I have been hearing some LOUD singing in the morning and evening in the area around our house. Today I had to investigate to try and learn who had the great voice! Turns out there is a Woodpecker nest in a dead tree in our neighbor’s yard. At first I thought Downy Woodpecker, but now I’m leaning toward Hairy Woodpecker – I could be wrong. When I came close to where I heard the singing, mom Woodpecker made all kinds of racket and then went near the hole where her baby is. The baby poked it’s head out and mom later brought some food. Look at how mom is clinging to the side of the tree with her feet. So cool to see!
I added a new bird to my Life List over the weekend – this Green Heron. Sitting high in a dead tree with branches all around, the image wasn’t very appealing, but I really liked the light that was spotlighting the bird with the ruffled head feathers. I added a background just to simplify the image.
Another favorite from my visit to Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge in Delaware. I love the wading and shore birds that are abundant at the Refuge, like this Great Blue Heron.
I know I’m a little obsessive about things, but I totally regret not taking one step backward so as to include ALL of the rusty metal round item on the right of this scene. Grrr! I love all of the textures and color in the composition, but oooh, I could have done better! Many viewing the image may not have even noticed, so why am I pointing this out? Just as a tip to help when composing images. Before depressing the shutter, scan the edges to check what is included in the frame and be sure that you include all that you want and don’t include things that you DON’T want in the image!
Birding is as much listening as it is seeing. When you stop and detach yourself from the world of man made noises, the sounds of nature come to life. Bird songs are so relaxing! I love to seek out the individual bird that is singing so that I can learn to identify the call of a specific species. I am just a beginner, but am having so much fun! I think this “may” be an Eastern Phoebe, but I could also be completely wrong!
