A little bit of this and a little bit of that

Maestro

Over past several weeks, I haven't been shooting regularly but I have accumulated a few presentable shots of smaller birds.

First, I was very fortunate to have some activity in my own yard. I found this bluebird hanging out on my fence. This one and all of its friends were extremely camera shy.



An eastern phoebe has become a rather regular visitor. It came back twice today.





The finches are back or at least more visible now. Here is a pair.





The savannah sparrows have also returned to my yard. Thanks goodness because I was beginning to wonder.



The highlight for me in my yard was catching this carolina wren belting out a beautiful song.

Initially it was quiet.



Then it started to sing!



And sing!



And sing!



Away from my house but still in my area, I found these nice guys.

The Loggerhead Shrike was looking for prey again in its area of town.



The meadowlarks were covering the pastures. This one stopped long enough for me to a get a few pics.



The mockingbirds were out in full force as usual.



The ruby crowned kinglets are also just as active.







Now where are those dern waxwings?!? :scratch:D

raptorcaptor

Very nice set Stephen! Like the shot of the Carolina Wren singing, and the Kinglet shots!

Bud1880

That's quite a neat assortment of 'little guys'. Nicely done Stephen.

Hard to beat that bluebird for color isn't it?

Bud

Maestro

Thanks Glenn. I wish I could have approached some these birds a little more closely, but it wasn't to be. I too like the wren singing. That was a treat. I didn't realize how nice its song is.

Maestro

Bud1880 wrote:

That's quite a neat assortment of 'little guys'. Nicely done Stephen.

Hard to beat that bluebird for color isn't it?

Bud

Thanks Bud. It is difficult to beat, but you need to see a painted bunting. Those birds are simply stunning with their color! If you are ever in Texas in the Spring and Summer try to find one.

dbaker1221

nice mix of birds Stephen

Ric Grupe

Nice collection of wee-ones, Stephen.

Harryb

Good set Stephen.

Harv

Excellent set, Stephen. I enjoyed them all but in particular the Carolina wren. Thanks for sharing these.

summerz

GReat shots!

Maestro

dbaker1221 wrote:

nice mix of birds Stephen

Thanks Dave. It has been nice seeing things pick up around here bird wise.

Maestro

Ric Grupe wrote:

Nice collection of wee-ones, Stephen.

Yes, and some of these guys are much more difficult to catch that some old hawk.

Maestro

Harryb wrote:

Good set Stephen.

Thanks Harry. I need to practice more with the little guys. I wish I had more light with the bluebird and I wish I had been closer with both phoebes, but I did enjoy the wren and kinglet.

Maestro

Harv wrote:

Excellent set, Stephen. I enjoyed them all but in particular the Carolina wren. Thanks for sharing these.

Thanks Harv. It's funny you mentioned the wren. I posted this same series of shots on a local birding board that I frequent. There is a bit of a question as to whether this is a Carolina Wren or a Bewick's Wren. They are virtually identical except for size and song and the manner in which they flick the tail around. I honestly wasn't paying that much attention. I just wanted the shot. Anyhow, I was under the impression that Carolina Wrens were more frequent in my area even though both species overlap in my particular area of Texas.

Maestro

summerz wrote:

GReat shots!

Thanks summerz. I appreciate the comments.