Doodle-oo in Too-lee-doo!

The National Center for Nature Photography is in the Secor Metropark.

We weren't quite cold enough sitting at the BirdMobile, so we(meaning the Doodles!) decided to take a tour of two of Toledo's Metroparks where it was even colder. We started at Secor, the home of the National Center for Nature Photography where none of my photos are on display. I can't understand why.

We took a quick walk about then went inside to view the action at the feeders and to thaw out a bit. When the Photo Center opened we went in to view the excellent photos on display(again, I don't understand why I haven't received a call yet!) While there, a very helpful naturalist type of guy told me about good areas for birding and the surrounding trails. He had a familiar look, but I always say that. We looked at some gorgeous photos of Kellys Island by Art Weber. Then the light went on in my tiny brain! That helpful guy IS Art Weber! We talked about his book "Wild Ohio" that I remembered selling when I worked for The Nature Company. Small world, eh?

Then back out into the arctic tundra for a walk in the woods...brrr...

The reason this Black-capped Chickadee is still?
He's actually frozen solid.

You can tell this is a Dark-eyed Junco by his dark eyes.

Dear me. Deer Mouse.
Needs a John Deere plow.

The Doodles wrapped up against the cold posing with someone that didn't wrap up.

Okay, I haven't gotten a single Accipiter right yet.
I'm gonna say Sharp-shinned Hawk and you're gonna tell why it isn't.

He's sure lookin' sharp in any case!

We made Bobb leave the house, that smile on his face is deceptive.
He 's planning more chaos...

Secor, home of the evil, angry Squirrels.

At least they have a few cute Tufted Titmouseseses...or is it Miceses?
I can't wait to get the next edition of Kenn Kaufman's Peterson Advanced Birding Guide to find out which is correct!

"Hey buddy! You're headed the wrong way!"
Silly Nuthatches...

You can tell by the dejected look on this White-throated Sparrow that he's sick of snow too.

The Black-capped Chickadee is still here...and still frozen...from behind.

By the way, check out my new friend Marci's blog...and look where she located the link to "Birds From Behind"...I got the best fans!

Birding along the lake...or...

Lovely Lake Erie in January...No swimming please.

...What crazy birders do in the winter in Cleveland...

I went out without the Doodles(smart girl) this morning with our buddies from Western Cuyahoga Audubon Society for a 'bird' walk at the Dike 14 wildlife area just outside of downtown Cleveland. The temperature was a tepid ten degrees with a nice breeze from the north. In July we'd all be happy campers...in January...not so much. It really wasn't that bad as the sun was out early in the morning and the snow wasn't more than four to six inches deep.

Unfortunately, the birds are still smarter than us and layed low in the warm and cozy shrubbery and undergrowth. There was ONE American Tree Sparrow, well camouflaged in the scrub along a break wall. He didn't want his picture taken, at least that's the excuse I'm using.

Aye, thars a balmy breeze a-blowin' off the bow.

Believe it or not, this is the frozen lake with critter tracks going out towards Canada.
I don't think he'll make it all the way...

Oh my gosh! A bird photo! How'd that get in this post?
This Northern Mockingbird was digging for something in this patch of grass still visible in the snow.

I don't think this Praying Mantis egg case is going to make it to spring...nope.

A day of birding wouldn't be complete without at least one 'Bird From Behind!'

The Mockingbird may have been mocking me!

He was soon chased away by this Downy Woodpecker, also showing a proper pose!

We saw a lot of tracks from different mammals. Sorry to say, the only photo I have is of this fresh frozen little mouse.

I showed this pic to Bob, the Chipmunk when I got home...

He promised to be a good boy from now on!

"Please don't take me out there!"