Saturday, January 12, 2008

Eagle and Hawk at Springdale Cemetery

Saturday was a glorious day, low 40s in temp but a deep blue sky and fabulous light with striking shadows. The first thing I saw when I arrived at Springdale Cemetery was an adult American Bald Eagle soaring over the bluffs.
 

 

 
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Eastern Red-tailed Hawk
When I arrived at Springdale I looked up and saw an eagle soaring overhead, as I turned to get a better view I spotted what I thought was a Krider's Red-tailed Hawk soaring over the bluffs. I couldn't see a belly-band, but it turns out that it is an Eastern with faded body feathers due to wear making the belly band very faint.
 

 

 

 
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Song Sparrow in the Brush
This little guy put on quite a show for me in the brush on the back side of the savanna. The Peoria Wilds group has done a great job clearing brush; there used to be much more. A few clumps remain and the little birds were taking advantage of it to hide from me as I approached, except this guy, who let me take some photos before disappearing in the brush.
 

 
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Thursday, January 10, 2008

Forest Park Nature Preserve

Forest Park was alive with deer and birds as Scott and I went on our walk last Thursday. The light was great and the animals were cooperative!

Deer Crossing

 

 

 

 
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Black-capped Chickadee at the feeder.

 


Song Sparrow in the prairie remnant.

 
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White-breasted Nuthatch

 

 

 

 
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Tufted Titmouse at the feeder.

 

 

 

 
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Monday, January 07, 2008

Eagle on River Beach Drive

I found one eagle yesterday on my drive along River Beach Drive. I only stayed for a minute to get this photo.
 

Sand Ridge Cemetery, south of Spring Bay, has an interesting tree.
 

Ice patterns remain as the ice melts in Cooper Park.
 
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Jenkins Farmers Market in Woodford County
 

Whiffle Tree Place in Sparland
 
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Sunday, January 06, 2008

Tom Turkey and the Jersey Cheese Shop

Tom, the Turkey at the Jersey Cheese Shop in McLean County
 

When we drove up, Tom was waiting in front of the store. This cheese shop is on a dairy farm where they make the cheese in an on-farm cheese processing facility. It has windows so you can look inside and watch them making cheese. This is a family dairy farm. Mrs. Ropp showed us around the facility, including the dairy barn, where we got to feed the Jersey cows and pet a frisky calf. Jersey cows are smaller than the cows I normally see around here. We bought some cheese, which is great (they have over 40 varieties!). However, Tom was the highlight of the visit!

 
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