Still Another Unusual Deck Visitor

You're not going to believe this. I hardly believe it myself. Strange as it may seem, we had another relatively rare warbler visit us. We are the very fringe of its range and it is rarely seen around here.

I was out on the deck and I saw him land on the birdfeeder pole. "Is that what I think it is? Oh, please turn around so I can be sure."

The bird turned and almost glared at me. No doubt about it. He is a Black-throated Blue Warbler. Right there in front of me. And staring right at me.

He hopped onto the deck railing, revealing his beautiful markings. The Black-throated Blues that live in the Appalachians are darker than those who reside in the New England states and Canada.

I sat there enthralled as I watched him flitter from place to place.

I willed my camera to click more silently. He was clearly aware of my presence and looked up every time I took a photograph. I was so afraid he was going to take off at any moment.

One of his prominent markings is the white patch at the base of his wing. Some refer to this as a "pocket hankerchief" and I wouldn't disagree.

This little goldfinch seems to be wondering what kind of strange bird this might be and what he's doing at the feeder.

The Black-throated Blue does eat seeds, but they rarely come to birdfeeders. He can't seem to figure out exactly how to get the seed.

Finally, he decided he'd be better off looking for insects in the woods and he flew away. But not before he captured my heart. Imagine my good fortune at having seen four (count them) FOUR unusual warblers visiting our deck...the Blue-winged, the Black and White, the Worm-eating, and now a Black-throated Blue. What a treat.

Not So Great Photos of Interesting Birds

Sometimes the lighting is perfect. Sometimes the birds are clear of obstructing leaves and branches. Sometimes the sun is shining. But sometimes you see and photograph the best of birds under the worst of camera conditions. And so it is with this post.

I finally got a glimpse of the migrating Rose-breasted Grosbeaks. The males will soon be followed by the females. Their winter coats are not as glamorous as their spring garb, but they are beautiful and welcome nonetheless.

This little chickadee looks amazed at the new bird at the feeder.

He does look pretty large sitting there stuffing himself.

And I saw a most uncooperative little bird. He gave me two quick looks and then flitted away. I was happy to see him anyway. Black-throated Blue Warblers are rare in our area.

He turned his back on me and you can see his hallmark "pocket handkerchief."

Except for his size, it would be hard to identify this little bird.

When he turns, it is even more obvious that he is a hummingbird. We still have a few of them around, but it won't be for long.

I couldn't let the post go without some mention of the game that kept me up past midnight on Monday and sent me to bed angry.

I'm always one to give credit where it is due. And Brett Favre played like the Brett Favre I used to watch years ago. He was so outstanding that everyone stood in awe to watch as he made one bullet pass completion after another.

(Photo from the Associated Press)

As a matter of fact, the Packer defense acted like the other observers and they also stood to watch in awe to watch. I've never seen ANY quarterback have more time in the pocket before having to release the football! Sometimes it seemed as if he were practicing since no one bothered to rush him. As for the Packer offensive line...they are going to let Aaron Rodgers get killed or seriously injured. He was sacked EIGHT TIMES during the game. Aaron Rodgers is a great quarterback, but he cannot throw the ball when he's knocked down almost every play. I don't think I've agonized over a football game since I was in high school and that, dear reader, was a LONG time ago.

---------------If I sound a bit bitter about Brett Favre, it's because I am. His adolescent behavior did a great deal of damage to the Packer team and to their fans. He acted like a spoiled brat. His waffling created a major distraction to the team and to Aaron Rodgers, already installed as the quarterback. Rather than play as backup and work his way back into the starting position, Brett decided to take his marbles and go home, or in this case to New York. So don't tell me about his enthusiasm and his love for the game. Don't tell me he plays like a much younger man...he acts like one as well. Much younger, as in 18 years old.

---------------I'm not the only one who feels this way about Favre. The Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel did an Online poll after Monday night's game. The following question was asked, "So now do you think the Packers did the right thing when they parted ways with Brett Favre?" Nearly 24,000 people responded and 66% of them answered "yes."

---------------Of course, we will all sing the praises of Brett Favre when the Packers retire his green #4 jersey. And we all hope he will enter the NFL Hall of Fame as a Green Bay Packer. And we will honor the tremendous player that he has been over the years. But we will still remember his childish behavior and the damage he did to our team and its fans.