The last few days have been the warmest, welcome sign that our waiting is finally over. Just a few degrees above zero, but enough for me to venture out to the woods and go on my first birding walk. I had to tread squeaky, slushy paths of melting snow and ice.
Here are some views. These photos were taken just last Friday April 4. Melting icicles dripping into the icy creek. Yes, this is spring for us. No flowers yet, not even green grass. But this is promise enough:
Last fall they dominated the sky, but I’d missed the Canada Geese through the long, silent winter. Surprised to find these two here enjoying the cool spot, weren’t bothered a bit by my intrusion:
Up close and personal… Welcome back!
The Chickadee never flew away. But I’m sure she’s glad with the warming up:
The Bohemian Waxwings stay in the winter and moves north after the cold. But the Cedar Waxwings’s arrival from the south heralds spring:
Silky fine spring look worthy of any fashion magazine cover:
More spring birding photos coming up on Saturday Snapshot.
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All Photos taken by Arti of Ripple Effects, April, 2014.
Do Not Copy or Reblog
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Ripple Effects 
I love all your shots, Arti, but your birds always rock! The close-up of that colorful Cedar Waxwing striking a pose is great.
Today, a friend sent me a video from Winnepeg about this far too long winter. I know that you’re not from Winnepeg, but you might like it:
http://bcove.me/c64jdldl
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LA,
Real cool! Thanks for the link. The weather while warming up is still temperamental. But we do know spring has sprung finally.
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Winter seems finally over over here, too, and the temperature is warming up slowly. Glad you liked the link!
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The Sound of Silence is one of my all time faves. But never imagine it could be mashed up with Winnipeg’s winter. 😉
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That was an inspired video!
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@lameadventures – I just found that video in my inbox yesterday morning. A fellow from Portage La Prairie sent it to me. I was going to post it but now I don’t need to. It’s one of the best winter parodies (or whatever) I’ve ever seen!
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I agree with you. It’s very well done.
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Gorgeous bird photos, as always. I don’t think we have Bohemian or Cedar waxwings in our area. The first signs of spring are the best!
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Cathy,
Thanks. Glad I can finally go birding. As for the Waxwings, take a look at this page, you might find the Cedar Waxwing in your area. Looks like they are everywhere in the U.S. but only in the winter.
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Oh yippee! So glad you could get out and about with your camera. Beautiful photos.
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Ellen,
Yes, finally. I’m sure in your area, roses are blooming profusely already. 😉
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Arti, I love the cedar waxwing – it could be a painting. it is interesting that where you live in Canada remains colder and is slower to release the icy bond of winter than where i live in Colorado. Funny, folks always think Colorado is so cold but it really is not bad in comparison to the northern states and provinces.
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Heather,
You know, this past winter, my neighbours to the south have had much colder weather than us… or even Alaska. 😉
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Lovely shots! I esp love the chickadee against the background of red twigs. (I’ve always had a soft spot for chickadees.) 🙂
Happy spring!
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Thanks, Shari. I like that one too because of the red bark on the branches.
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Great photos!
You know it’s spring when the geese return!
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Animal Culture,
Welcome to the pond, where you throw in your two pebbles to make some ripples. Many more signs of spring coming up. Watch for them in this Saturday’s Snapshots.
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So glad spring is finally breaking for you and that the birds are back! These are wonderful shots and I’ll look forward to more over the weekend!
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Thanks, Jeanie. I’m glad I can finally do some birding.
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Gorgeous pictures! I particularly love the one of the frozen waterfall, it’s just stunning. 🙂
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Thanks. I must say that’s a rare sight for me too. That’s probably one of the most unique photos I’ve taken. 😉
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Congratulations, Arti! Spring watch has begun in your part of the world. And I’m so pleased to see your lovely bird photos again. Those red branches certainly complement that chickadee!
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nikkipolani,
Well, I must say, Spring is a long process for us, a roller coaster ride of ups and downs. Snow is forecast in the next few days, albeit light. I went to watch the birds again this afternoon, look forward to sharing some photos with you all. 😉
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So glad spring is moving in! We’ve got geese and ducks returning too but our lakes are still mostly frozen over. It’s sort of sad seeing a flock of geese standing on the ice. Looking forward to your birding adventures this year!
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Our lakes are still frozen too, but melting real fast. The downside is… let’s hope there won’t be another flooding again this year. Last year’s flood was the worst I’d seen in this city. 😦
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Fingers crossed, no floods!
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Brrrr I felt a chill just looking at your photos. 🙂 Thankfully, Central Scotland seen no snow at all this winter which is unusual. Spring has also began here with daffodils and crocuses popping out of the ground and butterflies on the wing.
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Chris,
Actually it was not that cold when I took these photos. It was bright and sunny, so that made me feel extra springy.
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Lol ‘extra springy’ I like that.
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You have caught the creatures so wonderfully! I especially love the (sleepy to me) owl face peering out of his home.
We have a mama and papa Mallard under our front tree. They welcome me home from school by waddling across the street in a list proprietory manner. 🙂
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Bellezza,
I hope I can show you an Owl Family Portrait soon. Interesting that you have Mallards in your front lawn. I thought they only stay by the waters.
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As always, your photos are marvelous. I haven’t seen a single robin or cedar waxwing this year. Sometimes, we just don’t – but I surely miss them when they don’t come through.
Even our mallards are fewer this year. I do think that the patterns all are off a bit. Our flowers and trees are behind, too. I do have fond memories of the snow melt. You’re right – even before the green appears, the sound of the water is a good herald of the season.
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Linda,
We’re still having snow even this evening. It’s a roller coaster Spring for us, but come to think of it, we seldom plant flowers until after Victoria’s Day, and that’s usually the third week of May.
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