Bird Photo Dump
This week, I got my first high-tech camera: the Nikon P950 with 2000mm zoom. I’ve been watching birds for a bit now, and decided it was a good time to start documenting them. Below are some of my favorite photos from this week.
10/23
This guy is a white-throated sparrow. He has a distinctive black-and-white striped cap with a vibrant yellow accent on either side. He was one of the first birds I photographed, and a new one for me, at that!
This male house sparrow perched precariously (and cutely) on top of a bush.
It’s a party! A house sparrow couple tryst under the watchful eye of their chaperone, a hidden female cardinal.
Another male house sparrow, supporting its weight on 2 (two!) leaves. I don’t know how he manages with that big head!
10/26
I was so frustrated with this guy! Every half second he would flit to a different branch, or even a different bush, making it extremely difficult to take a good photo. When I finally got one and looked him up on Merlin (ruby-crowned kinglet), the second adjective in his description read “hyperactive.” The eponymous ruby crown can be found on the males, and is for the most part concealed, flaring up only when they’re angry.
Look at that face! An adorable song sparrow scrounges on the ground, pausing to pose.
10/27
I’ve noticed a pack of European starlings in a tree next to the building where I work. I brought my camera in today and took this snap of one in the middle of primping. They make such bizarre noises – a jim-jam of whistles and chirps and rattles. It sounds like I’m passing by a pinball machine.
At first I thought this guy was a song sparrow. But on closer inspection, it looks to be a Savannah sparrow! Another first sighting for me. I followed him to a nearby tree where he disappeared for a bit.
While I waited for the Savannah sparrow to show his face, a big fat mockingbird decided to brave the open air. I love the color of his eyes.
The Savannah sparrow decided to make his reappearance soon after. I believe he’s saying, “So long for now!”