If you’ve been following this blog for awhile, you probably know how much I love nature. Hiking, camping, gardening, even raising butterflies. There aren’t very many outdoor activities (or critters) I don’t like. Although, I’ve never taken a particular interest in birds. Not until recently, that is. It seems over the past few months, I’ve become something of an accidental birder.
It all started unassumingly. I’d stop and admire a cardinal on my walks, or hear a particularly loud or unique birdsong–or a cry like a hawk’s–and wonder, who’s making that noise? So one day last month, I got myself a Cornell field guide (highly recommended for anyone new to birding and who finds the 300+ page Birds of North America volumes more than a little daunting). I broke out the camera, the binoculars and set out to both learn and document what’s living in my backyard.
And I have to say, I absolutely love it. What a wonderful and rewarding activity. Although I know I’ve only scratched the surface. Even in my own backyard. There are plenty of birds I have heard and not seen, like Barred Owls and Mourning Doves. Just this morning, I got my first glimpse of a Pileated Woodpecker. Unfortunately, I wasn’t quick enough to get a photo.
That said, I find I’ve become passionate about birdwatching rather quickly. It’s one of my most treasured zen habits. I enjoy going out every morning and checking/refilling/cleaning the feeders and the birdbath. And while I’ve got a ways to go with regard to my nature photography skills, I like trying my hand at it.
Anyway, despite the title of this post, which may suggest a lengthy, philosophical-type diatribe on birdwatching, what I’d like to do is share some of my photos with you instead. I hope you enjoy them. (All photos in this post are mine.)
Northern Cardinal
House Finch
Carolina Chickadee
These tiny birds, who are frequent visitors to the feeder, are almost always in motion, so I wait patiently for the day when I can get a proper portrait-style photo. (As a side note, I think they’ve also got the most charming little song.)
The Used Life 
11 responses to “On Birdwatching”
There’s a cardinal in my feeder as I write this. Great post.
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That’s awesome. Happy you enjoyed it!
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Gorgeous photos! What a lovely way to start your day. I have always had an affinity for birds and love seeing varieties from different regions.
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Thank you. It is a wonderful pastime. There’s so much to learn and observe. One morning a few weeks ago, I made sure I was sitting outside when the dawn chorus began, at around 6:30 a.m. The neighborhood is heavily wooded, and the variety (and volume) of noise that came out of those trees was just astounding. It made me realize I have no idea what’s out there…which is really cool. It’s a pleasure to welcome the songbirds to my garden, and I enjoy making sure they’re well taken care of. Thank you again for reading.
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That sounds absolutely amazing. I love meditating outside early when the birds are most chatty. We have mourning doves, quail, hummingbirds, and a few other varieties that I cannot name. It is most amazing when I am sitting still and the hummingbirds come right up to me. 💓
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I love hummingbirds, too, but I don’t think I’ve ever had one come right up to me. How awesome. 😊 And I have to say, our conversation inspired me to get outside early again this morning for the dawn chorus. It is such a serene start to the day.
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It is quite amazing when it happens. If my eyes are closed, I hear their little flutter. They are curious creatures. 🥰 How wonderful! Sounds like a beautiful start to your day. 🌞
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I love the photos! Especially the House Finch 🙂 and I can’t wait until you spot a Barred Owl…love owls so much :)…so glad you are enjoying your new found bird watching experience..
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Thank you! The finches are cute, aren’t they? Mr. and Mrs. Finch always stop by in the morning for a snack…and they’re always together, which is so sweet. I love owls, too, and raptors, in general. It’s my goal to not only see, but get a photo of one before the end of the summer. Fingers crossed! 🙂
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[…] been slow to develop for me. For as much as I love being outdoors admiring and learning about birds and other wildlife, raising butterflies, and even simply tending to the garden and experiencing the […]
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[…] share some nature photos from my backyard, or thereabouts. Most are birds (in addition to the bird photos I’ve already posted). But there are some other critters and plants in the mix, too. I hope […]
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