Even though this bird from yesterday morning is what some folks would call “only a sparrow” two of the photos in this short series are already among my favorite takeoff or flight shots of any songbird species, ever.
In my book any critter that beats the snot out of a yellowjacket deserves more than faint praise.
There’s been a lot of interest from readers on Shannon’s progress since her TBI (traumatic brain injury) and she and her family are visiting me now so I thought it was the perfect time to provide an update. And a photo.
These turkeys were using a feeding strategy that was both new to me and highly entertaining.
By ‘best’ I mean that this flycatcher gave me more poses yesterday, on more perches, over more time than any other small bird in longer than I can remember. And “he” even allowed me a bunch of shots with prey for good measure, including a yellowjacket.
I like both of these photos at least in part because the namesake “butter butt” of the species is so very obvious – often it isn’t. But last night on closer inspection something else of interest caught my eye.
“Don’t mess with Porky” was one of the early lessons I learned growing up on the Montana farm.
House Wrens have more significance and impact on the worldwide avian scene than most folks realize.
I’m sure this juvenile Osprey worked hard for the fish but what looked to me like a rookie mistake cost it a meal.
Except for a seemingly small but very aggravating detail this second photo might have been among my favorite songbird shots of all time, largely because of degree of difficulty and four unlikely strokes of good luck.
These juveniles look a little scruffy this time of year but I refuse to make a big deal out them not looking their best, especially after the photo I posted of myself two days ago.
I’ve never posted images of a Plumbeous Vireo on my blog before and this bird is yet another species I owe to my time at the “porcupine bush”.
The grand opening of the new Eccles Wildlife Education Center was yesterday morning and I was invited. I went early (very early) so I could take some photos before dignitaries and crowds arrived. This is one very special place.
The last gift to me from my time at the “porcupine bush” was a species I’d never photographed or even seen before – a Fox Sparrow. And yes, that excites me.
