Nice! I've never seen one of those. Only Western Tanagers.
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Wes ... /297084201
Nice! I've never seen one of those. Only Western Tanagers.
+1agbp wrote: ↑Sun Aug 28, 2022 12:17 pmWonderful photo, worth the wait!Sandtrap wrote: ↑Sun Aug 28, 2022 10:14 am DW took a bunch of these high quality pics yesterday on the back porch hummer feeder.
It took several weeks of trying to get the light and timing right and also the hummers cooperating. We waited for a hummer swarm.
I am always amazed at the brilliant colors that the "camera sees" that our human eye does not see on these beautiful birds.
The actual full size raw image post processed shows fine feather detail when zoomed in. But lost on the upload to the forum.
Canon 5D MK IV, Canon 400 mm. "L" lens. Manfrotto Tripod with $$$ Gimbal.
ISO somewhat high to freeze motion so some drop in resolution.
j
Beautiful bird.
Great article.jebmke wrote: ↑Sun Aug 28, 2022 11:53 am aaaand, here we go; Washington Post coverage just today
https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va ... mingbirds/
Why are hummingbirds such jerks? An investigation.
Yes, this is an American Kestrel, a small raptor from the falcon family.
Oh wow! Gorgeous photo - and agree how interesting it is that the camera sees things our human eye does not. Cameras really capture reality - although I guess, philosophically speaking, reality is only what we see and not what "really is."Sandtrap wrote: ↑Sun Aug 28, 2022 10:14 am DW took a bunch of these high quality pics yesterday on the back porch hummer feeder.
It took several weeks of trying to get the light and timing right and also the hummers cooperating. We waited for a hummer swarm.
I am always amazed at the brilliant colors that the "camera sees" that our human eye does not see on these beautiful birds.
The actual full size raw image post processed shows fine feather detail when zoomed in. But lost on the upload to the forum.
Canon 5D MK IV, Canon 400 mm. "L" lens. Manfrotto Tripod with $$$ Gimbal.
ISO somewhat high to freeze motion so some drop in resolution.
j
So true!Miriam2 wrote: ↑Mon Sep 26, 2022 8:57 pmOh wow! Gorgeous photo - and agree how interesting it is that the camera sees things our human eye does not. Cameras really capture reality - although I guess, philosophically speaking, reality is only what we see and not what "really is."Sandtrap wrote: ↑Sun Aug 28, 2022 10:14 am DW took a bunch of these high quality pics yesterday on the back porch hummer feeder.
It took several weeks of trying to get the light and timing right and also the hummers cooperating. We waited for a hummer swarm.
I am always amazed at the brilliant colors that the "camera sees" that our human eye does not see on these beautiful birds.
The actual full size raw image post processed shows fine feather detail when zoomed in. But lost on the upload to the forum.
Canon 5D MK IV, Canon 400 mm. "L" lens. Manfrotto Tripod with $$$ Gimbal.
ISO somewhat high to freeze motion so some drop in resolution.
j
Beautiful birds.RightGuard wrote: ↑Sat Sep 24, 2022 10:49 pm Lots of interesting birdies!
I have 2 residents and 1 migrator in my patch. (photos are representative)
1.
A Northern Mocking Bird has setup residence in the small stand of Palmetto Palms in the back corner of my lot. He sings a nice selection of ditties that would be suitable for an early 90's car alarm. Very industrious during nesting season.
Can sing all day..... and if necessary all night! (Buddy she's probably sleeping right now!)
2.
Western Kingbird, ruler of the front yard. Mortal enemy of the Mockingbird. Smaller in size, but twice the fight.
Very good insect catcher. He(?) keeps my window sills free of bug carcasses. Bright yellow belly is easy to spot.
3.
American Bitterrn. Migrates into town in the fall. Lives around close by lake. Works over the yard every other day looking for worms and such. Gets swooped on by the other two, too chilled out to care. Has the extendable neck and spear point beak like other herons. Those other birds shouldn't push their luck with this one.
It's 2022 -2023 Season.f35phixer wrote: ↑Wed Mar 03, 2021 6:24 am https://www.elfruler.com/
just found this link, LOTS of eagle cams, top right link to eagle cams, all over country.
Also lots of great info on how eagles grow !!!!
Yes, it is very cool. I saw one in the daylight several years ago. He must have been caught by surprise and took off to another tree.JAZZISCOOL wrote: ↑Tue Oct 04, 2022 12:15 pm The coolest bird experience I’ve had recently was a couple weeks ago when I was walking my dog after sunset. Out of nowhere, a great-horned owl flew about 15 feet over my head as it was hunting for dinner. It was huge and on a mission. Much larger with the wings spread. My heart was racing because I couldn’t figure out what it was for a couple of seconds. That was really cool.
Nice! I was amazed at how quiet it was which I know helps with their hunting (stealth)!LadyGeek wrote: ↑Thu Oct 06, 2022 3:45 pm I just saw my first titmouse of the season on my backyard feeder.
Yes, it is very cool. I saw one in the daylight several years ago. He must have been caught by surprise and took off to another tree.JAZZISCOOL wrote: ↑Tue Oct 04, 2022 12:15 pm The coolest bird experience I’ve had recently was a couple weeks ago when I was walking my dog after sunset. Out of nowhere, a great-horned owl flew about 15 feet over my head as it was hunting for dinner. It was huge and on a mission. Much larger with the wings spread. My heart was racing because I couldn’t figure out what it was for a couple of seconds. That was really cool.
Nice!
Awesome! Great timing!livesoft wrote: ↑Thu Oct 06, 2022 4:56 pmNice!
For some reason I was nominated to lead a nature hike at the local county Nature Preserve. So I showed up, got my group together and off we went to the most remote creek in the preserve. We get there and are milling about when a bald eagle comes flying up the creek at tree-top level right on cue. People were so stunned, nobody took a photo even though they had their cell phones in their hands.
Back at the parking lot, the rangers told me they had never ever seen a bald eagle in the preserve.
There was a documentary on Owls - I think on PBS -- and they went into a lot of detail on how owls fly such that they make almost no sound. They also explained how some of the large owls like Barn Owl have a huge amount of their head space occupied by their eyes and related circuitry. It may be available on PBS site or even Youtube now. Contrast this with Northern Cardinals which, pound for pound are among the loudest flappers in the bird kingdom; it is a good thing they are seed eaters as they would be unable to sneak up on anyone.JAZZISCOOL wrote: ↑Thu Oct 06, 2022 4:50 pmNice! I was amazed at how quiet it was which I know helps with their hunting (stealth)!LadyGeek wrote: ↑Thu Oct 06, 2022 3:45 pm I just saw my first titmouse of the season on my backyard feeder.
Yes, it is very cool. I saw one in the daylight several years ago. He must have been caught by surprise and took off to another tree.JAZZISCOOL wrote: ↑Tue Oct 04, 2022 12:15 pm The coolest bird experience I’ve had recently was a couple weeks ago when I was walking my dog after sunset. Out of nowhere, a great-horned owl flew about 15 feet over my head as it was hunting for dinner. It was huge and on a mission. Much larger with the wings spread. My heart was racing because I couldn’t figure out what it was for a couple of seconds. That was really cool.
I saw my first Dark-eyed Junco the other day. They come down from higher elevations during the winter. Getting many goldfinches but no hummers this week.
Thanks! Will have to look for the PBS, etc. owl episode. I love Barn Owls. I've never seen one live but there are a few cams out there that are fun to watch sometimes.jebmke wrote: ↑Thu Oct 06, 2022 5:01 pmThere was a documentary on Owls - I think on PBS -- and they went into a lot of detail on how owls fly such that they make almost no sound. They also explained how some of the large owls like Barn Owl have a huge amount of their head space occupied by their eyes and related circuitry. It may be available on PBS site or even Youtube now. Contrast this with Northern Cardinals which, pound for pound are among the loudest flappers in the bird kingdom; it is a good thing they are seed eaters as they would be unable to sneak up on anyone.JAZZISCOOL wrote: ↑Thu Oct 06, 2022 4:50 pmNice! I was amazed at how quiet it was which I know helps with their hunting (stealth)!LadyGeek wrote: ↑Thu Oct 06, 2022 3:45 pm I just saw my first titmouse of the season on my backyard feeder.
Yes, it is very cool. I saw one in the daylight several years ago. He must have been caught by surprise and took off to another tree.JAZZISCOOL wrote: ↑Tue Oct 04, 2022 12:15 pm The coolest bird experience I’ve had recently was a couple weeks ago when I was walking my dog after sunset. Out of nowhere, a great-horned owl flew about 15 feet over my head as it was hunting for dinner. It was huge and on a mission. Much larger with the wings spread. My heart was racing because I couldn’t figure out what it was for a couple of seconds. That was really cool.
I saw my first Dark-eyed Junco the other day. They come down from higher elevations during the winter. Getting many goldfinches but no hummers this week.
I think our hummers fled the scene; I suspect the strong northerly wind was too good to pass up for a free ride south.
No Juncos yet; won't be long. Bird seed is very expensive this year so not looking forward to them. A few sparrows seem to be trickling into the area. White-throats and Swamp Sparrows today.
That's a great story!livesoft wrote: ↑Thu Oct 06, 2022 4:56 pmNice!
For some reason I was nominated to lead a nature hike at the local county Nature Preserve. So I showed up, got my group together and off we went to the most remote creek in the preserve. We get there and are milling about when a bald eagle comes flying up the creek at tree-top level right on cue. People were so stunned, nobody took a photo even though they had their cell phones in their hands.
Back at the parking lot, the rangers told me they had never ever seen a bald eagle in the preserve.
I've been reading a new and fascinating book on the amazing and endless ways animals perceive their worlds and how they have evolved to do it. Owls are included, of course, beginning with Chapter 8, "All Ears." The book is An Immense World: How Animal Senses Reveal the Hidden Realms Around Us, by Ed Yong, who adds this from William Blake:jebmke wrote: ↑Thu Oct 06, 2022 5:01 pmThere was a documentary on Owls - I think on PBS -- and they went into a lot of detail on how owls fly such that they make almost no sound. They also explained how some of the large owls like Barn Owl have a huge amount of their head space occupied by their eyes and related circuitry. It may be available on PBS site or even Youtube now. Contrast this with Northern Cardinals which, pound for pound are among the loudest flappers in the bird kingdom; it is a good thing they are seed eaters as they would be unable to sneak up on anyone. ...JAZZISCOOL wrote: ↑Thu Oct 06, 2022 4:50 pmNice! I was amazed at how quiet it was which I know helps with their hunting (stealth)!LadyGeek wrote: ↑Thu Oct 06, 2022 3:45 pm I just saw my first titmouse of the season on my backyard feeder.
Yes, it is very cool. I saw one in the daylight several years ago. He must have been caught by surprise and took off to another tree.JAZZISCOOL wrote: ↑Tue Oct 04, 2022 12:15 pm The coolest bird experience I’ve had recently was a couple weeks ago when I was walking my dog after sunset. Out of nowhere, a great-horned owl flew about 15 feet over my head as it was hunting for dinner. It was huge and on a mission. Much larger with the wings spread. My heart was racing because I couldn’t figure out what it was for a couple of seconds. That was really cool.
I saw my first Dark-eyed Junco the other day. They come down from higher elevations during the winter. Getting many goldfinches but no hummers this week.
How do you know
but ev'ry Bird
that cuts the airy way,
Is an immense world
of delight,
clos'd by your senses five?
I think I've shared that "stunned" feeling many years ago, '70s I recall, when camping in northern Wisconsin with several friends. While hiking, we heard an unusual noise, looked up and were, yes, stunned first at the size of the bird flying alone and when it got a bit lower recognized it as a bald eagle. Then it disappeared beyond the dense treetops and that was the last we saw of it. Nobody said anything for about a minute and then began talking excitedly about it being the first bald eagle we'd ever seen. The bird is just striking, takes your breath away, and the fleeting image stays with you.livesoft wrote: ↑Thu Oct 06, 2022 4:56 pmNice!
For some reason I was nominated to lead a nature hike at the local county Nature Preserve. So I showed up, got my group together and off we went to the most remote creek in the preserve. We get there and are milling about when a bald eagle comes flying up the creek at tree-top level right on cue. People were so stunned, nobody took a photo even though they had their cell phones in their hands. . ...
Thanks for sharing! Made me smile.
You also mentioned that your group had cell phones but nobody took photos. Our group had no cells, of course, but the only one who had a camera never thought to use it when the eagle flew over, something we didn't even realize until later. That's another testament to "stunned."
Watched the trailer, already have Prime, set to watch it tonight. Thanks for posting!JAZZISCOOL wrote: ↑Thu Oct 06, 2022 8:37 pm For those who enjoy nature documentaries, I recommend one called "Winged Migration".
It covers the migratory patterns of birds, shot over the course of three years on all seven continents.
One of the most stunning movies I've ever seen; I even bought the DVD. IMDb 7.9 rating.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0301727/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
On Amazon Prime (fee).
Part of the NY Times review in 2003:
"The breathtaking cinematography of migrating birds in Jacques Perrin's mystical documentary ''Winged Migration'' transports you to an exalted realm where nature operates under its own inviolable laws and humanity is portrayed as a crude, destructive interloper in the natural scheme of things."
Hope you enjoy it!Fallible wrote: ↑Sat Oct 08, 2022 12:22 pmWatched the trailer, already have Prime, set to watch it tonight. Thanks for posting!JAZZISCOOL wrote: ↑Thu Oct 06, 2022 8:37 pm For those who enjoy nature documentaries, I recommend one called "Winged Migration".
It covers the migratory patterns of birds, shot over the course of three years on all seven continents.
One of the most stunning movies I've ever seen; I even bought the DVD. IMDb 7.9 rating.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0301727/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
On Amazon Prime (fee).
Part of the NY Times review in 2003:
"The breathtaking cinematography of migrating birds in Jacques Perrin's mystical documentary ''Winged Migration'' transports you to an exalted realm where nature operates under its own inviolable laws and humanity is portrayed as a crude, destructive interloper in the natural scheme of things."
I also can still feel that "stunned feeling" I had in the 1980's when I saw my first bald eagle in Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. We were on a ranger-lead hike through the open areas of the park when he pointed out the eagle soaring overhead. Utterly magnificent. And how could you miss it as a bald eagle - from underneath the white tail is like a beacon.
It or some bird just like it has been coming back regularly. I saw it today for the first time since this past Spring.tooluser wrote: ↑Sun Dec 27, 2020 5:41 pmI have had one near me in Los Angeles for about a week now. First one I had ever seen too. (I assume it's the same one this whole time...)
We have black phoebes year-round, but apparently the Say's only overwinters around here. A very different call than the black ones.
My yard must have good bugs to eat.
WOW JEB, Almost the same here in PAX River. Walked down to creek to talk to eagles and saw the two circling around, looked up MUCH higher and there were white birds (Gulls?) in big flock circling around way up high ~500 -1000 feet? Didn't run back up for my Binocks ;-((( Looked at a Broadwing picture and don't think that was them, much whiter....jebmke wrote: ↑Sat Oct 08, 2022 1:41 pm speaking of migration. I was out in the yard earlier this week and heard an Eagle - which isn't unusual as they nest near me. I looked out where I normally see them over the creek but nothing. Then I looked straight up and I saw a kettle of Broadwing Hawks way up. Probably 20-30 of them with a lone Eagle circling among them. The whole kettle was drifting south in a circle that just kept drifting and drifting. First time I have seen them migrate over our house like that. I should look straight up more often.
Laughing gulls maybe - they migrate out of here. Some of the counts can be amazing this time of year. We had about 500 BlueJays fly over us when we were on Assateague last Thursday.f35phixer wrote: ↑Mon Oct 10, 2022 11:12 amWOW JEB, Almost the same here in PAX River. Walked down to creek to talk to eagles and saw the two circling around, looked up MUCH higher and there were white birds (Gulls?) in big flock circling around way up high ~500 -1000 feet? Didn't run back up for my Binocks ;-((( Looked at a Broadwing picture and don't think that was them, much whiter....jebmke wrote: ↑Sat Oct 08, 2022 1:41 pm speaking of migration. I was out in the yard earlier this week and heard an Eagle - which isn't unusual as they nest near me. I looked out where I normally see them over the creek but nothing. Then I looked straight up and I saw a kettle of Broadwing Hawks way up. Probably 20-30 of them with a lone Eagle circling among them. The whole kettle was drifting south in a circle that just kept drifting and drifting. First time I have seen them migrate over our house like that. I should look straight up more often.
Anyway they're gone....
sounds like laughers, yes
Wow! Huge numbers. I listened to an Audubon presentation (SLC and Rockies) last week where they discussed bird migration, lights out programs, etc. and mentioned this cool website for bird migration mapping that some of you may have seen before. Not sure if it's been mentioned before.jebmke wrote: ↑Tue Oct 11, 2022 3:08 pmsounds like laughers, yes
Large flight of Blue Jays today - 500+ A lot of woodpeckers as well - ~150-200 Red Bellied WPs and 50-75 Flickers. Wind out of the south so not a lot of raptors. A handful of Merlins and Sharpies trying to pick off little tweety-birds in the air.
I wouldn't think so. Perhaps it was the way the bird was grabbed.
BWAHAHAHA Sorry........LadyGeek wrote: ↑Wed Oct 19, 2022 12:14 pmI wouldn't think so. Perhaps it was the way the bird was grabbed.
Check the spelling, as I see "morning dove" used all the time. It should be Mourning Dove. Listen to the sound and it makes sense.
yeah; saw one near me earlier in the week. Stuff seems to be hanging around a bit this year but this cold front should inspire them. Still no sign of Juncos around me. A few white-throated sparrows; most of the sparrow hoards start coming in next month.