Ah yes ... the joy of the Spring activity. A couple of bird walks this weekend yielded many warblers hurrying toward their breeding grounds, feeding frenzily, and singing lustily. Most were high in the canopy, but this Black-throated Green Warbler was closer to lens ...
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| Black-throated Green Warbler |
The walks in the woods are marvelous, but for theatrical entertainment, sitting quietly on the back porch provides front row seats to drama, intrigue, and rivalry.
Five
Evening Grosbeak males (perhaps six) are vying for the attention of four (best count) females, so there is sorting, accommodating, and liaisons to figure out. The guys are getting serious, with raised crest, raised tail, and flared wings becoming prevalent and insistent ...
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| Evening Grosbeak |
Rose-breasted Grosbeaks (we have had five males and a lesser number of females) are gentlemen toward one another, but they have their moments ...
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| Rose-breasted Grosbeak |
For shear truculence, there is nothing that can match the 1 gram package of the
Ruby-throated Hummingbird. This guy perched 15 feet in front of us, until an intruder came along. He did his rapid "U" shaped display and totally cowed the poor rival who sped off - tried again - and again - and was driven off each time ...
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| Ruby-throated Hummingbird |
By contrast, the dispute between
Northern Cardinal males was almost gentlemanly, but no less serious ...
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| Northern Cardinals |
Two transients made brief stops in the yard - welcome visitors not seen in the yard every year ...
Brown Thrasher ...
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| Brown Thrasher |
Indigo Bunting
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| Indigo Bunting |
Not to be overlooked in the profusion of life bursting forth as the tiny gems at our feet, like the
trout lily ...
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| Trout Lily |
... or in the garden, the
Crown Imperial ...
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| Crown Imperial |
Listen to the birds ... visually consume the flowers ... celebrate Spring!!
3 comments:
I agree Chris it's the season to find a spot and watch all the comings and goings.
Most of our migrant visiting Warblers are now hidden in the dense green canopies of foliage but their calls and songs are still very obvious. Let's hope it's a good breeding season.
What wonderful sightings of both flowers and birds! This is my favorite time of the year. All the birds are so busy-- I could watch their dramas unfold for hours!
Chris, I just recently found your website and am absolutely thrilled! Thank you so very much for sharing these pictures and your impressively knowledgeable comments! I will be a frequent return visitor. Best, Barbara
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