Where to begin? I, believing we had experienced our migratory birds, was so surprised to see small birds on our water feature. I slowly reached for my binoculars not wanting to frighten the chattering, jumping birds. Female American Redstarts, three of them, They were moving around so quickly my eyes found it difficult to keep track of them. My camera was close, I began shooting away, my heart pounding, and hardly breathing I was so excited to see the three at once. Little did I realize that other birds were to be right behind them. I believe I saw the Tennessee, the Magnolia, and the Blackburnian all within minutes. I sat back, thanked God for the blessing and was about to move to the house for a drink when my husband thought he saw an Oriole. He had seen orange color in the cedar pile near our feeder. I again reached for my binoculars and was thrilled to see the male Redstart. Photography continued, he again moved as quickly as the females and I found it difficult to get good light on him as well as take a photo that was not so distant that the quality of it would be sub par. I do not easily give up. My patience paid off and after leaving and sprinting around in the distance, the orange and black male came closer and the better photos of him were taken. This all happened a few days ago and I am still thinking about how it all happened so unexpectedly and how beautiful all of the birds were. We birders know, surprises come along no matter where you live or what time of year it is. This fact alone keeps our eyes on the look for nature's beauty to visit! Blessings!
Where to begin? I, believing we had experienced our migratory birds, was so surprised to see small birds on our water feature. I slowly reached for my binoculars not wanting to frighten the chattering, jumping birds. Female American Redstarts, three of them, They were moving around so quickly my eyes found it difficult to keep track of them. My camera was close, I began shooting away, my heart pounding, and hardly breathing I was so excited to see the three at once. Little did I realize that other birds were to be right behind them. I believe I saw the Tennessee, the Magnolia, and the Blackburnian all within minutes. I sat back, thanked God for the blessing and was about to move to the house for a drink when my husband thought he saw an Oriole. He had seen orange color in the cedar pile near our feeder. I again reached for my binoculars and was thrilled to see the male Redstart. Photography continued, he again moved as quickly as the females and I found it difficult to get good light on him as well as take a photo that was not so distant that the quality of it would be sub par. I do not easily give up. My patience paid off and after leaving and sprinting around in the distance, the orange and black male came closer and the better photos of him were taken. This all happened a few days ago and I am still thinking about how it all happened so unexpectedly and how beautiful all of the birds were. We birders know, surprises come along no matter where you live or what time of year it is. This fact alone keeps our eyes on the look for nature's beauty to visit! Blessings!
