Tag: birds of north america
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Afternoon with an Osprey
I typically associate ospreys with open water; so, this afternoon when I spotted one hunting for fish beside a lake at a nearby park (not what I would call “open water”), I was more than a little surprised. I was also delighted because I’d never encountered an osprey anywhere other than the coast–and I’d never…
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Birds of Winter, Part V (Early Spring)
Mourning Dove When I started birding about two years ago, I had assumed it would be a fairly “hands off” pastime. That is, I would hang a feeder (or two or three). The birds would eat, and I would observe from a distance. It didn’t occur to me that we would ever interact. That I…
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A Tale of Two Hawks
Red-shouldered Hawk I love to spend Sunday mornings outdoors, provided it’s sunny and not too cold. It’s a routine I’ve really come to cherish over the past year or so: coffee, a book, perhaps, or some music, and the birds. And this morning was just perfect for it. The sun is shining. There’s not a…
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Birds of Winter, Part IV
Eastern Bluebird (female) I’ve been going through a lot of bird seed this winter. When I say “a lot,” I mean about 55 lbs of seed per month plus suet. That may not be a lot for everyone, but it is for me. It’s almost double the amount of food I went through last winter.…
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Birds of Winter, Part III
Eastern Bluebird (male) There are four bluebirds who have been visiting my feeders all day everyday for the past few months. And they eat a lot. So much that I’ve gotten in the habit of refilling the mealworm trays before I go to sleep at night–in case I am not outside before sunrise to make…
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Birds of Winter, Part II
Ruby-crowned Kinglet I spent a good amount of time taking photographs this week. Among the most noteworthy here are the Ruby-crowned Kinglet (above), Blue-headed Vireo, and Brown Creeper. I have been waiting (not so patiently) since last winter to get acceptable photographs of both a Ruby-crowned Kinglet and a Brown Creeper. Both are winter residents…
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Birds of Winter
Red-bellied Woodpecker (male) Here is a new batch of photographs. Among the most noteworthy, for me, are the Red-bellied Woodpecker (above), a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, a pair of Purple Finches, and a Winter Wren. I spotted the Red-bellied Woodpecker in the woods yesterday morning, way up high in a tree. It was something of a zen…
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Birds of Fall, Part II
Northern Cardinal (female) It’s been overcast and rainy for the better part of the past week, so I haven’t spent much time outdoors taking photographs. This morning, however, I was able to get out for a bit, despite the cloudy skies. There was also a pair of Red-bellied Woodpeckers and a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker that were…
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Fall Portraits
House Finch (male) I love the light this time of year, just before all the leaves have fallen. It’s crisp and invigorating and, I think, perfect for portrait-style photographs. Luckily, the activity at my backyard feeders has also increased in recent weeks, so I have plenty of visitors to share with you. There is something…
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Pileated Woodpeckers
I encountered a pair of Pileated Woodpeckers yesterday afternoon, which was a rare and special treat. For those who aren’t familiar, the Pileated Woodpecker is the largest woodpecker in North America. They are 15.8-19.3 in (40-49 cm) long with a wingspan of 26.0-29.5 in (66-75 cm). They don’t typically visit bird feeders, as their diet…
The Used Life 