Yarmouth, MA
This year continues to be a transitional one for me. Today I was so inspired by the bird activity in my yard... I just had to grab my camera and get out there. I have missed it over the past several months. The temperatures are mild here today on Cape Cod as we await some lousy weather with unfortunate timing for those traveling today for Thanksgiving. I imagine that is why there was so much going on outside. The birds know when they need to stock up on body-warming energy in the form of food to keep themselves safe and warm when a storm is on the way. The photos were all taken in about 10 minutes in my yard, as it seemed everywhere I turned there was another species doing some fun-to-watch, birdy thing.
It was foggy and wind-less so it made for decent photos, though some of them merely silhouettes. When the camera is on autofocus it often decides to focus on bird surroundings rather than the bird. No. I've never had a photo class, though I aspire to, so I suppose photographers may find my photos frustrating. Somehow I see the surroundings as an equally inspiring subject, so I occasionally leave the blurry shots. Why not? I hope you enjoy them as well. There was also a surprise guest - two really! See my list below. These two little species are so quick in their movements, they make it a challenge to photograph. Every once in a while, luck is on my side, and the bird is facing JUST the right way. I never truly know until I upload them and get ready to crop the photos though. Sometimes... VOILA! There it is... You'll see!
I am thankful for the inspiration the birds provide just by being wherever you find them.
I intend to add a new activity to Cape Cod Bird Nerd services in 2020:
Your Yard Birds - I visit your yard for an hour, identify the species for you and photograph, list and label them here for you on the blog. Let me know what you think!
(double click photos to enlarge)
My list:
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Blue Jay
American Robin
Downy Woodpecker
White-breasted Nuthatch
Northern Flicker
Song Sparrow
Carolina Wren (!!!)
Golden-crowned Kinglet (!!!)
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| Song Sparrow |
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| Song Sparrow |
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| Carolina Wren Inspecting our Christmas light wiring |
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| Carolina Wren |
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| Carolina Wren Note the downward curve of her/his bill, a great field mark to focus on, as well as the pale eye stripe above the eye |
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| Carolina Wren |
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| Downy Woodpecker Pointing out the damage critters have done to our shed |
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| American Robin silhouette behind the branches |
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| Black-capped Chickadee |
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| Carolina Wren Inspecting the Old Man's Beard Lichen on an oak branch |
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| American Robin |
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| American Robins Silhouetted with the fruity branches |
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| American Robin |
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| Blue Jay |
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| Blue Jay |
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| American Robin |
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| Downy Woodpecker - female Contemplating creating more damage to our roofline |
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| Downy Woodpecker - female |
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| Downy Woodpecker |
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| Song Sparrow |
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| Downy Woodpecker Silhouette |
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| Northern Flicker Being camera shy and distant |
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| Blue Jay |
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| Black-capped Chickadee |
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| Black-capped Chickadee |
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| Downy Woodpecker Demonstrating how strong their foot grip is |
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| Golden-crowned Kinglet!!! - male |
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| Golden-crowned Kinglet - male |
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| Golden-crowned Kinglet |
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| Downy Woodpecker - female |
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| Carolina Wren Bidding adieu! |
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| Downy Woodpecker - male |
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| Downy Woodpecker - male |
