Good Birding Morning

After so much rain over the last couple of days, it was nice to get out this morning even if it was still a bit overcast and gray.  Not a good photography day light wise but the birds were really active this morning.  There was more activity today than I have seen in some time.

There were a group of three Great Crested Flycatchers searching for insects.  I could tell two were first year birds and I am sure the adult was the mom.




A Red-eyed Vireo was hunting in the same general area as the Flycatchers.  I have not seen one since the spring and was glad to get a good look at it.













There were lots of hummingbirds and they were very active however with the low light it was difficult to get up much shutter speed without going way high on the ISO.  Still they are fun to watch.












The Passion Flowers are in full bloom and quite pretty.  They were staying open later in the morning with the overcast sky.  I really want to get one of these vines going at the house.

Of course now that I am back at the house,  it looks like the sun is trying to make an appearance.  I guess better late than never.

Catching Up

The last week has been a whirlwind of craziness.  For some unknown reason, walking became almost impossible for several days last week.  Tests came back undetermined and almost as quickly as the problem came on, it left.  I got out for a bit this afternoon however walking is still a bit stiff but I figure the best thing is to keep moving.

The birds are really coming in now which makes for great fun.  One of my favorites, the Great Crested Flycatcher has been hanging around the yard over the last week.  It is very receptive to responding to imitations of its call.

The Blue Grosbeaks are in adding another blue to the landscape.  Good to have them back.















Nest building is in high gear.  This female Common Yellowthroat brought in many a piece of small grass building her nest.  The Cowbirds are busy too scoping out and watching who is building what.











As I was quietly walking down the path, a fox walked out of the wooded area.  We both stopped looking at each other.  Always a thrill to have a close encounter.





 

Birding From The Deck

Home a little early today and had some time to enjoy sitting outside.  I took the laptop outside and was listening to some bird calls.  Did the birds respond?  Oh yes.  What fun.  A little more light would have been fantastic but then you can't have it all.  The two that I have been seeing that I could not get to come up were the Black-Throated Blue Warbler and Redstarts.  The Northern Parula, Red-Eyed Vireo and of course the Great Crested Flycatcher were willing participants.

Probably the most fun was the flycatcher.  Some great shots of it turning and cocking its head and singing along.

Great Crested Flycatcher

With its raspy call that carries far, the new bird in the trees today stirred up all the other birds.  A pair have been coming and calling the woods beside the house home for the last couple of years.  I heard that very distinctive call two days ago but could never spot it.  Today I answered back each time it called.  Before long, it came.  These birds seem very receptive to answering back and coming to investigate.

Birding At Home

The morning started out with a light drizzle and fog and between having a presentation to work on for a bluebird society meeting where I have been invited to present and gas prices sky high, at home it was today.

Late this afternoon the sun came out and it was beautiful. I will splurge tomorrow on a birding outing. I did have another purpose for staying home particularly once the sun came out. For the last couple of days, a Great Crested Flycatcher has been hanging around and as I am typing hear it has come back and is sitting out calling.

As they are only migratory birds in this area, it is exciting when one takes up residence for the summer. After a couple of days of listening to it but never quite being able to get a good look, this afternoon was it. When I finally spotted it, I also happened to notice another unfamiliar bird. I have heard its call the last couple of afternoons also and unfortunately, it flew so quickly I only got tail feathers. Well, just a challenge for another afternoon.

A bluebird that is nesting in a box up the street flew down to hunt insects in the sinking sunlight of the day. The birds hit the trees in front of the house as they catch the last rays.