Yesterday, I was asked if I were a birder. Probably not. I rarely look specifically for birds and rarely submit observations to birding sites. So, I probably don’t qualify.
What I do do is to look for interesting things in nature. And although what constitutes interesting depends upon experience, it remains that birds are particularly interesting by being some of the most numerous and variable things to be seen during a walk in the woods. I would happily photograph bears and otters (and skunks), but mammals lack the species variability of birds and are less commonly encountered (leaving aside squirrels).
So, I photograph birds.
Nevertheless, I start with the most common mammal to be seen during a walk.
The Pine Siskin is almost as common as the Black-capped Chickadee.
Although the dipper doesn’t have a colourful plumage, the bird makes up for it by its colourful behaviour. A dipper will frequently just climb out of the creek and onto the shore, yet to get onto this thin border ice, it has chosen to lift off from the water and fly the short distance.
While I occasionally see a Ruffed Grouse in my yard, this one was out in the woods.
I recently posted a picture of a Bohemian Waxwing flying past, but this one perched nearby and allowed a rather close portrait. Notice the crest. The bird lowers its crest during flight.
Trumpeter Swans are still with us, but I don’t often see them so beautifully sunlit against a dark background.
Such beautiful crisp, clear photos. Just as if they were all posing for you!
Concerning the Bohemian waxwings – these are the only species of bird that insist on flying into my windows – sometimes only stunned and they will fly away after a few minutes. But, sadly, a couple have been killed, necessitating honorable burial.
Any ideas on why its only Bohemian waxwings that do this?
Jean, you probably have a flock of Bohemian Waxwings feasting nearby. They will leave. Most people’s experience is that there are wide variety of birds that are killed by window glass.
Beautiful!! My favourites are the cedar waxwing and the swans.
OOps! Bohemian waxwing…..
A lovely grouping of photos! I see many sikins, at least I think that’s what they are. The male has lots of red on its head through chest. They like to sit right in the bird feeder tray until they finish feeding. This causes a backup frequently of the other small birds it attracts. Ch
Christine, the bird you describe is likely a House Finch.