May brings us birds
Eastern Kingbird
Today was a great day for new birdies and I ended up with 5 first for 2008’s (without trying). My first bird was a Hooded Warbler (CHECK) who was up bright and early this morning. Then I found a Magnolia Warbler (CHECK) who was hopping around the hemlocks. Over on Quaker Lake, I don’t think I could have gotten any closer to this Eastern Kingbird (CHECK). . . . I had to back up some for the camera to focus!! I thoroughly enjoyed watching the Kingbird hunting for insects in the grass and just ignoring the photographer!
Eastern Kingbird with a bug!
Then while photographing this Broad-winged Hawk along the roadside. . . I could hear “teacher, Teacher, TEACHER. . . ” my first Ovenbird (CHECK) for 2008! Days like today are exactly what I live for!
Broad-winged Hawk
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Wow. What a cool looking hawk!
2 May 2008 at 10:24 pm
What beauties. I haven’t seen a Kingbird yet. sigh…
2 May 2008 at 10:24 pm
Super crisp photos. The closest I get to a bird is a parakeet at the pet store. They just fly away before I even get the camera out. Everything is a long shot for me. I think you have those bird trained. I’m going to call you the “bird whisperer.”
3 May 2008 at 12:11 am
I love the Kingbird and that’s such great shot Tom! Cool hawk too.
3 May 2008 at 6:47 am
The Kingbird is one of my favorites and you captured him well. They feed their young ones for a very long time and it’s fun to watch and photograph. I’ve never seen a broad-winged hawk up close – great, great shot!!!
3 May 2008 at 9:18 am
That hawk is really nice looking. Is he young, or is that as big as they get?
3 May 2008 at 4:09 pm
@ Liza – thanks
@ Lisa – thanks and you should have them soon!
@ Linda – thanks and I am sure you couldn’t find some birds that could get closer! Thanks and maybe you should just call me lucky!
@ Jayne – thanks
@ Bird Girl – thanks and I always love watching kingbirds!
@ Scienceguy – that is as big as they get but I also do agree that this is a last year young bird! They just arrived and commonly seen in our woods here in Allegany!
3 May 2008 at 7:43 pm
Have never seen any of those birds; great to see them in good photos.
3 May 2008 at 11:19 pm
Oh Tom-all those shots are awesome-Congrats on them and a great birding day!
4 May 2008 at 8:15 am
I love watching Kingbirds.
7 May 2008 at 10:52 pm