Central Ohio NatureJeepers Brown Creepers
Less than a week ago, after returning from a trip south to visit relatives in the sunny and warm state of Georgia, it was still in the sixties here in central Ohio and we were on our tandem bicycle enjoying a ride. Two days later it was windy with temps in the thirties dropping into the twenties at night. As a result autumn colors that entranced are now gone, replaced by a more subtle beauty.
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With the departure of most of the warblers to points further south we started looking more intently for other birds that seem to be more noticeable in the winter when on our walks along the Scioto River. These include Brown Creepers and Golden Crowned Kinglets some of which may travel from areas further north. Noteworthy is the Dark Eyed Junco which arrives from further north and seems to do well in in our area most winters.
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Thin layers of ice have greeted us during recent morning walks.
Scioto River below Griggs Dam
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A couple of days ago we were about to embark on one of our urban hikes and noticed something in our neighbor’s shrub. I ran back into the house a grabbed a camera.
Golden-crowned Kinglet, study 1
Kinglet, study 2
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Where there are Golden-crowned Kinglets there are often Chickadees.
Chickadee
Chickadee, study 2
Chickadee, study 3
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There was a little more color along the river just a week ago.
Scioto River below Griggs Dam
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But depending on which way you pointed the camera the light could be pretty harsh.
Looking south below Griggs Dam.
A low sun illuminates the landscape, Scioto River.
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It’s probably been two or three weeks since we saw our first Junco.
Dark Eyed Junco, study 1
Junco, study 2, (Donna)
More recently, study 3
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A Kingfisher waits patently along the river. While too far away for a good picture of the bird I thought the play of light on the branches and the hints of color in the background made for a pleasing composition.
Kingfisher along the Sciotoj
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The ever present Great Blue Herons along the Scioto below Griggs Dam.
Great Blue Heron along the Scioto River
Sensing my presence.
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As we looked for kinglets and creepers we were being watched from across the river.
Red Tailed Hawks along the Scioto River below Griggs Dam.
Trying to get a little closer I was spotted
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Our first Black Duck sighting of the season.
A little too far away but they are Black Ducks, Scioto River below Griggs Dam.
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While I was busy with the ducks my wife got a nice shot of a colorful House Finch that was nearby.
A male House Finch close to the ground in vegetation that’s still green, (Donna)
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But jeepers better not forget the creepers.
Brown Creeper along the Scioto, study 1
Creeper, study 2
Creeper, study 3
Creeper, study 4
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Until next time we hope you have an opportunity to notice and enjoy nature in your neighborhood.
Nice shots of the brown creepers, I never catch them in the open like that.
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Terrific photos!
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I’m enjoying learning about the birds in your part of the world. The tree creepers here are so hard to get close to and photograph. I haven’t been able to get even one pic! The juncos are such sweet, pretty little birds. Beautiful images.
You’ve got a tandem bike? I’ve always wondered what it would be like to ride one of those! 🙂
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Nice, comprehensive post. Great photos, M 🙂
You got some great shots of the local bird population. I like the chubby upside down creeper.
I like the alarmed heron.