Feathered Friends of the Forest and Stream

July 19, 2015  •  1 Comment

I've had a few requests lately to share some photos other than birds.  I guess I have posted a lot of birds so far this year.  Let's look at it this way.  According to the Pennsylvania Game Commission's wild bird and mammal list, Pennsylvania has 285 regular species of birds and 129 less frequent visitors.  Compare that to the 66 wild species of mammals and it's easy to see why I photograph more birds.  Maybe this winter I will take some time to put together a list of bird species I've photographed.

Hopefully, I'll be photographing some mammals soon but, right now, I'm still working the birds.  So, I hope this doesn't disappoint but I have enough images for this and future photo blogs.

Hooded Warblers are difficult to photograph this time of the year as they spend a lot of time higher in the trees.  When one comes down for a moment, you'd better be ready.

Hooded WarblerHooded WarblerMale

 

I love the perkiness of the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher.  This is another bird constantly on the move.  They flitter around the trees all the way to the weeds on the ground scaring up insects.  A photographer needs to follow them closely in the viewfinder for the moment they pose like this.

Blue-gray GnatcatcherBlue-gray GnatcatcherMale

 

I've always had a hard time finding the Blue-winged Warbler.  I always hear the unmistakably buzzing sound they make but they blend into the thick foliage of the treetops.  This year, I've been very fortunate.  There are more images of this species in the Warblers & Tanagers gallery.

Blue-winged WarblerBlue-winged WarblerAdult Male (Spring)

 

Here is an interesting tidbit. When a Blue-winged Warbler shares the same habitat as the similar Golden-winged Warbler, they have been known to successfully reproduce a hybrid known as the "Brewster's Warbler".  In the rare instance a pair of the hybrid Brewster's Warbler's are able to reproduce successfully, that second-generation hybrid is known as the "Lawrence's Warbler". 

Below is another pose from the Blue-winged Warbler. 

Blue-winged WarblerBlue-winged WarblerMale

 

The Yellow-breasted Chat likes dense, often thorny, cover which makes them a tough bird to find for good photography.  It is believed that because of the maturation of previously logged forests, the loss of habitat has put the chat population on a decline.

Yellow-breasted ChatYellow-breasted Chat

 

The only thrasher species east of Texas, the Brown Thrasher's downward bill and yellow eyes gives it a somewhat serious look.

Brown ThrasherBrown Thrasher

 

A lively singer, the Brown Thrasher has one of the largest repertoires of any North American songbird.

Brown ThrasherBrown Thrasher

 

Another bird of the dense underbrush, the Common Yellowthroat possesses one of the most well known songs.

Common YellowthroatCommon YellowthroatMale

 

The early morning sunlight is barely touching this Common Yellowthroat.

Common YellowthroatCommon YellowthroatMale

 

Simple beauty of a female Common Yellowthroat.

Common YellowthroatCommon YellowthroatFemale

 

The Eastern Towhee is a bird of the undergrowth where they rummage through leaves on the ground, giving away their location.

Eastern TowheeEastern TowheeMale

 

Unlike robins and many other fruit-eating birds, Baltimore Orioles seem to prefer only ripe, dark-colored fruit.  They prefer the darkest mulberries, the reddest cherries, and the deepest-purple grapes over ripe green grapes and yellow cherries.

Baltimore OrioleBaltimore OrioleMale

 

One of the most frustrating birds to find, the Scarlet Tanager spends its time in the highest forest canopies singing its rich, burry notes.

Scarlet TanagerScarlet TanagerMale


In the spring, the loud and joyous song of the Ovenbird can be heard throughout the forest.  Determining the location of the song is difficult.  This bird is often heard and seldom seen.

OvenbirdOvenbird

 

The Ovenbird rarely exposes itself so active searching and patience is needed to get a good look at it.

OvenbirdOvenbird

 

Usually the first choice for calendars and Christmas cards, the Northern Cardinal is one of the most beautiful birds commonly seen in our backyards.

Northern CardinalNorthern CardinalMale

 

Although it's named Prairie Warbler, you won't find one on the prairie.  It is most often found in scrubby fields and forests throughout eastern and south-central United States.

Prairie WarblerPrairie WarblerMale

 

The male Prairie Warbler has two types of song.  One is for courtship and maintenance of a male/female bond and the other is used to defend its territory.

Prairie WarblerPrairie WarblerMale

 

The Purple Finch, easily confused with a House Finch, is known as the bird dipped in raspberry juice.

Purple FinchPurple Finch

 

This Gray Catbird takes time out of its day for some preening.

Gray CatbirdGray Catbird

 

The Eastern Kingbird is a common sight around water.  They perch to watch for insects flying over the water.  It will fly out and pick it out of the air and return to its perch.

Eastern KingbirdEastern Kingbird

 

One of my favorite little birds to photograph is the Red-eyed Vireo.  Sometimes they are difficult to find and sometimes they give you a nice pose.  One of the challenges is to photograph them in the right light to highlight their red eyes.

Red-eyed VireoRed-eyed Vireo

 

This Red-eyed Vireo was so busy tracking an insect that it didn't even care I was nearby.

Red-eyed VireoRed-eyed Vireo

 

After flying to a higher branch, it locates the target under some leaves.

Red-eyed VireoRed-eyed Vireo

 

The white eyes and the olive-green, yellow and white feather colors of the White-eyed Vireo take a backseat compared to its snappy song.

White-eyed VireoWhite-eyed Vireo

 

Although the White-eyed Vireo is a bird of the dense bush, they will come to take a look when an intruder (birder, photographer, etc...) gets too close.

White-eyed VireoWhite-eyed Vireo

 

Well, that's all for this time.  Check back soon if you love wildlife.

Thanks for looking,

Dan


Comments

Donna(non-registered)
Pretty obvious, Dan, that you have spent hours (days!) in the woods to get those photos! Wonderful looks at some of the most private little guys. Love the info you provide with each photo. Thanks for sharing!
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