February had a new plan for us. A sobering reminder that plans are never certain, as our nation plunged into financial uncertainty, stay at home orders, social distancing, remote communication with family, Insta-cart groceries, and homespun mask production. That all being endured, we both appreciate our good fortune in comparison to our parents who had to experience the horrors of a world war. We were being called to stay home and sit and watch TV.
With being told to "Stay Home" we are truly blessed to be located in a lovely place. Julie and I are fortunate to have plenty of space and time to dive into our hobbies and pastimes. Telling a bird photographer to stay-put opens up more time to observe the coming of Spring and the change of season. My backyard friends have truly cooperated. I don't know whether more of them decided to show up or I decided to sit still longer and was more observant. In the past few months I have added several new species to my backyard bird count which currently has risen to 75 different species. My plan of attack for this sequestered season has been to improve my images of birds in a more pleasing artistic setting, paying more attention to backgrounds, composition, and mood. Once again, no competition here for publications or prints for sale at a craft market, just an attempt at capturing images simply for the joy of it.
A misty morning created this moody shot of two beautiful Cedar Waxwings
Who better to announce Spring than the Song Sparrow - Not the best looker but definitely the best voice in the backyard.
A White Throat Sparrow
The Common Grackle changes from pure black to a speckled beauty in his Spring breeding plumage
Here's a surprise - a spotted sandpiper - new this year to our lake shores
In May the Warblers started to arrive like this beautiful Common Yellow Throat Warbler hiding in the brush
The Red Bellied woodpecker - noisy neighbor
This chickadee took residence in my large "Bird Hotel" . This fellow may be small in size but his clear dominance chased out a bluebird and a tree swallow. There is a distinct pecking order in the back yard.
This catbird is a member of the Mimicadea family of birds that imitates other birds calls. This fellow gets his name by a perfect "Meow" sound that actually stirrs my cat to meow back at him.
A Northern Yellow shafted Flicker at home in his tree
The harbinger of Spring - The Red Winged Blackbird
The Blue Jay
A new visiter this year, the Eastern Towhee. He and his wife nested in our yard this Spring
The Cormorant synchronized swim team
The Carolina Wren singing his Spring song
A first-time visiter to our lake, a Mute Swam. He stayed for a few days and flew off looking for a mate no doubt. Julie wonders if he was attracted to the lake by the plastic swan someone has anchored off their dock on the main lake. I must admit the plastic swan has fooled us as we have cruised by.
The Yellow Rumpted Warbler in his breeding plumage
A handsome backyard regular - the Goldfinch
A nice portrait of our state bird, the Northern Cardinal - was the Cleric named after the bird or the bird after the Cleric?
Red Shouldered Hawk on a misty May morning
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The following is a precious sequence I probably would have never witnessed if I wasn't forced to stay home and hang around the house. A baby tufted titmouse takes his leap out of the nesting box and takes his first steps and then an attempt at flying. Mom and Dad offer encouragement, their job almost done.
I've gotta do it!
Yikes that was a big drop!
Good job Junior, You did it!
A parting wish to stay safe Junior and to all my Blog followers as well.
