Changing of the guard

[jbird]

We have had some really bazaar weather. Thanksgiving day was in the mid 60s and set all kinds of records around here. The next day was dumping snow with a high of 24 and 45mph winds! When it got cold, the birds went nutz! Emptying my feeders in record fassion. Ive observed two new species for me which has kicked my bird photography back into gear :)

A sure sign of extreme temps is perfect little snowflakes.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/jbird35/JDS_6061.jpg

The chikadees continue to dominate the avian world. Their personality always make them interesting. They also are great subjects for experimental photography because theyre so cooperative.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/jbird35/JDS_6202-1.jpg

Easy to get perfect results when they let you this close.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/jbird35/JDS_6209.jpg

Red breasted nuthatches are among my favorite birds. The funny chatter they make as they squabble is hilarious.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/jbird35/JDS_6176.jpg

They also let me withing arms length, but their fast movement makes them a challange.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/jbird35/JDS_6172.jpg

We have a crabapple tree with a bunch of old fruit on it that draws a lot of attention from different birds and deer too. Last week I saw some activity in the branches. It was a group of Pine Grosebeaks! I had never seen them before and had to refer to Audubon for I.D.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/jbird35/JDS_5614.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/jbird35/JDS_5629.jpg

Crabapple beak...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/jbird35/JDS_5646.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/jbird35/JDS_5691.jpg

The pine Grosebeaks are still around and Im hoping to see an adult male. They are pure red.

Then today, I saw another new species for me. I was just reading online how these birds are being seen outside their normal range and Wisconsin has been having quite a few sightings. I was out splitting wood and noticed cones falling out of the spruce tree next to me. I looked up and there were half dozen Wight Winged Crossbills! They were so high up, it was impossible to get a good photo, but there they were, chomping spruce cones. Im hoping theyll stick around for me :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/jbird35/JDS_6125.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/jbird35/JDS_6108.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/jbird35/JDS_6093.jpg

[Larry S]

Amazing, as always. You are definitely living in the flight path. I got to watch several Nuttall's
Woodpeckers today working in the orange jubilee tree where I place my finch feeders. Neat
little guys. Stay warm.
Best,
Larry S

[Ralph]

I've never dropped into the photo section. I got here by mistake. Glad I did. NICE Jbird!

[rubberguy]

nice! i get a couple of nut hatches on my patio. it's amazing to watch them hang and move around upside down on the tree limbs. i also get some with an all white stomach that look bull legged. lol.

[jbird]

Thanks guys! rubberguy, the nuthatch you saw is a white breasted. They are both awesome and scamper like big insects around the trees.

The Crossbills are hanging around and starting to give me some photo ops. Still looking for a really clean picture but heres a few from today.

The flock moving among the treetops

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/jbird35/JDS_6352.jpg

They came down to my level for a couple minutes and I scrambled to shoot them.
The males are pink.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/jbird35/JDS_6342.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/jbird35/JDS_6329.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/jbird35/JDS_6377a.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/jbird35/JDS_6319.jpg

[DLJeff]

Beautiful photos. What camera / lens combination are you using? I would be surprised if you don't see some waxwings too. They're amazingly beautiful birds.

[jbird]

Beautiful photos. What camera / lens combination are you using? I would be surprised if you don't see some waxwings too. They're amazingly beautiful birds.

Thank you. Im using this body... http://www.nikonusa.com/en/Nikon-Products/Product/Digital-SLR-Cameras/25468/D7000.html
And this lens... http://www.amazon.com/Tamron-18-270mm-3-5-6-3-Aspherical-Cameras/dp/B004FN1W28/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1353890412&sr=8-1&keywords=18-270+pzd

I have had Cedar Waxwings coming out my ears over here... Tho I havent seen any lately. I did read several reports of Bohemian Waxwings sighted about 20 minutes from here. I may take a drive this week and try to photograph them.

I was pretty excited when these crossbills respoded so well to my calls. They were waaaaay up in the tree tops and after a few minutes of playing their call on my ipod app, three of them nearly landed ON ME. They landed close enough for the photos I got, but I think I can do better if they give me another chance in more ideal lighting.

Edit... Heres a cedar waxwing from last fall

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/jbird35/_JDS4583.jpg

[Ed Wahl]

This is the time of year when we have Cedar Waxwings coming out of our ears in the Sacramento Valley. Can't open a door anywhere without hearing their little calls.

Good stuff as usual Jay, always a treat to see your birds.

Ed

[Terry Thomas]

Jay
Looking forward to your first Bohemian!
T