Baby Season 2009

January's early by most standards, but not for hummers or cottontails!

As usual, click images for enlargements (esp. hummer mom).

Here are a couple of the baby bunnies I was feeding on Tuesday at the Care Center:




This little guy fell right to sleep as soon as he finished his lunch -- he still has a little milk beard. ;)






And here is a hummer mom on her nest at SDSU. These pix were taken on Monday, 1/26, and both babies have since hatched. Will try to get more photos of them soon!

Possible new education bird

This little male Costa's has been in rehab since he was just a fledgling, nearly six months now. He could not fly at all when he first came in, though he appeared to be generally healthy otherwise:





With time and practice, he has developed his flight skills quite a lot, and he now does very well in his enclosure; but a spinal injury causes his tail to curve under in flight, so he can't hover well or gain a lot of altitude, and thus will probably not be releasable. Since we do not currently have a Costa's (or a male) hummer in our education program, he is a likely candidate to stay on with us as a new Animal Ambassador.

Cedar waxwing

We've had a few of these over the last several weeks. Aren't they just gorgeous? This one is not old enough yet to have the brilliant red wingtips.

Rose-breasted grosbeak

This immature male was treated last month at the care center; he's working on getting his adult plumage, so between that and the berries on his beak, he looks a little like he's fallen into a saucer of strawberry jam. (He has, in fact, not.)

Bath Time

Ms. Emerald Louise apparently missed her fountain quite a bit while she was away for a few days over the holiday...






My favorite...


Doing the happy dance:


All that swimming and dancing works up an appetite.

Bird updates

Been awhile since the last bird pix, so...

A stunningly beautiful male flicker was brought to the Care Center Tuesday afternoon:



And in hummer news, Ms. Emerald Louise is molting! Little hummer feathers everywhere. You can see a couple of loose ones on her back here.


Nonetheless, she remains her usual charming self.

NO on 8 March, Nov. 8, San Diego

These are not bird pix.

They are members of a certain mammalian species defending themselves against predators.



The crowd marches through North Park.






The marchers come over the hilltop and head down into Morley Field.





In the park listening to the speakers talk about the fight ahead.



A few of the many great signs.









No Stopping This Side!!!!


Please note that all of the above photos can be viewed at full size by clicking.