Spring Hares

Yesterday morning when I looked out my window I spotted a Snowshoe Hare hopping around in my yard.  By the time I got outside there were two of them, and they made a mad dash away from me.

They paused briefly to see what I was doing.....

.....and then hopped for safety in the brush.  I added a poster filter to the last two photos--I wasn't quite quick enough to catch the proper focus.  That seems to happen more and more as I get older......

I am linking up with Eileen's Saturday's Critters.

Fences at Creamer's

Here's some more views of the split rail fences at Creamer's Field.

  And a few more shots of one of my favorite visitors, the Greater White-fronted Goose.

I'm linking up with Good Fences

at the Run "A" Round Ranch Report.

Creamer's Field Barns and Birds

The snow is mostly melted at Creamer's Field, and every time you stop by you see something just a little different.  Across the field from the front viewing area you get a good view of the old dairy barns....

.....but an even better view if you zoom in a bit.

To really appreciate the structure of the old Iowa-style barns you need to get up closer.  This larger of the two barns was built in 1938 and the smaller in 1950.  They were designed by the Louden Machinery Company of Iowa.

Unless you walk around to the side you'll miss seeing the old log barn.  It was built about 1910.

Of course, when  it's springtime in Alaska the migrating waterfowl are the big attraction at Creamer's Field.  Although most of the Trumpeter Swans have already headed further north there are still a few hanging around.




There are hundreds of Canada Geese, but I love seeing the Greater White-fronted Geese with their bright orange legs and lovely feather patterns.

There are quite a few Northern Pintails and of course a lot of Mallards.  I was able to see one Snow Goose way out in the field, and there's also been some gulls.

I'm really looking forward to seeing the Sandhill Cranes.  They should start showing up soon.

I'm linking up with Tom at The Barn Collective

and

Eileen's Saturday's Critters.

More From Creamer's Field

As the snow has melted the lake at Creamer's Field has gotten bigger.  The split rail fence that normally has three rails has grown to six rails.  

Well, the reflection makes it appear that way, but soon it will be back to its normal three rails.

It's hard to pay attention to the fence when there are hundreds of birds in the field.  Right now the most noticeable have been the Trumpeter Swans.


They do like dabbling in the mud, and the rusty color on their heads and necks attest to that.

Some are feeding in an area with more water so they look a little whiter.

They are fascinating to watch and I've stopped several times this week, knowing that before too long they will all be on their way further north for nesting.

I am linking with Good Fences

at the Run "A" Round Ranch Report.

Creamer's Field Lake

There's been a lot more melting at Creamer's Field over the last several days and the field looks like a lake, although a very shallow one.

There are still some piles of snow, but they are much smaller and very dirty.

Lots more birds are there too.  While we were there this morning an eagle cruised over, making all the Canada Geese take to the air.

What really grabs the attention though are the Trumpeter Swans.  Even with a cloudy day and dipping their heads into the mud they still seem to glow.

I am linking up with Tom at the Barn Collective

and Eileen's Saturday's Critters.

Migration Time

It's the time of year when the migrating birds start arriving in Fairbanks, most stopping over on their way further north but some staying in the area to nest.  At Creamer's Field on Tuesday there were upwards of 15 or so Trumpeter Swans and at least as many Canada Geese.  I was able to to pick out at least one Northern Pintail.  Of course, there were many Mallards, although many of those had probably overwintered on the Chena River downstream from the power plant where there is open water all winter and feed spread by a few volunteers.  As usual, to begin with they all seem to hang out far back in the field.  That makes it hard to get good photos, at least without ginormous lenses, which I don't have.

Last week the field was plowed in anticipation of the large number of birds that will stop over at Creamer's Field.

We've had unusually warm temps, mostly in the 40s during the day.  Considerable melting has happened this week, creating quite a different scene, especially with the sun shining.

Grain was spread this weekend, and that's all the invitation the birds needed to begin arriving.

Of course, there are other things besides the birds to photograph.  The birch trees and the split rail fences always make for some nice photos.

I'm linking up with Good Fences

at the Run "A" Round Ranch Report.

I will get back to the ice sculptures.  There were some gorgeous Multi Block sculptures that are well worth waiting for.  They may be mostly melted now, but we can enjoy their beauty long after they are gone through the magic of photography.