Backyard Visitors

One of the advantages of working from home is that my office window looks over the backyard and I see the birds that come to visit. Mostly it's the usual suspects, sparrows, chickadees, magpies, and crows. Last summer a white pigeon perched in a tree in our backyard most days. The other day it was the neighborhood Merlin with breakfast (looked like a sparrow).

Yesterday was a pair of Blue Jays. Usually I hear them before I see them, but this pair was being quiet for a change. They hung around for a while so I got my camera and opened my window (thankfully the weather has warmed up!) However, they weren't very cooperative subjects. They'd perch in a perfect position, I'd line up for a shot, and they'd move. Patience is the name of the game, but theoretically I was working, so how long do I wait for the stars to align? I compromised, alternating watching and working. Finally I got a few shots. They really are quite beautiful birds. And they seem to be getting more common these days.







Of course, since I was watching, I noticed other birds, like this bright red robin. I realize the one I photographed the other day must have been a juvenile with its lighter mottled breast.



There were also some House Sparrows around. They may be common and non-native (introduced from Europe in the 1800's), but I still like them.



Of course, spring is the time for raising a family. And this pair of sparrows appeared to be moving into one of our birdhouses. Do you think she's impressed by his singing?











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