Gray Catbird

The Gray Catbirds were abundant at my secret spot in Channahon Park. A few flew in & landed just a few feet away. It always surprises me when they do that.


A secretive, but curious skulker of dense thickets, the Gray Catbird is heard more than it is seen. Its rambling song contains imitations of other bird songs, but the characteristic "mew" that gives it its name is not an imitation and sounds only vaguely cat-like. (Source: All About Birds)

More Backyard Birds

Another first to my backyard this year is the Rose-breasted Grosbeak. I was thrilled when I first caught a glimpse of him on my platform feeder. My camera was in my car, so I waited for it to leave to go retrieve it and bring it in. When I got back, and waited a few more minutes, I got another gift of 2 male grosbeaks at that feeder. I grabbed the camera, cracked open the sliding glass door, and they were gone. After a little while longer, they were back with their ladyfriend, but I couldn't get that shot either. What I did get, was a photo of 1 of the Grosbeaks at my feeder near my kitchen window. This was taken thru the glass.



I was so thrilled with the last shot, who'd a thunk I would get a grosbeak and an oriole at the same time? My luck was on...



I have been putting out fresh orange halves daily, because they pluck it completely clean by the end of the day.



The female is a bit more timid, but I managed a few shots.



The Grosbeak couple came back to feed, and luckily I was able to sneek out the door for some crappy shots.




She landed on a tree and made a weird face...



And finally, something is interested in my suet feeder. I don't know why, but I don't have luck with suet, although Mr. Red Belly seems to like it.

Red-bellied Woodpeckers

This series of shots was basically a burst in sequence to the action of these Red-bellies.






I won't bore you with a story, because it happened so fast, there really wasn't one. I just feel fortunate enough to see the action. Yet again, it all took place in the exact same spot as the previous posts of the blue jay, red headed, wood ducks, and flicker, etc...

Female Cardinal

The female cardinals are not as brightly colored or as flashy as the males, but who can't appreciate their muted colors?



The female Northern Cardinal sings, often from the nest. The song may give the male information about when to bring food to the nest. A mated pair shares song phrases, but the female may sing a longer and slightly more complex song than the male. (Source: All About Birds)

White-throated Sparrow

The morning light shined nicely on this little sparrow for a pleasant profile. Again, captured at the same spot as previous posts location.

Oriole Umbrella

The "orioles" of the Americas were named after similarly-appearing birds in the Old World. The American orioles are not closely related to the true orioles in the family Oriolidae. They are more closely related to blackbirds and meadowlarks. Both New and Old world orioles are brightly colored with red, yellow, and black; have long tails and long pointed bills. They build hanging, woven nests called sock nests, and prefer tall trees around open areas.

Baltimore Orioles have found their way back to my neck of the woods, and even my own back yard. For 4 years straight, I have had a pair build a sock nest in my cottonwood tree. I put out orange halves for them to eat as well as nut and berry seed mixes. The photo above is from Channahon Park.

Northern Flicker

Over the past few posts, including this one and the next few in days to come, I am featuring the latest photos taken from my best new "hotspot" as of late, for wildlife photos op's.



I discovered this trail (Channahon Park) early last week, and have been going back ever since, but the latest photos were all taken on Saturday and Sunday, when the sun had barely rose.



I couldn't ask for a better setting, when my head was constantly swiveling in every direction the entire morning. Most of the birds landed so close that you could only hold your breath, take the shots, and hope for that perfect shot we all are after. I love that particular spot, and am looking forward to this weekend where I can do it all over again, and hope for the same experience.