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

Second of three new dickcissel images made today ~

The Beauty of Birdsong

Dickcissel Spiza Americana "A birdsong can even, for a moment, make the whole world into a sky within us, because we feel the bird does not distinguish between its heart and the world's." ~ Rainer Maria Rilke ~

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

Dickcissel
Spiza Americana

First of three new dickcissel images made today ~

Welcoming the Morning

Grasshopper Sparrow
Ammodramus Savannarum

Mourning Dove

Zenaida Macroura

Dickcissel

Spiza Americana

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus Savannarum

American Goldfinch

Spinus Tristis

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus Savannarum

Eastern Kingbird

Tyrannus Tyrannus

Greeting the Sunrise

Blue Grosbeak
Passerine Caerulea

Young Dickcissel on Bull Thistle

Dickcissel
Spiza Americana

Singing Meadowlark on a Wire

Eastern Meadowlark
Sturnella Magna

Dickcissel's Morning Song

Dickcissel
Spiza Americana

After two hours of early morning in which neither color nor definition could be found, the reticent sun peeped through a small break in the clouds and brought forth wonderful singing from this male dickcissel.

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.

Grasshopper Sparrow Feasting on the Insect From Which it Gets its Name

Grasshopper Sparrow
Ammondramus Savannarum

I photograph tiny grasshopper sparrows frequently, but it's rare for me to find one holding the insect prey for which the species is named.

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.

Eastern Meadowlark

Sturnella Magna

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

Looking for Lunch

Young Red-shouldered Hawk
Buteo Lineatus

Image made in Dobbins Farm area of Townville, South Carolina

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.

Gray Catbird

Dumetella Carolinensis This is a gray catbird that I photographed recently before sunrise in the South Carolina Botanical Garden. In the post-production process, I used the vignette tool to wash out some of the background, thereby creating a "high key" image that draws more attention to the contrasting colors between the catbird and the foliage upon which it is perched.

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

Great Blue Heron Portrait II

Great Blue Heron
Ardea Herodias

Great Blue Heron Portrait I

Great Blue Heron Ardea Herodias "It is negligence of the mind not to notice how at dusk heron comes to the pond and stands there in his death robes, perfect servant of the system, hungry, his eyes full of attention, his wings pure light." Mary Oliver, "How Heron Comes"

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia Albicollis

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia Albicollis