Monday, May 20, 2013

American Redstart

 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!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Wednesday, May 15, 2013

The Blackburnian!


 This 4/34 inch bird has a show of brilliant orange on his head and throat. I have seen him only a few times and yet his name is easily remembered by me. The Blackburnian stays high in the upper branches of trees and eats mostly insects and berries. They prefer coniferous and mixed wood forests. This bird winters in South America. During the summer months it spends its time in the northeast .  We enjoyed the male and female coming to our water feature.  Several different warblers visited our water within a few minutes of this little guy. An Exciting Moment!!!! Blessings.




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Sunday, May 5, 2013

My Backyard!


Spring Migration is far from over and I am already looking forward to next year and the next..... Each spring is so unique, weather and movement of the birds is something we can never fully understand.  I have experienced more Warblers in my own yard than ever before.  The Cedar Wax-wings seem to have stayed much longer this year. I saw many today. Gray Cat Birds are also more abundant, we have lost count. One Pine Siskin is still here.  I expect to see him gone each morning. I feel the busy attitude of all the nesting birds in the yard. They seem to be in a hurry seeking food for young or a quick bath and then back to the nest. Our resident Red-bellied Woodpeckers remind us to put more peanut butter suet out each day. I noticed that the woodpecker became more vocal when my husband came outside.  I realized the Red-bellied was trying to get my husband's attention.  No Suet On The Tree!!!
I got it!!! We believe he or she is carrying it back to the nest for the family. The colors of these beautiful creatures amaze the eye and my heart jumps at God's beauty.  I hope you enjoy their unique beauty! Blessings!











Monday, April 29, 2013

Golden-winged and Yellow-breasted Chat

 I could not be more pleased with our migratory birds in the yard.  They come flying in each day and it is just like "a box of chocolates" you just never know what you will get each day! The Golden-winged is a life bird for me so I am thrilled.  He was present for just a few seconds as our resident Northern Cardinals scared him.  I had never realized what bullies the cardinals were, I know now. The beautiful gold wings and head contrast beautifully with the black and gray! Awesome Bird!  Blessings




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