Mr. and Mrs. Goldfinch

The goldfinches are now in full yellow for the summer. What a change from a couple of weeks ago.

I love how the wind is ruffling her feathers:)

First Oriole of the Season

Always a toss up which arrives here first the Hummingbirds or the Orioles. This is the first of either I've seen in April:)

More signs of spring despite the snow yesterday

The garden stores are opening! Couldn't resist taking this pansy picture while visiting one. Another sign is the 100 or seedlings I've transplanted into bigger cups this week. I'm trying to start hardening some of them off. No room left under the grow lights.

The neighborhood cats are back out. I really like this friendly one. Nice kitty:)

Spring Snow

Woke up to snow falling this morning. Hard to believe it was so warm last week and going to be in the 70's again later this week. The bird feeder is very popular right now. If I were a bird I think I would fly south again.

Yellow Headed Blackbird

I had to get out my Wisconsin bird book when I saw this bird under my bird feeder today. Turns out it is a yellow headed blackbird. They are only here in the summer and usually are found deep in the marshes. I hope he sticks around a while.

Great Blue Heron In Flight

I caught this picture of a great blue heron fishing in the pond next to our house. Soon after he saw me and took to flight. We have tons of great blue herons around here in the summer. They nest on the property of my children's school and I've been seeing them flying around with large sticks in their beaks to make their nests. The really remind me of Terradactyls when they fly.

A couple more pictures from the marsh today

First nice day of Spring and a Trip to the Vernon Marsh

Today was the first really nice day of spring. 60 degrees, sunny and no wind. I stopped by the Vernon Marsh and was amazed by all of the wild life there. I saw the Muscrat pictured here, as well as several beavers, turtles and large spawning fish. Also saw this beautiful swan surrounded by American Coots show below.

There were also many Tree Swallows, Red Winged Blackbirds and Sand Hill Cranes flying over head. Spring is here:)

More Signs Of Spring

Could spring finally be starting? The first daffodils are blooming and the goldfinches are turning yellow:)

The Moon

My husband took this picture of the moon the other night. I liked it so much I decided to post it on my blog and give him the credit:)

First Migrating Hummingbirds Reach Wisconsin

According to the migration map the first hummingbirds have reached Wisconsin already. I usually don't see any here until the first week in May. I did stick my first feeder out yesterday just in case I get an early bird:) It is a bit crazy to see reports this soon, as there is nothing but crocus blooming and more snow predicted today.
http://www.hummingbirds.net/map.html

Sandhill Cranes at the Marsh

I was lucky to see two Sandhill Cranes at the marsh. They are such interesting birds:)

Trip to the Vernon Marsh

Took a little trip to the Vernon Marsh today in Mukwonago. Lots of geese, ducks, cranes and even some bluebirds migrating through right now. I was hoping it wasn't hunting season of any type, since this is public hunting land. I'll have to go back again as it was beautiful and a great place to see wild life.