DAILY PICS - Vol. 316

Time, once again, to start a new thread. The latest thread is filled with some mighty fine pics so if you wish to re-visit, just click on the following link. http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1093486/

Despite being on the sidelines for a while I've had a few nice birding moments. A few weeks ago, I had the second occasion in the last three years to photograph a male Painted Bunting. This is a rare bird for my neck-of-the-woods (Maryland). What would be interesting to know is whether or not it is the same bird. The sightings were about 20 miles apart in residential backyards, at bird feeders. Although I saw him 4-5 times on this occasion, he remained mostly in the shadows..

Prairie Warblers have arrived in full force. One can hear them all over the place (in the right habitat). Here are just a few of the many photos that I was able to take.

Another "vocal" Prairie Warbler ......

They are a tiny bird ...... one of my favorites.

One more .......

Lots of Blue-Gray Gnatcatchers around, also. I was able to take a lot of photos of them, also.

A 'fluffy' Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher ......

A 'singing' Gnatcatcher .....

Lots of Bluebirds present, also .....

Another 'Eastern Bluebird' .......

Here is a 'Red-eyed Vireo' .......

Another 'Red-eyed Vireo' ...........

A good look at the 'Red-Eye' ...........

A beautiful 'Common Yellowthroat', a member of the warbler family ....

One more 'Common Yellowthroat'. Time for me to stop.

Great shots Linth! Thanks for starting the new thread!
I love each and every one!!

Today on the lake we surprised a Barred Owl eating a late breakfast. He had one of the largest crawfish I have ever seen.

After finishing his meal he flew to a limb for a short time before continueing to his roost near by.

The Prothonotary Warblers returned to the lake during the past two weeks. There was no activity around the nestboxes we put out yet.

Great start Linth and nice capture of these very small birds. F chisolm that's great shot of that Owl.

I spotted these 2 Chicadees working on a nesting site

2nd image of the Chicadee hanging atop the nesting site

We found a Red-bellied Woodpecker nest. The male and female were taking turns inside the nest.

Chicadee hanging outside the nesting site

Now removing some debris from the nesting site

Last shot of the Chicadee

Good grief, you three. How are mere mortals going to match those shots. Fantastic.

Knock Out pics. And yeah, that is a big crawfish. Folks in Louisiana would fight for that baby. I did catch a cute snap of two Finches at the feeder, a House Finch and a Goldfinch. This is a feeder that I put up with seeds purportedly for "Finches." I guess they were right.

Several weeks ago, I went to Audubon Park in New Orleans to check out the rookery. Here is a pic of Mama with little Fuzzbucket barely visible.

Great shots Frank! I love the Owl and Red-bellied Woodpeckers!

Met, Those Chickadee pics are so sweet!

Gazer, Cute pic of the 2 different Finch an Thats a cute one of the Great Egret w/ chick!

Wow, there is no way anyone can match the first 3 photographers in our group. Let me say they're all wonderful and thanks. Frank your contribution is awesome! Hope to see your posting more often. Linth and Met. I wanted so bad to visit Maryland, seems like this is time of year to make the visit?

Tree Swallow sitting pretty.

WOW...what a starting line up guys!

Linth all are great but I love the RED EYE closeup!

Frank...wow shots of the owl!

Met ....cool chickadee shots!

gazergirl...yup cute one of the egret!

Gray Catbird while out walking.....

darn branches...LOL!

Lily, Pretty Tree Swallow!

Nanny, Love the Catbird!

Swallow-tailed Kite, Painted Bunting etc,etc. in Cape May!

Photos and details on the Blog- http://cmboviewfromthecape.blogspot.com/

Linth, I love your Warblers! Would like to see some more varieties in my yard. :-)

I bought this inexpensive feeder yesterday at the bird store. I wanted the Goldfinch to have a feeder with sunflower chips away from the big birds. So far they are too timid to go on it but of course the House Finch have no fear of anything new.

Great photos on the last thread everyone!

Linth, what a fantastic start with your beautiful birds. Happy to see you back here.

Frank, your owl and warbler are also beautiful.

Met, equally beautiful shots on all your pictures too.

Margaret, you said it best. However, I look at this as a wonderful challenge to myself and hope to one day master this great talent.

Gazergirl, your finches and "Fuzzbucket" are so cute.

Nanny, those catbirds are really pretty birds. Looks like your was trying to balance in the wind.

Pelle, does that mean you'll be going to Cape May now. I'd love to go and see the buntings. Looks like you've made the finches happy with that new feeder.

I watched this Calif. Quail giving himself a dust bath in the soft dirt outside my garden.

Couldn't believe he'd dug down so deep. I'm thinking of inviting him to the front yard where he could clear some spots for new plants.

Had to have the pros identify this Bushtit-thanks Pelle, Resin and R.Saunders. It's the first time I've ever seen one by itself.

Here's another picture of her. I think she's beautiful.