I was sitting on the nature path trying to get some eye level photos when a Sandhill Crane family approached. I thought about standing up to move but often this startles birds because suddenly you are much bigger.
The Queen, a Northern Cardinal, flew over to me on a cold and windy morning. She landed by my boots while I grabbed some snacks for her. She goes with her usual combo, a peanut and a suet nugget.
Birds of the boardwalk! The queen of the boardwalk, a Northern Cardinal, arrives first and selects a pistachio and a suet nugget. She is followed by a Red-winged Blackbird, a hoppy Downy Woodpecker, and a Tufted Titmouse.
A Red-winged Blackbird looking like it's getting a free ride on an Osprey's broomstick. The Blackbird was focused on driving the Osprey away from the marsh, while the Osprey was focused on bringing back a good stick for the nest.
A male Downy Woodpecker arrives at the Hand of Snacks and is promptly joined by the Queen, a Northern Cardinal. She will not be rushed in her selection. A Tufted Titmouse grabs a suet nugget after the Downy departs.
I had great company on the park’s paved path today. The first three Sandhill Cranes are a family, and are followed by a couple on the grass. There’s a big size difference in the couple; I believe one is a Greater subspecies, the other Fun-size (also known as “Lesser”) subspecies.
