Finches are unknown and unseen this winter. While I’ve had a few Goldfinch flocks visit my feeders, I do not know of anyone who has seen any Pine Siskins, Pine Grosbeaks or Common Redpolls except up near Grand Marais (some Bohemian Waxwings are also being seen in the municipal campground enjoying mountain ash berries). However, Grand Marais is 104 miles up the shore, and it’s becoming increasingly unlikely that these birds will work their way down Lake Superior’s shoreline this winter.
One bird which I always enjoy and may be found in abundance in my local pine forests are nuthatches. I particularly like the slate colored blue of the White-Breasted Nuthatches. Here are some images I took early this afternoon.
White-Breasted Nuthatch (my favorite pic of the bunch)
Two more images that better show off its plumage
Nuthatches move fast!
On the eyesight front, I had my first treatment this morning. The doctor is confident my treatments will be successful and gain my much of my vision back. However, it will take about seven days before I know the success of failure. In the meantime, wait and hope (and perhaps a Sax-Zim Bog excursion or two thanks to some friends).
Your white-breasted nuthatch fits the new year color by Pantone, classic blue! We enjoy your post pictures so much, wishing you improved reports on your eye health! Both you and Molly are inspiring and appreciated.
Rich, so very glad to hear that your doctor is confident about your vision treatments. Still praying that all goes well as treatments continue. You bring so much joy (and information!) with your wonderful photographs–as always,
thank you!
Best wishes for a full recovery of your vision. I enjoy your blog and photos. Thanks, Rose