I posted some of my favourite Bowen bird photos last year. Here are four more, which I took in the last couple of days. Yes I cheated — had some birdseed that I put out left over from the winter, which attracted some species I always hear but rarely get close enough to photograph, notably the mellifluous grosbeaks and house finches.
Rufous hummingbird, whose family is nesting and buzzing in my upstairs bathroom vent.
Stellar’s jay, as raucous as its crow cousins, but with a spiffier haircut. Song, if you can call it that, here.
Black-headed grosbeak, whose long and lovely song is also louder than the robins’ and finches’. Song sample. Oops, Spotted Towhee — thanks tomc for the correction.
This is a Black-Headed Grosbeak (a photo I took earlier), whose long and lovely song is also louder than the robins’ and finches’. Song sample.
Matched set of house finches, the “happy bird” that sounds like a gentle but exuberant, long-winded and slightly intoxicated robin. Song sample.
For those as crazy about birds as I am, I have put up a complete set of my Bowen bird photos on flickr here. It includes a flicker, of course.
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Added June 4: Couldn’t resist adding this little guy:
Beautiful.
Dave, Your grosbeak is a spotted towhee.
cheers
Thank you tomc! You are correct of course. We have them both, and the white tummy should have tipped me off. I have added a photo of a real Black-Headed Grosbeak that I took earlier (please confirm if you will that I now have it correct). Also, any thoughts on the yellow patches on the tummy of the White-Crowned Sparrow? Immature characteristic, perhaps, or am I misidentifying again?
Dave,
I’m a CT native and I’ve never seen a black-headed grosbeak but I have seen eastern towhees. Judging by my Sibley field guide you are correct except for the last picture.I think it’s an immature black-headed grosbeak. Cheers
What beautiful birds … great photos!
How beautiful.
:o) Beautiful!, yes.
thank you