Springtime at the Garden

Arrival of spring is when nature recovers from the winter gloom and comes alive in the most amazing display of flowers with wonderful fragrances filling the air. Visiting birds enjoying the beautiful  San Diego Botanic Garden along with a few of the resident birds. Here are some shots I took at the garden of our season's renewal. Enjoy!

As I park my van in the beautiful parking area surrounded with flowers and trees, I spot a pair of Red-shouldered Hawks calling to each other. One flies overhead as he answers the others call. 

The markings on this hawk appear to show that it is a first year juvenile. 

 

Red-shouldered Hawk, Buteo lineatus measures 17 inches long with a wingspan of 40 inches.

Another Red-shouldered Hawk flies over in a hurried chase. 

 

Even with the wings slightly folded, you can see the translucent crescent pattern on the primary feathers of the wings. 

Walking towards the bamboo forest, I spot an Orange-crowned Warbler.

 

Sometimes it is difficult to see the orange-colored plumage on their crowns but this one is definitely showing his orange colors. 

A close look at the orange crown. Orange-crowned Warbler, Oreothlypis celanta measures 5 inches long with a wingspan of 7.25 inches.

Walking down to the large lily pond, I spot our resident Green Heron. 

Green Heron, Butorides virescens measures 18 inches with a wingspan of 26 inches. 

 A visitor approaches the pond and startles him into a nearby bush.

 Close-up.

Walking out of the bamboo forest and headed into the tropical fruit area, I spot a Townsend's Warbler grabbing a nice little spider.

 A good look at the spider.

 She squashes the spider's head and swallows it. 

 

 Stops to give me a nice pose.

 

A nice side view of the Townsend's Warbler.

 A back view. 

All the fruit trees are starting to bloom.. This is an apple tree with beautiful pink blossoms. 

Another fruit tree in bloom. 

 Bright beautiful colors everywhere.

 

Found a Yellow-rumped Warbler in a nearby tree.

The yellow on his crown indicates that this is a male Yellow-rumped Warbler. The female does not have the yellow on the head.

Yellow-rumped Warbler, Setophaga coronata measures 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 9.25 inches. This is our most common wintering warbler.  Over 90 were found here at the garden in a recent count reported on eBird.

Where there are flowers, bees have been busy collecting nectar and pollen. 

 A beautiful bright orange spike of a coral tree is highlighted by a ray of sunlight. 

 A juvenile Cooper's Hawk flies in. 

Cooper's Hawk, Accipiter cooperii measures 16.5 inches long with a wingspan of 31 inches. Looks like he is eating well. Look at his full crop. 

Bright and cheerful colors are seen everywhere.

Some colors are pastel but still lovely to see. 

 A Song Sparrow sings his song. 

 

Probably calling for a mate. Song Sparrow, Melospiza melodia measures 6.25 inches long with a wingspan of 8.25 inches. 

 

Relaxing in the shade.

 

A few days ago, I spotted an Allen's Hummingbird feeding her young. They must be quite young, They will soon be showing their beaks as they will grow rapidly and will fledge in about 18 to 28 days after hatching. 

Allen's Hummingbird, Selasphorus sasin measures 3.75 inches long with a wingspan of 4.25 inches. 

 Mom settles down to brood. 

I took this shot yesterday when one of the nestling's beaks was visible. 

 A female Allen's Hummingbird looking for nectar.

Some of the flowers that are in bloom at the garden. To find out more about these plants, go to San Diego Botanic Garden  website for their plant list.

Have a wonderful week everyone!