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

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

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

Spinus Tristis

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

Northern Mockingbird
Minus Polyglottos

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

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

House Finch
Carpodacus Mexicanus

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

Dickcissel
Spiza Americana

Third of three new dickcissel images made today ~

Ready, Set, Go!

Dickcissel
Spiza Americana

The Beauty of Birdsong

Dickcissel
Spiza Americana

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

Dickcissel
Spiza Americana

Welcoming the Morning

Grasshopper Sparrow
Ammodramus Savannarum

Mourning Dove

Zenaida Macroura

Dickcissel

Spiza Americana

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus Savannarum

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus Savannarum

Eastern Kingbird

Tyrannus Tyrannus

Greeting the Sunrise

Blue Grosbeak
Passerine Caerulea

Singing Meadowlark on a Wire

Eastern Meadowlark
Sturnella Magna

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

Green Heron
Butorides Virescens

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

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

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

Dickcissel
Spiza Americana

Unfolding Beauty

Dickcissel
Spiza Americana

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

Tringa Melanoleuca

American Goldfinch at Play

American Goldfinch
Spinus Tristis

Preparing to Launch

Grasshopper Sparrow
Ammodramus Savanarum

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus Colubris

Tip of the Spear

Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Archilochus Colubris

American Goldfinch

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

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

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

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

Eastern Bluebird
Sialia Sialis

Northern Cardinal in First Light of an October Morning

Northern Cardinal
Cardinalis Cardinalis

White-eyed Vireo

Vireo Griseus