Eight photos of ten birds of eight different species.
Occasionally I post a collection of recent bird photos, I call it “avian potpourri”, that didn’t quite make the grade for a blog post of their own but they’re still pretty good and at least some of them are interesting for other reasons. Each of these photos was taken in the last month or so, mostly at Bear River MBR and in the Wasatch Mountains.
A young Tree Swallow on a broken cattail stem. The photo was taken only minutes after sunrise so there’s direct light on most of the background but not on the bird.
A young Double-crested Cormorant on a floating mat of dead phrag stems.
A grab shot of an American White Pelican that flew by while I was attempting to photograph Black-necked Stilts in flight. Believe me, lumbering 16 lb. pelicans in flight are easier.
This juvenile flycatcher is probably a Willow Flycatcher but I can’t be sure. Like most bird enthusiasts, I struggle with the ID of Empidonax flycatchers but most of the flycatchers in this area in the mountains are Willow Flycatchers so that’s my best bet.
If this bird had been an adult and it was calling I’d have been able to tell if it was a Willow Flycatcher. But it was neither.
A Great Blue Heron trying to tie its neck in a knot.
A young Black-billed Magpie in the shade on a wet morning in the mountains. Usually when I photograph this species they’re in much drier habitats (think Antelope Island) with little if any greenery for most of the year, so this setting appeals to me.
A male Yellow Warbler looking upward toward his next perch. A split second after this photo was taken, he was gone.
Most of a family of Western Grebes. Here Tail-end Charlie is getting a drink while his sibling seems fascinated by the bow wave Dad is making.
I’m encouraged by the fact that so many of these birds are birds of the year. I didn’t choose these photos for that reason, it just turned out that way. Hopefully that’s a sign of a successful nesting season for the species represented here.
Ron
Another delightful Birdpourri post! ❤️
I enjoyed all of these pictures Ron. And the swallow, flycatcher, and magpie had such beautifully soft and subtle backgrounds
Thanks for noticing the background bokeh, Frances. I can at least partially thank my lens for that.
All fun photos. Got a soft spot for the American White Pelicans. Like your use of the word “lumbering” to describe the flight. These birds always remind me of the old “lumbering” flying boats of the radial engine days.
Thanks, Michael. I often appreciate “lumbering” birds. Easier to photograph.
A very nice potpourri of birds this morning. All interesting shots. I have never seen a Tree Swallow so thanks for that. We have lots of Barn, Northern Rough-winged, and Violet-green, but have never seen a Tree Swallow. I like the Flycatcher best and can go with Willow since I too have a difficult time choosing between the various Flycatchers.
Thanks, Everett. Thankfully Willow Flycatchers, the species I see most often, is easy to ID from their call and they call a lot. With Empids I need all the help I can get.
A truly delightful selection of feathered enchantment. And I am enchanted. Thank you.
Thanks, EC.
Wonderful collection, made me smile because I noticed they were this year hatch on many of the images. I have a second batch of song sparrows fledglings in my yard this morning. They are very squeaky and demanding, hopping around after parents. The parents look very rough feather wise. I took some live meal worms out and dropped them in the area they are searching.
April, I saw and photographed quite a few young birds this morning in the mountains. I believe you’re going to the same area tomorrow so you may be seeing the same thing.
I especially like the magpie photo. Good color and composition, and I can just tell that the juvie is proud of his impressive feathers.
Kathryn, that juvie magpie was with a bunch of other young magpies and all of them seemed pretty proud of something. They were sure calling attention to themselves with all their squawking and shenanigans.
Fun post, Ron……the swallow looks like it’s a bit chilly……. 😉 The heron’s contortions are amazing! Glad there are lots of birds.
Robins are pretty well gone here – OK as I’m getting to hear Eastern Kingbird songs (kind of pretty) and Night Hawks DO have quite a squawk I’ve never heard before. 🙂
Judy, I wonder what’s happened to our nighthawks. It’s been a very long time since I’ve seen any.
We had far fewer this year than in the past………
Nice captures & captions
Thank you, Marcia.
Delightful!
Thanks, Brett.
Super series!
Charlotte Norton
Thanks, Charlotte.
I SO enjoyed the variety in your post today, right down to “ruby” and
“jade” eye colors– sweet little fluff balls and “lumbering” pelican–the
Tree swallow is one I’ve never seen before, even in a photograph…..
I liked Theresa’s thought about today’s post being something like a
little vacation– I thought so, too…….thanks!
Kris, if any bird “lumbers” in flight it’s the American White Pelican. Thank you.
I love all your captures, Ron. Your photo of the Double-crested cormorant brought back a memory when I was learning to identify different birds. I was having trouble telling the Double-crested cormorant from the Anhinga until a helpful photographer pointed out the difference in their beaks. Love your profile capture & that hooked beak.
Thanks, Jo Ann. I’ve never even seen an Anhinga, much less photographed one.
Come to Florida & I’ll take you to see them!!
Wonderful collection of up-close birds, especially enjoyed the regal Pelican.
Thank you, Terri. Glad you enjoyed them.
This post qas like taking a little vacation to Bear River MBR. Thanks.
For good reason, Theresa. Five of the eight photos were taken there.