Our More Colorful Birds

This series of five pictures illustrates the magnificence of God's creation with the bird's plumage including the colors of rufous, orange, blue, yellow, and brilliant red.

Rufous-Sided Towhee

We see the Rufous-Sided Towhee in early spring and it is common for their nests to be found in or under a large spruce tree in front of our house. They get their name from the rufous (reddish-brown) plumage on their sides and "towee" which is an imitation of their call. Their tales are quite long and they are further characterized by white spots on their back and tail. They range from 7" to 8" in length.

Baltimore Oriole

The Baltimore or Northern Oriole arrives in Ohio during the month of May, announcing that spring has really arrived. They are around 7" in length and are noted for their nests which hang down from branches near the tops of tall trees, thus concealing them from view to the casual observer.

Eastern Bluebird

This male Eastern Bluebird, along with his mate, actually took up residence in our bluebird house. It is quite common for the wrens to occupy this house later in the spring if the bluebirds don't beat them to it. These birds are about 7" long with the male being characterized by a bright, entirely blue back and rusty throat and breast.

Goldfinch

These two pair of Goldfinch are typical of their spring and summer plumage. The males, on the left, are very brilliant yellow in color while the females on the right are more greenish-gray. In the winter months, the males color is similar to that of the females. The males are also distinguished by their black caps. These little birds are about 4" in length and are fond of thistles (hence the thistle feeders) and sunflower seeds.

Pileated Woodpecker

The Pileated Woodpecker is about 17" in length, or nearly as large as a crow. They are identified by striking black and white neck stripes and a brilliant red crest. The Pileated's call is always a series, never a single call. They are very wary and thus seldom closely observed

Our Winged Guests

Living in rural Holmes County and on a lake means that we do not hear many cars, are not in a flight pattern for a major airport, and we do not have trains going by. We do have boats on the lake, especially on weekends. The next few photographs show some of our winged guests starting with an ultralight that was the only one that made any noise.

"If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me." Psalm 139:9-10.

Ultralight

This ultralight flew over the lake in the evening as we were enjoying a pontoon boat ride.

Luna Moth

This Luna Moth landed on our loft window and stayed there until we turned off the light. The Luna Moth is one of the most unusual and beautiful of the North American moths. Although they are common throughout the eastern U.S., their night flying habits and short life span as an adult moth, only about one week, combine to make them a rare find. The Luna Moth, with a wing span of 4.5 to 5", is one of the largest moths in North America.

Great Blue Heron In Flight

The Great Blue Heron has a wing span of 70" and is about 40" long. This one flew over the lake when we were out on our pontoon boat.

Great Blue Heron

This largest of North American herons is common on the lake in the summer months. This one spent the day on our cove. We crossed our cove in the pontoon boat and the Great Blue Heron walked into the woods. Later we saw her fly around the cove and land adjacent to our dock.

American Black Vultures

The American Black Vulture is primarily located in the Southeastern United States. Over the last 5-6 years they have made their way into Ohio. These vultures will attack small animals as well as feasting on road kill. We did not invite these birds to land on our deck.

Barred Owls-OOPS!

Please watch very carefully. Both Barred Owls are in the video at the beginning. After a few seconds, you will be able to see the female peeking around the male. She then decides to fly away leaving the male on the limb by himself. Watch what happens to him.
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Signs Of Spring

We have been enjoying walks this spring in what has been a rather cool season. The flowers and trees have held their blossoms longer than normal because of the cool days and also lack of rain. The animals we have seen also suggest that spring is here after a very snowy March. The next few pictures are example of God's handiwork.

Lily Of The Valley

Matthew 6:28-29 - Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin, and yet I say unto you that even Solomon, in all his glory, was not arrayed like one of these.

May Apple

Last Year's & This Year's Ferns

Dogwood In Front Of Our House

Brave Rabbits

Turtles Soaking Up The Rays

A Singing Carolina Wren