Saturday, May 30, 2015

Birding In May

I recently joined a birding group in my area. It has been an extremely fun and educational experience.  As I watch and learn from the experts who have been birding for many, many years, I am amazed at how many birds they can identify by their call or song.  It's like learning a second language! 
 
In 2011, "The Big Year" the movie was released.  It's a comedy (which was based on a true story) about three birders trying to see and identify the most birds in North America in a single year.  Birders who plan to be a competitor in this informal competition in North America, must plan to see and identify over 700 birds.  The competition begins on January 1 at 12:00 A.M. each year and ends on December 31st at 11:59 P.M. as defined in the American Birding Association Big Year rules.  When I watched the movie a few years ago, I never dreamed that bird-watching would be in my future!
 
Here's are some of the birds I photographed this month.
 
 
Osprey
 
Savanna Sparrow

 
Turkey Vulture

 
Wrentit
 
Cedar Waxwing
 
Great Blue Heron fishing at Fern Ridge Dam


 
Lazuli Bunting
 
Pelicans

Violet-green Swallow

Bewick's Wren


Northern Flicker


Song Sparrow

 
Eagle heading to nest with more building material as the two eaglets watch
 
 
Mallard Duck

 
 
There's often other nice creatures along the way,
 
Western Pond Turtle
 
 

and others you could do without.
 
 
Redspotted Garter Snake
 
 
 

Happy Birding!

 

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Eric and Julia's Family Photos

Fields of fresh hay before summer harvest is a perfect backdrop for Eric and Julia's family pictures.




























Sunday, May 17, 2015

Karen and Jason's Maternity Shoot

Over the weekend I did a maternity shoot for Jason and Karen.  They are excited for their little baby girl to arrive.


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 




 
 
 
 
 

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Kelli at Chastain Park

Last week I photographed Kelli at beautiful Chastain Park, which is the largest park in Atlanta Georgia (238 acres).   It has a little bit of everything.  There's a golf course, tennis courts, swimming pool, amphitheater, three mile walking/jogging path, a creek, and more!  It was the perfect setting for her pictures.

 
 


 
 













 

Friday, May 1, 2015

Around My Yard: In April

As the saying goes, "April showers, bring May flowers", but not here in Oregon this year.  It's been a beautiful April, with just enough rain to keep everything green and pretty.  I love the assortment of flowers that have begun to blossom, the baby animals that are running around with their mommy's and daddy's, and the many variety of birds singing in the trees.  I'm thankful for God's gift of nature.
 

 This fawn is pure cuteness!



Mom


Eurasian Collared-Dove



Red-winged Blackbird



This Gray Squirrel doesn't seem to be bothered by me in the least!


Orange-crowned Warbler

I saw many Sparrows . . .


Gold Crowned Sparrow


House Sparrow
 
Song Sparrow
 
 
As well as many colorful Finches.


American Goldfinch


House Finch

This Western Fence Lizard enjoyed our warm sunny days.


Western Fence Lizard


Western Fence Lizard

Beautiful flowers are blooming.


Lilacs (Syringa) - So fragrant and pretty!



This adorable tiny Rufous Hummingbird couldn't stay away, and he brought several of his friends too.



Rufous Hummingbird

To learn more about this beautiful little bird, visit my blog post:


The Feisty and Colorful Rufous Hummingbird


More pure cuteness!



Pretty sunsets