy on top of the camera?

And here are a few pix from the bird cam itself.

The boys having a drink.

Cute Junco. They just love the stream.

The Robins like to bathe in the both the stream and the pond edges.

Juncos again. One up top on the way to the party.

Fixed shutter speed on the bird cam produced this result. LOL.

Whoaaaaa!!! They're really having a party! Very nice set up Marna.

That is a great setup. Wonderful job Marna!

Fantastic, Mrs Ed. You've done a sterling job on the pond. I love the swirlybird, whatever it is.

Thanks margaret, it's a Junco.

Thanks also Pell and LL, like I said, it is indeed wonderful to see the birds all enjoying this garden feature. That's part of why we built it.

"Give them water and the birds will come" ought to be your motto. That pond is beautiful and it's clear the birds are very happy little ones. The photos are all wonderful, including the swirl. I'm happy that you're attracting so many different birds-each one is so cute. Enjoy that beautiful pond, I'm jealous!!

It's funny that you say that Duc, because last fall I started a thread on the Water Garden forum. "if you build it, they will come"

So indeed, this is a "pond of dreams." I'm hoping this spring to catch a bunch of warblers at the stream. Maybe some new lifers.

This morning I had the camera at this location at pond's edge. In the afternoon i moved it to the stream. Will be fun to see who shows up.

I've a small Koi pond in the back, never thought it would be somewhere the birds will enjoy. Hubby put up a nest to keep leaves and debris out of the pond for the winter. I'm going to have to remove the nest so the birds can enjoy them. Where can we find the webcam Marna? It's now a must have item. lol

Well you can thank GrannyGrunt for making "us" buy this camera. ;-)

It is not a web cam, but a wildlife cam. There are lots of wildlife/trail cameras out there, but I like this one since it has has video (10 seconds), stills and time lapse.

http://www.wingscapes.com/birdcameras/birdcam-20

There are times when it can be frustrating. I saw a cardinal bathing today for instance and the camera did not go off. Perhaps it was out of the focus/sensor range.

So, here's a house finch by the edge of the pond.

These first ones are taken from the house/through the window.

Robin bathing. Silly bird was supposed to bathe where I had the camera set up.

Female cardinal splashing it up.

Male Purple Finch sneaking a sip.

Egads, that's not a birdie!

Now with the Bird Cam…

Goldfinch contemplating his next move.

Junco… they love, love, love the stream.

Yippeee, Northern Flickers like water too. (ha).

Excellent!!

There were two flickers there this morning, then one showed up later.

Wow!! Love the flicker shot and all the other photos. At least there will never be a dull moment at your house! Great photos.

The Flicker is gorgeous. Congratulations on attracting them. I have rock and pond envy.

I understand rock envy completely.
Mr. Ed makes fun of me and my obsession.

From late yesterday afternoon… This is the spot where the Flicker was, so I'm trying to capture that.

THis one was on a tripod looking down.

This one is in the "oops" category.

Cute pics Mrs Ed!

I am so jealous of your pond Mrs. Ed.....it has really turned out spectacular for you!

This message was edited Apr 8, 2011 7:07 PM

Thanks, I like it. It's been a long wait and lots of work, but not so much once you get it right!

Couple more…

Looking down the stream.

House Finch. Wonder what is all over her beak.

I was working outside yesterday evening, potting up some seedlings and such. Because I was seated and quiet, the birds continued to visit the pond. It was a pleasure to watch and grab a few pix.

I'll start today with the White-Crowned sparrows. I have had a large invasion of them this year. And by large, I mean about a dozen.

Look at where this bird decided to stand. Made me chuckle…

Next up the Robin.

The Rose-Breasted Grosbeak got in on the action too.

The Gray Catbird was back. These birds are a bit more skittish than the others, so I was pleasantly surprised to see it.