Empidonax Flycatcher
As if the identification of sparrows wasn’t difficulty enough, a group not to be outdone is the flycatcher group. Eleven species in which, “all of them are small olive-covered birds that look very much alike.” After knowing the range, the best way is to identify them is by their songs which is challenging as well.
So based on my memory of the call plus a few other factors I believe this to be a Willow Flycatcher. I plan on revisiting the area and obtaining a recording and comparing it to the calls on the recently obtained CD, “Songs of Wild Birds by Lang Elliott. A fine book by the way.
Willow Flycatcher
Yellow Warbler Quest
My never ending quest of photographing the Yellow Warbler. Small and energetic skipping among the thick brush, this yellow bird plays hide and seek. Appearing for a moment then disappearing before the camera is ready. Toying with the photographer. So close the camera cannot focus because it is within the minimum focusing distance, or close enough but branches obscure the bird. Then out in the clearing but too far away.
To make matters seeming worst. To read about other people whose experiences are completely different. Birds that eat out of their hands or are common as the House Sparrow. But alas, it is not so with me. The quest continues – but it’s fun!
Butterly Sunday: Glasswing
Glasswing Butterfly (Greta oto)
Mini Photo Safari
My friend knew of a nesting Great Blue Heron and we decided to go on a photo safari. The nest was by the streams edge but difficult to get to. We hacked our way to a suitable spot reminiscent of a Lewis and Clark expedition. Briers, mosquitoes and thick brush did not persuade us.
My more agile friend was the first to climb a tree to get a clear shot of the nest. After a while I too made my way up the tree but with a little more difficulty.
My friend climbed higher up the tree while I climbed down and made my way through the brush on the mushy wet ground. We waited for the adult hoping for a photo of it returning to the nest. However, the adult heron kept some distance between us. At one point the juvenile and the adult called to each other.
We soon left and tried another area for birds. Soon we observed a Red-tailed Hawk that was being mobbed by a lone Red-winged Blackbird. Nearby Barn Swallows rested on the telephone pole wires with some Brown-headed Cowbirds.
It was fun hacking our way to view the heron which means it is now official….not only me but my friend as well, we are crazy! 
(Click on any thumbnail image. Then use keyboard arrow keys for next and previous.)
Red-tailed Hawk
One Happy Duck
Mallard Duck - female
It’s Official, He’s a Rug Rat
a touch of family
In the paper recycle bag
Crawling away from the scene of the crime
I just had to post this. Made me laugh to no end
