Yard bird photos, May 9-10, 2009
Both Saturday and Sunday mornings were sunny on Mother's Day weekend and though I tried, I couldn't sleep in so I sat at the corner of the back porch and tried to photograph warblers in the maple tree using my 70-300mm lens. The birds were quite a ways off but that lens is pretty sharp stopped down to F10 or F11 and with vibration reduction, does pretty well hand-braced on the porch railing. The vireo and all the warblers except yellow-rumped were new for the year. The following weekend was just as nice so I took more bird photos, including several new arrivals. The grosbeaks and some of the other birds seem to be more tolerant of my presence now that the leaves are out.
Female Northern Flicker
Yard bird photos, May 9-10, 2009
Both Saturday and Sunday mornings were sunny on Mother's Day weekend and though I tried, I couldn't sleep in so I sat at the corner of the back porch and tried to photograph warblers in the maple tree using my 70-300mm lens. The birds were quite a ways off but that lens is pretty sharp stopped down to F10 or F11 and with vibration reduction, does pretty well hand-braced on the porch railing. The vireo and all the warblers except yellow-rumped were new for the year. The following weekend was just as nice so I took more bird photos, including several new arrivals. The grosbeaks and some of the other birds seem to be more tolerant of my presence now that the leaves are out.
Steller's Jay
Yard bird photos, May 9-10, 2009
Both Saturday and Sunday mornings were sunny on Mother's Day weekend and though I tried, I couldn't sleep in so I sat at the corner of the back porch and tried to photograph warblers in the maple tree using my 70-300mm lens. The birds were quite a ways off but that lens is pretty sharp stopped down to F10 or F11 and with vibration reduction, does pretty well hand-braced on the porch railing. The vireo and all the warblers except yellow-rumped were new for the year. The following weekend was just as nice so I took more bird photos, including several new arrivals. The grosbeaks and some of the other birds seem to be more tolerant of my presence now that the leaves are out.
Steller's Jay stashing seeds
Yard bird photos, May 9-10, 2009
Both Saturday and Sunday mornings were sunny on Mother's Day weekend and though I tried, I couldn't sleep in so I sat at the corner of the back porch and tried to photograph warblers in the maple tree using my 70-300mm lens. The birds were quite a ways off but that lens is pretty sharp stopped down to F10 or F11 and with vibration reduction, does pretty well hand-braced on the porch railing. The vireo and all the warblers except yellow-rumped were new for the year. The following weekend was just as nice so I took more bird photos, including several new arrivals. The grosbeaks and some of the other birds seem to be more tolerant of my presence now that the leaves are out.
Warbling Vireo in the maple.
Yard bird photos, May 9-10, 2009
Both Saturday and Sunday mornings were sunny on Mother's Day weekend and though I tried, I couldn't sleep in so I sat at the corner of the back porch and tried to photograph warblers in the maple tree using my 70-300mm lens. The birds were quite a ways off but that lens is pretty sharp stopped down to F10 or F11 and with vibration reduction, does pretty well hand-braced on the porch railing. The vireo and all the warblers except yellow-rumped were new for the year. The following weekend was just as nice so I took more bird photos, including several new arrivals. The grosbeaks and some of the other birds seem to be more tolerant of my presence now that the leaves are out.
Warbling Vireo. Thicker pale lines over and under eye, and less yellow generally, than Orange-crowned Warbler.
Yard bird photos, May 9-10, 2009
Both Saturday and Sunday mornings were sunny on Mother's Day weekend and though I tried, I couldn't sleep in so I sat at the corner of the back porch and tried to photograph warblers in the maple tree using my 70-300mm lens. The birds were quite a ways off but that lens is pretty sharp stopped down to F10 or F11 and with vibration reduction, does pretty well hand-braced on the porch railing. The vireo and all the warblers except yellow-rumped were new for the year. The following weekend was just as nice so I took more bird photos, including several new arrivals. The grosbeaks and some of the other birds seem to be more tolerant of my presence now that the leaves are out.
Warbling Vireo. There were about six in our back yard this morning (5/10)
Yard bird photos, May 9-10, 2009
Both Saturday and Sunday mornings were sunny on Mother's Day weekend and though I tried, I couldn't sleep in so I sat at the corner of the back porch and tried to photograph warblers in the maple tree using my 70-300mm lens. The birds were quite a ways off but that lens is pretty sharp stopped down to F10 or F11 and with vibration reduction, does pretty well hand-braced on the porch railing. The vireo and all the warblers except yellow-rumped were new for the year. The following weekend was just as nice so I took more bird photos, including several new arrivals. The grosbeaks and some of the other birds seem to be more tolerant of my presence now that the leaves are out.
Violet-green Swallow on wire
Yard bird photos, May 9-10, 2009
Both Saturday and Sunday mornings were sunny on Mother's Day weekend and though I tried, I couldn't sleep in so I sat at the corner of the back porch and tried to photograph warblers in the maple tree using my 70-300mm lens. The birds were quite a ways off but that lens is pretty sharp stopped down to F10 or F11 and with vibration reduction, does pretty well hand-braced on the porch railing. The vireo and all the warblers except yellow-rumped were new for the year. The following weekend was just as nice so I took more bird photos, including several new arrivals. The grosbeaks and some of the other birds seem to be more tolerant of my presence now that the leaves are out.
Chestnut-backed Chickadee w/ nesting material
Yard bird photos, May 9-10, 2009
Both Saturday and Sunday mornings were sunny on Mother's Day weekend and though I tried, I couldn't sleep in so I sat at the corner of the back porch and tried to photograph warblers in the maple tree using my 70-300mm lens. The birds were quite a ways off but that lens is pretty sharp stopped down to F10 or F11 and with vibration reduction, does pretty well hand-braced on the porch railing. The vireo and all the warblers except yellow-rumped were new for the year. The following weekend was just as nice so I took more bird photos, including several new arrivals. The grosbeaks and some of the other birds seem to be more tolerant of my presence now that the leaves are out.
Female Chestnut-backed Chickadee female fluttering wings before mating
Yard bird photos, May 9-10, 2009
Both Saturday and Sunday mornings were sunny on Mother's Day weekend and though I tried, I couldn't sleep in so I sat at the corner of the back porch and tried to photograph warblers in the maple tree using my 70-300mm lens. The birds were quite a ways off but that lens is pretty sharp stopped down to F10 or F11 and with vibration reduction, does pretty well hand-braced on the porch railing. The vireo and all the warblers except yellow-rumped were new for the year. The following weekend was just as nice so I took more bird photos, including several new arrivals. The grosbeaks and some of the other birds seem to be more tolerant of my presence now that the leaves are out.
Chestnut-backed Chickadees mating
Yard bird photos, May 9-10, 2009
Both Saturday and Sunday mornings were sunny on Mother's Day weekend and though I tried, I couldn't sleep in so I sat at the corner of the back porch and tried to photograph warblers in the maple tree using my 70-300mm lens. The birds were quite a ways off but that lens is pretty sharp stopped down to F10 or F11 and with vibration reduction, does pretty well hand-braced on the porch railing. The vireo and all the warblers except yellow-rumped were new for the year. The following weekend was just as nice so I took more bird photos, including several new arrivals. The grosbeaks and some of the other birds seem to be more tolerant of my presence now that the leaves are out.
Chestnut-backed Chickadees with an insect. Not sure if feeding young or spouse.
Yard bird photos, May 9-10, 2009
Both Saturday and Sunday mornings were sunny on Mother's Day weekend and though I tried, I couldn't sleep in so I sat at the corner of the back porch and tried to photograph warblers in the maple tree using my 70-300mm lens. The birds were quite a ways off but that lens is pretty sharp stopped down to F10 or F11 and with vibration reduction, does pretty well hand-braced on the porch railing. The vireo and all the warblers except yellow-rumped were new for the year. The following weekend was just as nice so I took more bird photos, including several new arrivals. The grosbeaks and some of the other birds seem to be more tolerant of my presence now that the leaves are out.
Red-breasted nuthatch. Visited feeder with young one, which has no orange cast.
Yard bird photos, May 9-10, 2009
Both Saturday and Sunday mornings were sunny on Mother's Day weekend and though I tried, I couldn't sleep in so I sat at the corner of the back porch and tried to photograph warblers in the maple tree using my 70-300mm lens. The birds were quite a ways off but that lens is pretty sharp stopped down to F10 or F11 and with vibration reduction, does pretty well hand-braced on the porch railing. The vireo and all the warblers except yellow-rumped were new for the year. The following weekend was just as nice so I took more bird photos, including several new arrivals. The grosbeaks and some of the other birds seem to be more tolerant of my presence now that the leaves are out.
Robin looking harried. It's the time of year.
Yard bird photos, May 9-10, 2009
Both Saturday and Sunday mornings were sunny on Mother's Day weekend and though I tried, I couldn't sleep in so I sat at the corner of the back porch and tried to photograph warblers in the maple tree using my 70-300mm lens. The birds were quite a ways off but that lens is pretty sharp stopped down to F10 or F11 and with vibration reduction, does pretty well hand-braced on the porch railing. The vireo and all the warblers except yellow-rumped were new for the year. The following weekend was just as nice so I took more bird photos, including several new arrivals. The grosbeaks and some of the other birds seem to be more tolerant of my presence now that the leaves are out.
Robin in the maple - probably nesting in the thick trees below the house, defending that area from Steller's jays and cowbirds.
Yard bird photos, May 9-10, 2009
Both Saturday and Sunday mornings were sunny on Mother's Day weekend and though I tried, I couldn't sleep in so I sat at the corner of the back porch and tried to photograph warblers in the maple tree using my 70-300mm lens. The birds were quite a ways off but that lens is pretty sharp stopped down to F10 or F11 and with vibration reduction, does pretty well hand-braced on the porch railing. The vireo and all the warblers except yellow-rumped were new for the year. The following weekend was just as nice so I took more bird photos, including several new arrivals. The grosbeaks and some of the other birds seem to be more tolerant of my presence now that the leaves are out.
European Starling. Common and gregarious but wary of the photographer.
Yard bird photos, May 9-10, 2009
Both Saturday and Sunday mornings were sunny on Mother's Day weekend and though I tried, I couldn't sleep in so I sat at the corner of the back porch and tried to photograph warblers in the maple tree using my 70-300mm lens. The birds were quite a ways off but that lens is pretty sharp stopped down to F10 or F11 and with vibration reduction, does pretty well hand-braced on the porch railing. The vireo and all the warblers except yellow-rumped were new for the year. The following weekend was just as nice so I took more bird photos, including several new arrivals. The grosbeaks and some of the other birds seem to be more tolerant of my presence now that the leaves are out.
Orange-crowned warbler in young maple tree
Yard bird photos, May 9-10, 2009
Both Saturday and Sunday mornings were sunny on Mother's Day weekend and though I tried, I couldn't sleep in so I sat at the corner of the back porch and tried to photograph warblers in the maple tree using my 70-300mm lens. The birds were quite a ways off but that lens is pretty sharp stopped down to F10 or F11 and with vibration reduction, does pretty well hand-braced on the porch railing. The vireo and all the warblers except yellow-rumped were new for the year. The following weekend was just as nice so I took more bird photos, including several new arrivals. The grosbeaks and some of the other birds seem to be more tolerant of my presence now that the leaves are out.
Orange-crowned warbler foraging in cherry blossoms
Yard bird photos, May 9-10, 2009
Both Saturday and Sunday mornings were sunny on Mother's Day weekend and though I tried, I couldn't sleep in so I sat at the corner of the back porch and tried to photograph warblers in the maple tree using my 70-300mm lens. The birds were quite a ways off but that lens is pretty sharp stopped down to F10 or F11 and with vibration reduction, does pretty well hand-braced on the porch railing. The vireo and all the warblers except yellow-rumped were new for the year. The following weekend was just as nice so I took more bird photos, including several new arrivals. The grosbeaks and some of the other birds seem to be more tolerant of my presence now that the leaves are out.
Orange-crowned warbler foraging in spruce
Yard bird photos, May 9-10, 2009
Both Saturday and Sunday mornings were sunny on Mother's Day weekend and though I tried, I couldn't sleep in so I sat at the corner of the back porch and tried to photograph warblers in the maple tree using my 70-300mm lens. The birds were quite a ways off but that lens is pretty sharp stopped down to F10 or F11 and with vibration reduction, does pretty well hand-braced on the porch railing. The vireo and all the warblers except yellow-rumped were new for the year. The following weekend was just as nice so I took more bird photos, including several new arrivals. The grosbeaks and some of the other birds seem to be more tolerant of my presence now that the leaves are out.
Nashville Warbler. Heard it singing (swiswiswiswiswiswisweetsweet) but didn't realize I'd seen it until I looked at the photo.
Yard bird photos, May 9-10, 2009
Both Saturday and Sunday mornings were sunny on Mother's Day weekend and though I tried, I couldn't sleep in so I sat at the corner of the back porch and tried to photograph warblers in the maple tree using my 70-300mm lens. The birds were quite a ways off but that lens is pretty sharp stopped down to F10 or F11 and with vibration reduction, does pretty well hand-braced on the porch railing. The vireo and all the warblers except yellow-rumped were new for the year. The following weekend was just as nice so I took more bird photos, including several new arrivals. The grosbeaks and some of the other birds seem to be more tolerant of my presence now that the leaves are out.
Male Yellow-rumped Warbler. The "Butterbutts" are the first warblers to come through in the spring.
Yard bird photos, May 9-10, 2009
Both Saturday and Sunday mornings were sunny on Mother's Day weekend and though I tried, I couldn't sleep in so I sat at the corner of the back porch and tried to photograph warblers in the maple tree using my 70-300mm lens. The birds were quite a ways off but that lens is pretty sharp stopped down to F10 or F11 and with vibration reduction, does pretty well hand-braced on the porch railing. The vireo and all the warblers except yellow-rumped were new for the year. The following weekend was just as nice so I took more bird photos, including several new arrivals. The grosbeaks and some of the other birds seem to be more tolerant of my presence now that the leaves are out.
Female Yellow-rumped Warbler
Yard bird photos, May 9-10, 2009
Both Saturday and Sunday mornings were sunny on Mother's Day weekend and though I tried, I couldn't sleep in so I sat at the corner of the back porch and tried to photograph warblers in the maple tree using my 70-300mm lens. The birds were quite a ways off but that lens is pretty sharp stopped down to F10 or F11 and with vibration reduction, does pretty well hand-braced on the porch railing. The vireo and all the warblers except yellow-rumped were new for the year. The following weekend was just as nice so I took more bird photos, including several new arrivals. The grosbeaks and some of the other birds seem to be more tolerant of my presence now that the leaves are out.
Female Yellow-rumped Warbler leaping for lunch
Yard bird photos, May 9-10, 2009
Both Saturday and Sunday mornings were sunny on Mother's Day weekend and though I tried, I couldn't sleep in so I sat at the corner of the back porch and tried to photograph warblers in the maple tree using my 70-300mm lens. The birds were quite a ways off but that lens is pretty sharp stopped down to F10 or F11 and with vibration reduction, does pretty well hand-braced on the porch railing. The vireo and all the warblers except yellow-rumped were new for the year. The following weekend was just as nice so I took more bird photos, including several new arrivals. The grosbeaks and some of the other birds seem to be more tolerant of my presence now that the leaves are out.
Townsend's Warbler. Not a very good shot, but recognizable.
Yard bird photos, May 9-10, 2009
Both Saturday and Sunday mornings were sunny on Mother's Day weekend and though I tried, I couldn't sleep in so I sat at the corner of the back porch and tried to photograph warblers in the maple tree using my 70-300mm lens. The birds were quite a ways off but that lens is pretty sharp stopped down to F10 or F11 and with vibration reduction, does pretty well hand-braced on the porch railing. The vireo and all the warblers except yellow-rumped were new for the year. The following weekend was just as nice so I took more bird photos, including several new arrivals. The grosbeaks and some of the other birds seem to be more tolerant of my presence now that the leaves are out.
Black-throated Gray Warbler, the first I've seen/heard in our yard. He was singing.
Yard bird photos, May 9-10, 2009
Both Saturday and Sunday mornings were sunny on Mother's Day weekend and though I tried, I couldn't sleep in so I sat at the corner of the back porch and tried to photograph warblers in the maple tree using my 70-300mm lens. The birds were quite a ways off but that lens is pretty sharp stopped down to F10 or F11 and with vibration reduction, does pretty well hand-braced on the porch railing. The vireo and all the warblers except yellow-rumped were new for the year. The following weekend was just as nice so I took more bird photos, including several new arrivals. The grosbeaks and some of the other birds seem to be more tolerant of my presence now that the leaves are out.
Black-throated Gray Warbler in the maple, a new yardbird.
Yard bird photos, May 9-10, 2009
Both Saturday and Sunday mornings were sunny on Mother's Day weekend and though I tried, I couldn't sleep in so I sat at the corner of the back porch and tried to photograph warblers in the maple tree using my 70-300mm lens. The birds were quite a ways off but that lens is pretty sharp stopped down to F10 or F11 and with vibration reduction, does pretty well hand-braced on the porch railing. The vireo and all the warblers except yellow-rumped were new for the year. The following weekend was just as nice so I took more bird photos, including several new arrivals. The grosbeaks and some of the other birds seem to be more tolerant of my presence now that the leaves are out.
Male Wilson's warbler in maple. First of season.
Yard bird photos, May 9-10, 2009
Both Saturday and Sunday mornings were sunny on Mother's Day weekend and though I tried, I couldn't sleep in so I sat at the corner of the back porch and tried to photograph warblers in the maple tree using my 70-300mm lens. The birds were quite a ways off but that lens is pretty sharp stopped down to F10 or F11 and with vibration reduction, does pretty well hand-braced on the porch railing. The vireo and all the warblers except yellow-rumped were new for the year. The following weekend was just as nice so I took more bird photos, including several new arrivals. The grosbeaks and some of the other birds seem to be more tolerant of my presence now that the leaves are out.
Male Wilson's warbler in maple.
Yard bird photos, May 9-10, 2009
Both Saturday and Sunday mornings were sunny on Mother's Day weekend and though I tried, I couldn't sleep in so I sat at the corner of the back porch and tried to photograph warblers in the maple tree using my 70-300mm lens. The birds were quite a ways off but that lens is pretty sharp stopped down to F10 or F11 and with vibration reduction, does pretty well hand-braced on the porch railing. The vireo and all the warblers except yellow-rumped were new for the year. The following weekend was just as nice so I took more bird photos, including several new arrivals. The grosbeaks and some of the other birds seem to be more tolerant of my presence now that the leaves are out.
Male Black-headed Grosbeak. They arrived during the first week of May and have been visiting the suet feeder occasionally.
Yard bird photos, May 9-10, 2009
Both Saturday and Sunday mornings were sunny on Mother's Day weekend and though I tried, I couldn't sleep in so I sat at the corner of the back porch and tried to photograph warblers in the maple tree using my 70-300mm lens. The birds were quite a ways off but that lens is pretty sharp stopped down to F10 or F11 and with vibration reduction, does pretty well hand-braced on the porch railing. The vireo and all the warblers except yellow-rumped were new for the year. The following weekend was just as nice so I took more bird photos, including several new arrivals. The grosbeaks and some of the other birds seem to be more tolerant of my presence now that the leaves are out.
Male Evening Grosbeak. These are still visiting the feeder regularly as long as Susan keeps putting out the seed. Their beaks are noticeably greener than they were back in March.
Yard bird photos, May 9-10, 2009
Both Saturday and Sunday mornings were sunny on Mother's Day weekend and though I tried, I couldn't sleep in so I sat at the corner of the back porch and tried to photograph warblers in the maple tree using my 70-300mm lens. The birds were quite a ways off but that lens is pretty sharp stopped down to F10 or F11 and with vibration reduction, does pretty well hand-braced on the porch railing. The vireo and all the warblers except yellow-rumped were new for the year. The following weekend was just as nice so I took more bird photos, including several new arrivals. The grosbeaks and some of the other birds seem to be more tolerant of my presence now that the leaves are out.
Male Evening Grosbeak.
Yard bird photos, May 9-10, 2009
Both Saturday and Sunday mornings were sunny on Mother's Day weekend and though I tried, I couldn't sleep in so I sat at the corner of the back porch and tried to photograph warblers in the maple tree using my 70-300mm lens. The birds were quite a ways off but that lens is pretty sharp stopped down to F10 or F11 and with vibration reduction, does pretty well hand-braced on the porch railing. The vireo and all the warblers except yellow-rumped were new for the year. The following weekend was just as nice so I took more bird photos, including several new arrivals. The grosbeaks and some of the other birds seem to be more tolerant of my presence now that the leaves are out.
Male American Goldfinch.
Yard bird photos, May 9-10, 2009
Both Saturday and Sunday mornings were sunny on Mother's Day weekend and though I tried, I couldn't sleep in so I sat at the corner of the back porch and tried to photograph warblers in the maple tree using my 70-300mm lens. The birds were quite a ways off but that lens is pretty sharp stopped down to F10 or F11 and with vibration reduction, does pretty well hand-braced on the porch railing. The vireo and all the warblers except yellow-rumped were new for the year. The following weekend was just as nice so I took more bird photos, including several new arrivals. The grosbeaks and some of the other birds seem to be more tolerant of my presence now that the leaves are out.
Female American Goldfinch. This pair has been visiting the feeder occasionally over the past couple of weeks.
Yard bird photos, May 9-10, 2009
Both Saturday and Sunday mornings were sunny on Mother's Day weekend and though I tried, I couldn't sleep in so I sat at the corner of the back porch and tried to photograph warblers in the maple tree using my 70-300mm lens. The birds were quite a ways off but that lens is pretty sharp stopped down to F10 or F11 and with vibration reduction, does pretty well hand-braced on the porch railing. The vireo and all the warblers except yellow-rumped were new for the year. The following weekend was just as nice so I took more bird photos, including several new arrivals. The grosbeaks and some of the other birds seem to be more tolerant of my presence now that the leaves are out.
Male Purple Finch.
Yard bird photos, May 9-10, 2009
Both Saturday and Sunday mornings were sunny on Mother's Day weekend and though I tried, I couldn't sleep in so I sat at the corner of the back porch and tried to photograph warblers in the maple tree using my 70-300mm lens. The birds were quite a ways off but that lens is pretty sharp stopped down to F10 or F11 and with vibration reduction, does pretty well hand-braced on the porch railing. The vireo and all the warblers except yellow-rumped were new for the year. The following weekend was just as nice so I took more bird photos, including several new arrivals. The grosbeaks and some of the other birds seem to be more tolerant of my presence now that the leaves are out.
White-crowned Sparrows pre-mating display.
Yard bird photos, May 9-10, 2009
Both Saturday and Sunday mornings were sunny on Mother's Day weekend and though I tried, I couldn't sleep in so I sat at the corner of the back porch and tried to photograph warblers in the maple tree using my 70-300mm lens. The birds were quite a ways off but that lens is pretty sharp stopped down to F10 or F11 and with vibration reduction, does pretty well hand-braced on the porch railing. The vireo and all the warblers except yellow-rumped were new for the year. The following weekend was just as nice so I took more bird photos, including several new arrivals. The grosbeaks and some of the other birds seem to be more tolerant of my presence now that the leaves are out.
White-crowned Sparrows mating.

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