Stalking the Elusive Scarlet Tanager

I am so excited! Chuffed, as the Brits would say. For years we've seen Scarlet Tanagers flitting around in the distance, but this is the first time I've managed a decent picture.

That first picture was when he alighted on a nearer tree--a rare event. Mostly they stay at a distance. Like this picture above--and the sun was so bright on him that, though I saw a red bird, the camera saw yellow-orange. 

Then there was the female, who stayed at a distance but posed for many shots.  She's olive and yellow, unlike her flashy mate. I was pleased to capture her, but my camera isn't that good at such a distance.

I can't complain though. Bird watching from the comfort of our front porch with a gin and lime at my side is pretty pleasant. 

 

Stalking the Red Winged Blackbird

John told me that there were red-winged blackbirds down at the pond--a bird I've not heretofore seen on our place. So yesterday afternoon we took a bottle of bubbly down  to the pond and settled in to enjoy the place and to get some photos.

There are worse places to wait . . .

And after a while, the female showed up. She looks like a big sparrow--good camouflage for someone who nests in the cattails low to the ground.

Meanwhile the male was elusive--flitting from tree to tree and once swooping close to check us out--but I wasn't quick enough with the camera to capture him.

Finally he settled on a cattail and gave us a good view of his handsome epaulets.

Another time, I'll try for the bluebirds that I've seen at this nest box when I'm driving in or out.

 

Birds Against ICE

 

Birds Out the Window

Thursday was sunny but chilly, and I spent a fair amount of time at the dining table, working on Christmas/Solstice cards. I had a nice view of the bird feeder and our customers. The purple finch was a nice surprise--the first I've seen in a while. 

Lots of chickadees, as always, plus titmice, wrens, and nuthatches which I didn't capture, being busy with the cards.

Just a few more to go then I have to embark on the cranberry/popcorn string. John got the tree up and lighted and the living room is nicely aglow. 

There are presents yet to wrap and similar odds and ends. Thank goodness for online shopping, says this easily-tired old lady!

 

Birdie, Birdie

 

For the Birds

A Downy Woodpecker, followed by a Cardinal, Goldfinch, and what I think is a young Rufous Sided Towhee.

 

Teenager Birds

The products of a second or third hatch are learning more about their world and how the birdfeeder works. They all look a little scruffy yet.

 

For the Birds