The three days I recently spent at my mother-in-law’s farm in Potter County, PA were magical for photography. Shot after shot of feeder birds were inexplicably exceptional despite the fact that I was shooting through a smudgy glass pane. I considered cleaning my children’s grubby handprints off the window but decided not to mess with perfection. I’ve already shared a few of my finer shots. Here’s the next batch…

The rarest visitor to the feeders was definitely this inquisitive Eastern Towhee. Ann had never seen a towhee at her feeders before which made the splendid looks this one offered all the more welcome.

Mostly though, we observed the same finches…

…and sparrows…

…and doves that we usually do.

Blackbirds of every stripe descended on the feeders in obstreperous hordes. At any given moment, I could see a Brown-headed Cowbird or Red-winged Blackbird or Common Grackle picking at the buffet of black oil sunflower seeds. That last bird has been something of a photographic nemesis of mine but the worm has finally turned. Expect a grackle gallery in the near future!