A little Pine Siskin relaxing on an early summer day. It’s hard to believe these guys can make such a load of chatter as this bird just sat so quiet and observed their surroundings. Like a Goldfinch disguised as a sparrow Siskin’s grace our forests in summer and sometimes winter as well we enjoy having them around.
We hear the Western Tanagers calling every morning and evening from late May until early August and despite the brilliant colors of the males good looks are few and far between as they move quickly in the upper story of the conifers nearby.
The brilliant red color of the Males is unique.
“While most red birds owe their redness to a variety of plant pigments known as carotenoids, the Western Tanager gets its scarlet head feathers from a rare pigment called rhodoxanthin. Unable to make this substance in their own bodies, Western Tanagers probably obtain it from insects in their diet.”1
This day we got a nice look at this male, which we have fondly dubbed flame, perched in the midlevel of the trees. What a beautiful bird.
Reference:
1.https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Western_Tanager/overview
A male American Redstart full of color and song on a cool early summer afternoon. Never one to sit still for long this little guy was both a frustration and joy to watch and photograph.
Fog rises from water warmer than air.
Coffee warms the bones as ducks begin their day.
A little Flycatcher patiently waiting for the next fly to appear and they did not have to wait too long because the the flies have arrived just as summer made it’s way.
Happy Friday and welcome to the official start of summer.
A male MacGillivray’s warbler sitting tall and singing in the morning light. This guy reminded me of a proud male lion that morning with his slate-gray hood and proud posture.
After a winter taking Dark-eyed Junco portraits in the snow a fresh view of this cute little guy as well…refreshing. Green leaves in the background as well as soft looking, clean and very spring like feathers made for a nice portrait.
A female Calliope Humming bird, the smallest bird in the United States mind you, zips right on by just like this week has.
Happy Friday and hope your weekend is full of fun.
A short but sweet visit with Mrs. G…the Evening Grosbeak. We ran across her perched upon a limb of a local tree where she gave us that who’s here glance…
and proudly proclaimed hello there my name is Mrs. G.
A quick little move from right to left…
and with a telling glance that, enough is enough, she swiftly ascended the tree and vanished from sight.
Yes, Sparrows can be a handful, but when they come out in the open and give you good view that handful becomes a fistful.
We welcome back a Chipping Sparrow as they sit quietly as we pass by one a early morning walk. While this morning they were silent we typically are greeted by their song this time of year.
A beautiful Lark Sparrow forages for the tiniest of sprouts springing forth from between this rocky soil.
Ushered by their beautiful wren-like song we were luck enough to observe this Lincoln’s Sparrow enjoying the first rays of early morning light.
While out in the grasslands a Vesper Sparrow sang it’s lovely song.
nature has no boss 
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