Tuliptree Blossom with Guest
Another Day at Work
Apis Workers' Party
Predator
Some of Your Beeswax
Sedum Bumbler
Look of Defiance
Chicory Bee
Bumbling Bees
Garden Cafe
Buzz By Here - To Infinity and Beyond
Pick Your Poison
Blind Side Attack
On a Mission
Honey Bee on Sedum
Covering the Cosmos
Center of the Cosmos
Three's a Crowd
Popular Spot
On A Pedestal
Big Harry Fireworks Display
To Impress the Girl
Different Perspective
Sweet Ride
Perfect Little Piggies B&W
Flipping the Light Fantastic
Festival of Flights
To the Crowd's Delight
Amish Go Round
Wondersome One
The Stars In Her Eyes
Tuesday's Child
Sleeper Hold
Considering the Next Move
Sugar and Spice
Front Porch Portrait
Caged Competitor
Early Adoration
Child In the Ligtht
Stroll Through the Weeds
Attention Grabbing
Eye Contact
On the Line
Eyes of Wonder
Rounding the Curve
Troubadours of Basin Spring Park
Down by the Creek
Sun Day
Catching Some Light
EAA Fireworks
Hear Me Roar
Bird
Nester
I took this appropriate photo on Mother’s Day. I was taking photos at the Algoma, WI harbor and stumbled upon this Canada Goose sitting on her nest. She was a little nervous and was guarded while I was around, but I kept my distance.
To get a better, larger view, click on the photo.
Savannah Sparrow
This is the time of year when we see the largest variety of birds at our home. This little bird, a Savannah Sparrow, is a common resident. They show up in early spring and stay until late fall.
They seem to spend a majority of their time foraging on the ground or in low bushes. They mainly eat seeds, but also eat insects in the breeding season.
To view a larger version of this image, click on the photo.
On Golden Pond
The early morning light bathed the scene in warm, gold tones. The way the water was reflecting that warm tone is what caught my eye here. The lone Canada Goose just added a point of interest.
This really isn’t a pond setting. It was taken at the beach in Algoma, WI, on the western shore of Lake Michigan. I was sitting in my van, parked on the road, using a telephoto lens.
To view a larger version, click on the photo.
Yellow Rumped Warbler (female)
The earliest signs of spring are finally emerging. This is when we see the greatest variety of birds in our yard – as they pass through on their migratory journey.
This is the first year I remember seeing Yellow Rumped Warblers. We have three or four of them hanging around the yard the last few days. I first noticed a male, with its striking, bright yellow patches and stripe down the middle of its head. They get their name from a yellow patch on their rump, usually difficult to see when their wings are folded.
I haven’t gotten a good shot of the male…yet. This is a female. There are a few more gals flitting around, so it was easier to get a decent shot. Even this shot could be sharper and had to be cropped quite a bit.
To view a larger image, click on the photo.
White Crowned Sparrow
This is my White Crowned Sparrow friend. I call him my friend because he seemed to like hanging around with me.
I was at the Algoma marina photographing the lighthouse and sunrise when I noticed something moving along the ground. It turned out to be this sparrow. I made note of him and went about my business, moving along the marina wall to get various shots. It seemed, no matter where I moved, this white crowned sparrow was never more than a few feet away; always skittering along the ground.
Needless to say, I turned my camera in his direction a few times that morning. I’ve been back to the marina many times since, but haven’t seen my friend or his like again. (You can view another photo of this bird posted previously HERE)
To view a larger version of this photo, click on it.
Goldfinch on Lookout
An male American Goldfinch looks over the surroundings, comfortably perched on a purple thistle.
This particular bird had a staring role in a couple of earlier posts – Fan Dancer and Watchful Eye. He was not particularly shy and allowed me to get closer than most birds will. I was grateful.
To get a larger view (provided you have a large size monitor), click on the photo.
American Goldfinch Portrait
Isn’t she a beauty. This is a female American Goldfinch. She was kind enough to pose for this portrait on the suet feeder. She cam decked out in her Sunday best, winter plumage; not a feather out of place. I’m sure it was a cold day.
This is a photo I pulled up from the archives. It was taken a few years ago using my old Kodak Easyshare DX75909. For a simple camera (compared to what I use today), it did some exceptional work.
To get a better look, click on the photo for a larger version.
White Crowned Sparrow
This white crowned sparrow was an unexpected surprise.
While taking photos of a sunrise at the marina in Algoma, Wisconsin, I noticed some movement on the ground. Each time I would change position, this little bird would flit along the ground…but never far.
Eventually, I turned the camera his way. He seemed cooperative, allowing me to move within 10 feet for shots like this.
Short Stuff
This cute rascal is a Ruby-throated hummingbird. A tiny, zippy bird that is one of my favorites…and most challenging to photograph. This particular one seems to be a short, stocky gal – but she wears it well, don’t you think?
I believe the hummingbirds that have entertained us this year have flown south for the winter. We haven’t seen one for a week or so.
To see a larger version of this image, click on the photo.
Fan Dancer
This was an American Goldfinch that I found by the marina in Algoma, Wisconsin. He was feasting on the thistles growing near the water’s edge; pulling out the white tufts and munching on the seeds. As you can see, thistle seeds are light and airy and tend to float with the breeze.
To get a closer look, click on the photo and it will open in it’s own browser tab.