Wednesday, November 27, 2019

11.27.19  Bird Nerd Moment - My yard
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 (!!!)
Song Sparrow

Song Sparrow

Carolina Wren
Inspecting our Christmas light wiring

Carolina Wren

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

Carolina Wren

Downy Woodpecker
Pointing out the damage critters have done to our shed

American Robin silhouette behind the branches

Black-capped Chickadee

Carolina Wren
Inspecting the Old Man's Beard Lichen on an oak branch
 
American Robin

American Robins
Silhouetted with the fruity branches

American Robin

Blue Jay

Blue Jay

American Robin

Downy Woodpecker - female
Contemplating creating more damage to our roofline

Downy Woodpecker - female

Downy Woodpecker

Song Sparrow

Downy Woodpecker Silhouette

Northern Flicker
Being camera shy and distant

Blue Jay

Black-capped Chickadee

Black-capped Chickadee

Downy Woodpecker
Demonstrating how strong their foot grip is

Golden-crowned Kinglet!!! - male

Golden-crowned Kinglet - male

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Downy Woodpecker - female

Carolina Wren
Bidding adieu!

Downy Woodpecker - male

Downy Woodpecker - male
Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Birding!