I seem to have more than my share of Bah Humbug genes, so December is not one of my favorite months. Really, all this dark and cold? Bah. Humbug.
But I am rather fond of making lists, and the end of the year gives me a reason to look back and start tallying a few things.
For instance, here are my favorite birds from 2013. I have many lovely photos of birds standing around and posing quite cooperatively. My favorites, though, are the ones where the birds are interacting in some way with other birds, showing their personalities.
I loved these eagle siblings who were squabbling over a spot at the top of a tree:
The winner sat there for a few minutes, seeming to wonder about what was so great about this spot, and then flew away.
An osprey was working on his fish when a magpie dropped in to see if he could have a piece. The photograph of the staredown is not the best, but I like the moment:
In the category of “awwww, so sweet” I choose this Great Horned Owl and chick:
The mom in this Eastern Kingbird family was a bit more hassled; I was so pleased to catch this moment that any mother can relate to!
Cedar Waxwings are charming with their little Lone Ranger masks, but when two of them decided to give me the once over, their personalities really showed.
And a young raven with its parent seemed to be the epitome of joy:
“Courting” birds have provided interesting photographs as well: it’s hard not to wonder what the female swallow is thinking about in this situation:
My very favorites are the Sandhill Cranes. I adore their silly combination of clumsiness and grace as they spill air from their wings to come in for a landing:
or their rattling calls to each other as they return after feeding in the stubble fields all day. They are just so darned expressive.
But the photo that feels the most “Sandhill-cranelike” to me is the next one. It’s also one of my favorite photographs from this past year: beautiful, graceful, cranes flying into the sunset at the end of a gorgeous fall day.
Off the Beaten Path: Hikes, Backpacks, and Travels 
Great captures! 🙂
Nice. Thanks.
WOW! Absolutely wonderful photos! Well done. That’s enough to chase the “bah humbug” out of anyone, at least for a little while.
Thanks so much! I’m trying to not be too much of a Scrooge.
You had a good year. I had to go back and look at the Great Horned Owl and chick photo – loved it.
That owl was pretty cool. Would love to go back to that nest in Arizona next spring.
The owl photo is spectacular…..love it!
Thanks!
Great photos, Cindy. Must have been a lovely experience to work among these beauties 🙂
All the best,
Hanna
It was indeed lovely. Thanks for checking them out.
another amazing post , i follow you now , and i will read your posts , i will be happy to see you writing more and more , best regards , Alex
Thank you.
I loved seeing your bird photos. Now don’t you feel better after recalling your favorite things? It reminds me of The Sound of Music and the song. Merry Christmas.
I sure do! Merry Christmas to you too.
I never really noticed birds until my first trip to Montana. I don’t know why, maybe because I was just more aware of the wildlife around me in general. Like you, sandhill cranes are my favorites. I heard them in the Tetons before I ever saw them, and knew exactly what they must be, but when I finally found them in my binoculars I fell in love. Then when I saw them fly and land with their legs dangling all goofy-like, I knew they were my kind of bird! Lovely photos.
Now that I’ve become so entranced by birds, I’m feeling pretty lonesome when I’m out walking and the woods are so strangely quiet. Looking forward to the sandhills’ return!