Mourning Dove, frontal view.

A close up frontal view of the Mourning Dove. One of favorite bird because it is very friendly. Almost, appear to be pets. Maybe, one day they will allow me to feed them by hand.

White Breasted Nuthatch

The White Breasted Nuthatch is a quick, small to medium size bird that darts about low, amongst trees, fond of the pine trees in the backyard. It is very shy and runs on being sighted by Humans. Occasionally, I have had the honor to photograph this elusive bird. It is a pretty bird with a striking blue grey side and black stripe which traverses its head and crown . And has a white breast.

The first Tulip of 2014

Come spring time and like clockwork the tulips sprout and usher in its colorful flowers for us to enjoy.

Black Capped Chicadee, 4/29/14.

This spring, for the first time, I had the good fortune of seeing the Black Capped Chicadee. There were a pair which darted about the backyard from tree to tree has if celebrating the warmth of spring. I noticed them sipping nectar from the flowers as well as eating seeds at the bird feeder. A small bird with a surplus of energy and they sing a melodious tune.

Song Sparrow, 4/23/14

It is a delight to wake up every morning to the sweet song of the song sparrow. They have nested in the corners of the gazebo as well patio on top of the outdoor speakers. There are perhaps 4-5 of them or maybe more in the backyard. They are very friendly and are fast on the wings as well hopping about their feet. They luv eating small seeds.

Oh! Sweet Canada, 4/22/14

The White Throated Sparrow is usually found in Canada and the North East USA. Its chirping sounds like its singing, "Oh! Sweet Canada". It has a white patch at its throat and has yellow stripes at the crown. Quite a colorful and beautiful sparrow. And a delight for photography. They are also very friendly with Humans.

OH! Sweet Canada!

Mourning Dove, 4/22/14

Mourning Dove is a common bird in the USA. It emits a mourning chirp and gets it's name from that vocalization. It is also called the Carolina Pigeon. It is a seed eater and quite friendly with Humans. Although, both males are females are quite similar in appearance, there are subtle differences. The male is slightly larger and has a bluish grey tinge on his crown and nape. A purplish pink hue on the front side of neck and upper torso also differentiates the male from female.

Birds of the Sea, Seaside Park, 4/21/14

Seagulls are plenty at Seaside park. Wild ducks and Canadian Geese are also frequently found here.
The Seagulls appear to be fairly comfortable to co-exist with Humans and they did allow me to approach them for some decent shots.

Seagull

Caught this Seagull yawning at Seaside Park. Surprised to find an almost human like tongue! And, the Seagull appears to say, " My tonsils are killing me ". LOL!

Osprey, 4/21/14

Spent the morning at Island Beach State Park with the Osprey. There is a nest at the park and the Ospreys were recently spotted over there after migrating back this spring. Saw a couple in the nest with a lot of chirping, so I presumed there were also chicks in the nest. The nest is on top of a long pole with a wooden platform on which is nestled the twigs. The first hour of so, I cud not spot it. I went down south to the beach and when I came back, the couple was chirping rather wildly. I drove around trying to find the best angle for a good picture. When the male Osprey took of from the nest, I was ready and shot a continuous burst of 5 shots which was decent enough for bird in flight shots. I stayed for another hour waiting for the male to be back but I guess the male was out fishing. Yes! The Osprey is a bird of prey or Raptor and hunts fishes for its food and hence, usually lives near the shore.

Today's Bird, 4/20/14.

A cold day to go out for any prolonged photoshoots. The birds are slowly coming back in the backyard. Got my new bird feeder placed with sunflower seeds and it will take a few days for the birds to be comfortable with this latest addition. Should attract the Cardinals, Nuthatch and Woodpeckers. Saw a Blue Jay today but took off as soon as he spotted me. Managed to grab a single shot of a White breasted Nuthatch. The House Finches are now at home and allow me to approach them. The Chicadees, Titmouse and the Hummingbirds have not arrived yet. Spotted a few Robins which have just started making the presence known.

A wonderful world it would be! If only flowers had feathers.

Bumble Bees are back!

Spring 2014- the birds arrive!