George McHenry Photography

  • Home
  • Browse
  • Search

Birds

Read More
  • What is it about "solitary" that you don't understand?

    What is it about "solitary" that you don't understand?

    Solitary Sandpipers
    Tringa Solitaria

    This image makes me laugh because I've been on both sides of this situation before. I've been the person whose peace and contentment is suddenly disrupted by an unwanted intruder, and I've also been the person who has inadvertently disturbed someone else's peace and contentment. I suppose I can take solace in the fact that even solitary sandpipers often have difficulty finding solitude.

  • Solitary Sandpiper

    Solitary Sandpiper

    Tringa Solitaria

    I've discovered a small pond near Townville, South Carolina, where one or two solitary sandpipers can be seen almost every morning.

  • Greater Yellowlegs

    Greater Yellowlegs

    Tringa Melanoleuca

    The greater yellowlegs is similar in appearance to the solitary sandpiper (previous image), though the greater yellowlegs is larger and has a few other unique traits. It's understandable, however, that the solitary sandpiper is sometimes considered a small version of the greater yellowlegs.

  • American Goldfinch

    American Goldfinch

    Spinus Tristis

  • Diva

    Diva

    Grasshopper Sparrow
    Ammodramus Savannarum

    The grasshopper sparrow has a weak voice. Indeed, its beak is usually open as if it's singing a few seconds before a small short tweet emerges. This tiny bird has a heart of gold, however, and the passion it brings to each performance is worthy of Caruso or Pavarotti.

  • The Most Curious of Birds

    The Most Curious of Birds

    Northern Mockingbird
    Minus Polyglottos

  • One Solitary Encounters Another (The Photographer)

    One Solitary Encounters Another (The Photographer)

    Solitary Sandpiper
    Tringa Solitaria

    Early this morning, seconds after the sunrise, I was able to peer through some waving grass to photograph this solitary sandpiper. When I looked across the pond and saw fifteen greater/lesser yellowlegs weaving among five Canadian geese, and then looked down at the little guy in his solitude, I knew instantly where I would fit best in the bird kingdom. Hands down, I would be a solitary sandpiper.

  • Grasshopper Sparrow

    Grasshopper Sparrow

    Ammodramus Savannarum

    I recently posted other images of grasshopper sparrows, but I especially like the way that this particular image captures the complex and intricate feather structures of this tiny bird. From an aerodynamic point of view, one might have reason to question the design; indeed, it's hard to see how the grasshopper sparrow could ever become airborne. From an aesthetic perspective, however, no one could question the beauty of this species. It's exquisite.

  • Ready for my Portrait

    Ready for my Portrait

    House Finch
    Carpodacus Mexicanus

  • A New World

    A New World

    White-crowned Sparrow
    Zonotrichia Leucophrys

    This white-crowned sparrow is obviously immature, which is probably the reason that it entertained my approach without fear. I wonder if it will remain as calm and self-assured after a few of life's rodeos.

  • Anhinga Portrait

    Anhinga Portrait

    Anhinga Anhinga

    I just returned from a couple of days of birding and photography in Huntington Beach State Park, Pawleys Island, South Carolina. One of the most fascinating birds in that area is the anhinga, which is large, exotic, and beautifully designed. While I have many shots of the full bird, this headshot is the one I like most. For some reason, it reminds me of a stylishly dressed person with a fashionable haircut having lunch with a friend in a local bistro.

  • Eastern Kingbird

    Eastern Kingbird

    Tyrannus Tyrannus

    The eastern kingbirds are moving through in great numbers this week. This morning, I could spot twelve in a field simultaneously.

  • Return of the Dickcissels

    Return of the Dickcissels

    Dickcissel
    Spiza Americana

    The late spring migration has brought the dickcissels back to upstate South Carolina, and what a delight it is! Beautiful birds, and especially playful during the mating season.

  • Young Savannah Sparrow

    Young Savannah Sparrow

    Savannah Sparrow
    Passerculus Sandwichensis

    Though obviously young, this savannah sparrow already has the classic markings of its species: the yellowish front of the eyebrow; the whitish line through the crown; the short, notched tail; and the pinkish legs.

  • Let the Nest Building Begin

    Let the Nest Building Begin

    Dickcissel
    Spies Americana

    The dickcissels are here in abundance this year, dancing, nesting, mating, and bringing unspeakable joy to those who are privileged to observe these rituals of life.

  • Still Trying to Figure it Out

    Still Trying to Figure it Out

    Dickcissel
    Spiza Americana

    This obviously immature dickcissel intrigues me. Like many of us, it appears to be a little confused about what it wants to do next in life.

  • The Art of Stillness

    The Art of Stillness

    Dickcissel
    Spiza Americana

    Third of three new dickcissel images made today ~

  • Ready, Set, Go!

    Ready, Set, Go!

    Dickcissel
    Spiza Americana

  • The Beauty of Birdsong

    The Beauty of Birdsong

    Dickcissel
    Spiza Americana

  • "The poetry of the earth is never dead." ~ Keats ~

    "The poetry of the earth is never dead." ~ Keats ~

    Dickcissel
    Spiza Americana

  • Welcoming the Morning

    Welcoming the Morning

    Grasshopper Sparrow
    Ammodramus Savannarum

  • Mourning Dove

    Mourning Dove

    Zenaida Macroura

  • Dickcissel

    Dickcissel

    Spiza Americana

  • Grasshopper Sparrow

    Grasshopper Sparrow

    Ammodramus Savannarum

  • Grasshopper Sparrow

    Grasshopper Sparrow

    Ammodramus Savannarum

  • Eastern Kingbird

    Eastern Kingbird

    Tyrannus Tyrannus

  • Greeting the Sunrise

    Greeting the Sunrise

    Blue Grosbeak
    Passerine Caerulea

  • Singing Meadowlark on a Wire

    Singing Meadowlark on a Wire

    Eastern Meadowlark
    Sturnella Magna

  • Immature But Putting on the Ritz

    Immature But Putting on the Ritz

    Barn Swallow (Immature) Hirundo Rustica Notwithstanding its common name — "barn swallow" — this young bird is dressed to the nines and ready to party.

  • Young Green Heron

    Young Green Heron

    Green Heron
    Butorides Virescens

    This immature little green heron is relatively new to this world, and is learning to fend for himself.

  • Contemplation

    Contemplation

    Dickcissel Spiza Americana This young dickcissel seems both calm and confident. It inspires me to remain hopeful about the future, even when, as now, the world seems to be flirting with disaster. What Rachel Carson said in Silent Spring remains true today: "Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature — the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter."

  • Immature Blue Grosbeak

    Immature Blue Grosbeak

    Blue Grosbeak
    Passerina Caerulea

    The blue grosbeak is one of my favorite birds. To see what a male adult looks like, just go back nine images from this one. This young bird is immature, and must be considered a work in progress. As you can see, however, from the blue breaking out on his flanks and back, he is designed to be quite beautiful.

  • Morning Song

    Morning Song

    Dickcissel
    Spiza Americana

  • Unfolding Beauty

    Unfolding Beauty

    Dickcissel
    Spiza Americana

  • Grasshopper Sparrow

    Grasshopper Sparrow

    Ammodramus Savanarum

    If nothing else had happened this summer, the daily presence of grasshopper sparrows would have been joy enough for me.

  • Greater Yellowlegs

    Greater Yellowlegs

    Tringa Melanoleuca

  • American Goldfinch at Play

    American Goldfinch at Play

    American Goldfinch
    Spinus Tristis

  • Preparing to Launch

    Preparing to Launch

    Grasshopper Sparrow
    Ammodramus Savanarum

  • Ruby-throated Hummingbird

    Ruby-throated Hummingbird

    Archilochus Colubris

  • Tip of the Spear

    Tip of the Spear

    Ruby-throated Hummingbird
    Archilochus Colubris

  • American Goldfinch

    American Goldfinch

  • Nashville Warbler

    Nashville Warbler

    Oreothlypis Ruficapilla

    This is one of the many migrating fall warblers seen during the past week on the grounds of the South Carolina Botanical Garden in Clemson, South Carolina.

  • Not a Great Day for a Portrait

    Not a Great Day for a Portrait

    Northern Mockingbird (Immature)
    Minus Polyglottos

    I'm always fascinated by the immature or molting birds which do not appear to be ready for prime time. This immature Northern Mockingbird seems to have just returned from a street fight.

  • White-eyed Vireo

    White-eyed Vireo

    Vireo Griseus

    THE VIREO
    By Henry David Thoreau

    Upon the lofty elm tree sprays
    The vireo rings the changes sweet,
    During the trivial summer days,
    Striving to lift our thoughts above the street.

  • Entering the Mystery

    Entering the Mystery

    Great Blue Heron Ardea Herodias "I do not at all understand the mystery of grace — only that it meets us where we are but does not leave us where it found us." Anne Lammot

  • "The bluebird carries the sky on his back." ~ Thoreau

    "The bluebird carries the sky on his back." ~ Thoreau

    Eastern Bluebird
    Sialia Sialis

  • Northern Cardinal in First Light of an October Morning

    Northern Cardinal in First Light of an October Morning

    Northern Cardinal
    Cardinalis Cardinalis

  • White-eyed Vireo

    White-eyed Vireo

    Vireo Griseus

  • Photo Sharing
  • About SmugMug
  • Browse Photos
  • Prints & Gifts
  • Terms
  • Privacy
  • Contact
  • Owner Log In
© 2021 SmugMug, Inc.