Summer Birding Photo Album to share

[bobmark226]

Since it's the folks here that are totally responsible for turning me into a backyard birder, I thought I'd share some of my summer photos.

2007 Birds album (share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8AcN2rVm4Ys2Ri)

It's been an extraordinary year, so many new species, all kinds of fun things going on. The beloved Hummers are disappearing, though I saw one this morning chasing away all the woodpeckers and titmice from the back yard! :eek: I think I'll miss them the most.

I'd never seen a Rose-Breasted Grosbeak before, ever, and I've got a flock now. I'd almost say they were favorites, but I love the neverending legions of woodpeckers who visit, especially the Red-Bellied.

I've also had rare Bluebird visits, the first; odd, they're the state bird, but scarce here. I understand that a fellow a couple blocks over has been setting up a trail, so maybe we'll see more, and I've bought a Bluebird house of my own to put up.

While I left my office window feeder, which I call "O'Hare," I just put up the backyard seed feeder, having left the suet all summer, and as you'll see from the last photos, taken on this perfect "fall" morning, the Goldfinches have taken over.

Really, between the birds, the gardens, and the legions of butterflies that are here now, it's been a very happy Summer.

Bob

[HealthyinMN]

Wow! Beautiful pictures - I loved the last couple with the yellow birds!

[gertdog]

Wonderful pictures- thanks for sharing! :) We put out a hummingbird feeder this year and I never saw anyone visiting- bummer. Like you, though, I really enjoy the woodpeckers.

[Terri_A]

What great backyard buddies you have! The photos are fantastic. Thanks for sharing them!

[sneezles]

Great photos, Bob! We've just started seeing the return of the Hummingbirds and love how bossy they are! I have to keep the feeder away from the house because I hate birds flying around me ( Alfred Hitchcock's movie :o ) but love to watch them vie for a spot.

[donleyk]

Great shots Bob! Thanks for sharing.

We've had several of our hummers move on but a couple are hanging tight and fighting. The one female even buzzed me last night and I reminded her not to be buzz the hand that feeds her.

Our yellow finches are going crazy on the thistle. Little pigs. We see more woodpeckers in winter.

Thanks again for sharing.

[DeeK]

Beautiful pictures, Bob. Looks like you and the birds are enjoying your yard very much.

We don't get many birds anymore. Hurricane Charley took down all our large pine trees. I have one oak left (and some palm trees), but all I get are mockingbirds. Amusing for a short while, but not much variety.

[LittleBrownCat]

Wow, great pictures! How nice of your "friends" to pose for you. :) How did you take them?

I know DH would love to get some pictures of birds at our feeders, but they're on the back porch, so it might be a little trickier for us. We do have a bird bath in the yard. I love to watch the birds drinking and dipping. I even saw a squirrel in there once.

And, what's the story behind the patio rescue bird?

[Kathy B]

Really nice! I especially like the hummingbird pic, although the titmouse is my favorite bird. Not sure why, but I always like to see them show up.

We had a grosbeak at our feeder one day several years ago. I think it was lost, because I've never seen one again though I'm told they do come through here.

Bob, as much as you enjoy your birds, you might want to consider doing Project Feeder Watch (http://www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw/) this year. It is through Cornell University's Ornithology Department. The kids and I have been doing it for years, and it is fun (as well as quite easy). They are gearing up for the new season which starts Nov. 10. It just adds another dimension to a great hobby. :)

[Hammster]

Nice shots, Bob. Very colorful birds. The birds seem very comfortable in your yard. That's a good thing. :)

[kim21]

Hi Bob,

These are lovely; thanks for sharing! Anyone of these would make a terrific postcard.

Yay! to you for putting up a bluebird house...watch for them very late winter-early spring, as they will be checking out your house. I hope that they nest for you...and kudos to your neighbor for setting up a trail.

We've just moved from WNY to the upper Tampa Bay area...I'm not yet adept at my Florida birding. I put my feeders out and for the most part have been feeding squirrels:( . The little buggers are enjoying the fruit/seed/nut mixtures that I put together. I'll have to get some serious squirrel-proof feeders.

Your photos are great! Thanks for sharing, Kim

[TieKitty]

Beautiful pictures, Bob. We have a birding system on our back deck..right off of the breakfast room. It is such a joy to watch them. We've had a cardinal family. It has always been fun to watch "Mr. and Mrs. Cardinal", but this year they brought their babies to feed. They would sit on the railing and mom and dad would bring food to them and put it in their beaks. Last year we had a Flicker woodpecker visit a few times. He's about 10" long.

Is there anything more relaxing than watching?

I always thought the males were brighter colored so that they would attract females. But I learned that they have more brilliant colors to attract any predators and keep them away from their nests.

Sorry to carry on....this is one of my favorite subjects.:D

Anyhoo...thanks for sharing your wonderful pics.