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!
Hi Mike,
I am planning to pay more attention to grackles too. Right now they are all doing their dances and it really is fun to watch. Also, if I watch them in a natural area, I can appreciate their beauty much more than on local dumpsters!
I spent most of the weekend watching our feeders here in Southeast Ohio. We put out the humming bird feeder, even though it is still a bit early as the usual migration will be in the coming weeks. I was delighted Sunday afternoon to see 2 Humming Birds zipping around the feeder!! We also have a barn swallow building a nest right outside our front door. I can’t wait for the babies!!