Summer has been busy on the deck and backyard. To attract Painted Buntings, I purchased a new bird feeder and food that the store clerk assured me was suitable for buntings. Well, so far, I have not seen one here, but the House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) loves to comfort that feeder provides.
Besides house finches, other birds continue to visit the feeders. One I especially enjoy watching is the Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe). Their constant tail-wagging, or “pumping,” is a joy to see. They do that when they are perched on a branch.
In the pond beyond the backyard fence, our regular visitors always show up at different times of the day. The hardest one to see is the Green Heron (Butorides virescens). Its smaller size, compared to other herons, allows it to hide well in the grass by the shore.
Spring brought the arrival of juvenile Yellow-Crowned Night Herons (Nyctanassa violacea). I tend to see them in the mornings or late afternoons.
Of course, wherever birds go, you can be sure there will always be hawks. In addition to Cooper’s Hawks, I also see regular visitors, such as this Red-Shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus) resting on the fence. I’m not sure if it was a matter of practicing some balancing act, but it stayed that way for a few seconds. In reality, birds do that to conserve body heat. AllAboutBirds says that birds “will often hold one foot inside their belly feathers to minimize heat loss, and often switch back and forth between their feet.“
That is the story behind the shots. If you liked this post, you may also be interested in others featuring Green Heron, House finch, Sunday Stills, Teravista, Texas, Wildlife, and Yellow-Crowned Night Heron. Until the next time, keep clicking and capturing the beauty your eyes find.
Posted for Terri’s Sunday Stills: Fine #Feathered Friends.
Discover more from Through Brazilian Eyes
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
lifelessons
Amazing bird photos..
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Judy.
Amy
OMG! These fabulous bird captures!!
Egidio Leitao
I’m happy you liked them, Amy. Thanks.
Anne Sandler
Wonderful bird images Egidio! It’s great that you don’t have to go far to see them.
Egidio Leitao
Anne, it’s truly wonderful. Thank you.
Terri Webster Schrandt
Stunning, Egidio! I Love seeing the close-up details of these delightful birds. They all have a place is God’s grand design…we also have Coopers Hawks here. They love chasing the neighbor’s chickens! How cool to see your Eastern Phoebe, and yes, they bob those tails. They fly like swallows as well! We do feel quite attached to them don’t we? But we know they are wild and just stopping by.
Egidio Leitao
Terri, thanks for the compliment. I so appreciate that. About the phoebes, yes, I’ve noticed their flights, too. It’s wonderful to observe nature.
Toonsarah
Beautiful birds and excellent photography! I especially like the green heron and that handsome hawk!
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Sarah. The heron is so colorful. The hawk is very regal, even in that pose.
Rupali
Wonderful visitors.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Rupali. I welcome them with open arms.
Wandering Dawgs
Egidio, your bird images are amazing. I’ve never seen a bird feeder like the one in the first image. Except for the yellow crowned night heron I have have seen all of these birds in our area. I’ve seen them but have never been able to capture a green heron. Don’t give up on the buntings! I hope you will see one soon.
Egidio Leitao
That feeder, I was told, is ideal for buntings. That remains to be seen here. Thanks.
Donna Robinson Photography
There’s always a constant battle at our feeders between the squirrels and the finches. Nice shot of the hawk.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Donna. Yes, the squirrels and doves want that food, too.
Leanne Cole
I have the same problem I got a feeder for the birds and they won’t use it. Great images Egidio.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Leanne.
margaret21
A birder’s paradise, round your way!
Egidio Leitao
That’s right. It’s wonderful.
Tra Italia e Finlandia
Che carini! Il falchetto è il mio preferito.
Egidio Leitao
Davvero. Anche a me piace il falchetto.
Marie
Beautiful. The Green Heron is stunning.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Marie. They’re the hardest to photograph, but once I see them hiding, it gets easier.
Dawn M. Miller
These are incredible!
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Dawn.
shoreacres
For several years, wrens nested in an old bucket hung outside the door of a friend’s cabin between Kerrville and Medina. The bucket was rather high, above the woodpile, and well protected from the weather. Seeing your house finch enjoying its spot reminded me of that.
Egidio Leitao
It’s interesting how sometimes birds will use human things for nesting.
Writing to Freedom
A fine feathered friend foray. 😊
Egidio Leitao
That they are. 🙂