Sketching Out Blog: Sketches of art, watercolor, photos, recipes, books, interviews, Jewish topics, and Highland Park, New Jersey

Cardinal, Chickadee, Geese and Gull

cardinal in my backyard
Cardinal in my backyard: As Carver said the last time I posted this bright red bird, “Male cardinals are the flowers of winter.” This cardinal looks like he owns the place.

chickadee
I saw two chickadees in my backyard last week. My, do these little birds jump about.

gull in donaldson park
My daughter and I visited Donaldson Park on Sunday. There were many gulls hanging out by the pond; this one was swimming in the middle, apart from his buddies.

geese donaldson park
Near a slope of Donaldson Park many geese congregated.

tree trunk
This exposed tree trunk is on the edge of a brook on the border of Donaldson Park near the Meadows.

For more Nature Notes:
Nature Notes

Michelle says

I am looking at this and thinking..wow..great NN post..wait a minute.. You got an early start I see. I think that gull has a fish in its mouth. The dees are so quick and friendly...love them....Michelle

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leoraw says

Is that a fish in the gull's mouth? I zoomed in on the photo and just got blurry orange/yellow. I thought maybe it was a leaf, but why would a gull eat a leaf?

I enjoy doing Nature Notes, and I had the photos in the camera and a post in my head, so here it is, two days early.

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Michelle says

It looks like a fishy tail to me...I could be wrong...

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leoraw says

I bet you are right! (that it indeed is a fish - if you look closely, you can see a fish shape)

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Laura says

I love the photo of the tree roots. You know, I once saw a blue heron in my backyard. Have you ever spotted one?

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leoraw says

In your backyard! Wow. Here's a heron we saw near my in-laws who live near the Jersey Shore:
http://www.leoraw.com/blog/2011/09/nature-notes-heron-and-seedlings/

I didn't have my good camera with me, sigh. Next time we visit, I'll certainly bring it!

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Jewaicious says

Beautiful captures. The cardinal sits proudly, like a king overlooking his land and it's darkness.

I love the textures on the tree trunk capture.

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Ilana-Davita says

I like what Carver wrote about cardinals. Your photos are beautiful.

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EG Wow says

The cadinal does look like he owns the place. :) I wish I saw more of them in my yard!

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felisol says

The red cardinal is a wonderful sight. I doubt there is any of that sort here north, but I sure couldn't tell. I've been extremely short sighted all of my life, and know most small birds by their singing. Well,that is hopefully about to change. I've had a new lens operated into my right eye and is about the get a new operated into my left eye today. Wouldn't that be a wonder, if I could spot the small birds and not only enjoy their song?
Seagulls I know by the numbers. They are heavy fish eaters and we are living by the coast. They language can become a bit tiresome to times though.
Your January spring looks so inviting. We still have winter, but the light, the sun is about to return, promising new life and new hope.

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leoraw says

Felisol,

Unfortunately, our January thaw is too springlike for me. The cardinals now have seem to gone elsewhere. Good luck with your eyes - sounds promising.

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Carver says

You got some wonderful shots. The cardinal stands out so well and I love the little chickadee. They do jump about so fast I rarely get good shots of the chickadees so I'm impressed with your shot. I also enjoy the gulls and geese.

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leoraw says

Carver,

I think I took about ten shots of the chickadee! Some were too dark, some were just the back. Happy to get a good one to show.

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Eileen says

A wonderful collection of birds. Great capture of the gull with its dinner. I enjoyed your nature post, have a great weekend!

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NatureFootstep says

nice birds. Good to see this time of year. :)

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Celeste says

Beautiful photo of the tree roots! I wonder how many different critters live amongst them.

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