A Spring morning

I walked along the edge of Lake Tahoe this morning. The lake was smooth as glass with no wind. A few Mallards, a female Hooded Merganser, and 2 Common Mergansers floated by. Willow buds are in different stages of opening:  from closed buds as if it was still Winter, to gray fuzzy "pussy willows," to the gray fuzzy buds covered with yellow pollen.  Song Sparrows are still singing, along with House Finches and Cassin's.  The exciting birds this morning were 5 Evening Grosbeaks, and a Red Crossbill.
    Yesterday morning's walk at Martis Valley meadow yielded Mountain Bluebirds, and Golden-crowned Kinglets as the special birds.

 I first saw this bird from the back, and thought he did not look right a House Finch.  Then he turned his head to reveal the strong bill with crossed tips.   !!!

Martis Creek Valley looking west.