Tag: birding

Visit and feed.

Throughout the day and every day for more than two weeks, two immature and/or female Ruby-throated Hummingbirds contested the right to visit and feed from our feeders. Here is one of them, photographed from about 2.5 meters away. Image appears a bit out of focus due to shooting through the kitchen window screen.

The contests and visits abruptly ended about a week ago. We have seen no activity since, so we believe they began the long journey south. We will keep the feeders out and filled for any migrants that come this way during the next little while

A crowd.

Three Rose-breasted Grosbeaks contested space at a feeder this afternoon. I have never seen more than one at a time this year as well as past years.

Three male Rose-breasted Grosbeaks contest for space at a bird feeder.

Perched, redux.

Also during the Great Backyard Bird Count, I captured this Black-capped Chickadee perched above me in the redbud tree.

Returned.

During mid-summer the number of birds – individuals and species – that visit the backyard decreases.

Activity is picking up now, and these two Mourning Doves are among the birds that have returned.

First sighting – of something.

A couple weeks ago I saw this unfamiliar bird hopping around the backyard, keeping away from the open lawn. I gave up ID’ing it after a short time.

While reviewing photos tonight I tried again and narrowed it down to either a Gray-cheeked Thrush or a Swainson’s Thrush, cannot decide which. I am inclined to say Swainson’s because of the distinct eyering, though they seem to forage mostly in trees.

Whichever it was, it is the first time I remember seeing such a bird.

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Cracks

An American Goldfinch cracks open a sunflower seed on a recent -17C morning.

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Blends

This American Tree Sparrow’s plumage blends well with its surroundings.

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Cooper’s Hawk, again

Patience (and luck) paid off. I was able to capture this beautiful bird just outside my office window as it perched around 6 meters (20 feet) away from me. It was good to see that the eye I thought defective is not.

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Watches

On a gloomy afternoon, a Snowy Owl watches me watch him.

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Sings

My hiatus has ended!

Every day this week, this Song Sparrow has perched on a sunflower plant outside work, preens, and sings its lovely song. I invite you to visit AllAboutBirds to hear it.

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