Friday, December 20, 2013

Monday, April 15, 2013

Song Sparrow

The Song Sparrow is the most common visitor to my feeder, there are times that a dozen will congregate in the area.  The biggest difference between this sparrow and the Chipping Sparrow  is the top of its head is brown. 

Song Sparrow
Song Sparrow

Chipping Sparrow

This is one of 2 sparrow species that live near my feeder.  The birds almost look the same as a Song Sparrow, which I will post next.  The body shape and coloring are almost the same, and the most visible difference between the two is the reddish patch on top of its head.

Chipping Sparrow
This is the Chipping Sparrow perched on a small branch in a tree that is right next to the feeder.

Chipping Sparrow feeding
 From this angle, it is very difficult to tell this bird apart from a Song Sparrow.

Tufted Titmouse

A frequent visitor to my backyard feeder is the Tufted Titmouse.  A small bird, 5 inches long, and rather attracted bird.  I have a number of pictures, but I'll post this one here, and will most likely post more of this bird as time goes on.

Tufted Titmouse

Sunday, April 14, 2013

Red Headed Woodpecker

This one almost got away.  Everytime I would try to approach, even from a distance of about 100 feet, it would fly away.  Finally captured it, but the pictures are not real good.  I spotted this while leaving the park at the end of my session.

Red Headed Woodpecker
Red Headed Woodpecker

I'm sure I'll be able to get better pictures of this bird this summer.  I had a good day overall, imaging 3 species of bird and one butterfly at the park.

Variegated Fritillary (Butterfly)

My first post that is not a bird!  This butterfly was found fluttering around the grass near the Lake Newport wetlands.  I imaged this butterfly just after the Tree Swallow.

Variegated Fritillary
Apparently this is a relatively common butterfly in this part of the country.  The wingspan is just under 2 inches.

Tree Swallow

Fast moving, small birds are always a challenge to photograph.  Such is the Tree Swallow.  These birds are only about 6 inches long and are very quick to maneuver.  I have 4 decent pictures - all are with the birds in flight.

Tree Swallow
Tree Swallow
Tree Swallow.  Colors are slightly more visible in this image.
Tree Swallow.  Dark back, white belly.
These pictures were taken at the Lake Newport Wetlands in Mill Creek Park.