The Yellow-Rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata) is not a regular visitor to our backyard. When I see flashes of yellow, it’s usually a little finch or, in the summer, a female Hooded Oriole.
birds
Bewick’s Wren
Bewick’s Wrens are small and move fast, often close to the ground, which makes it challenging to photograph them with a pleasing background. This photo was, in a way, assisted by the American Robins.
Hooded Orioles
The Hooded Orioles (Icterus cucullatus) have arrived in Southern California, which is in their breeding range. We’ve heard their chatty sounds for a week or two around our backyard now and on Friday, I finally managed to get a good picture of the couple (albeit individually) as it was coming through for some nectar snacks. 🙂
Nutall’s Woodpecker
The exciting bird sightings (hey, just for me!) in our backyard continue! Here’s a Nutall’s Woodpecker (Dryobates nutallii) that I spotted a few days ago. And with nice light on it, too!
Robinvasion
The “invasion” of San Diego County by American Robins (Turdus migratorius) seems to continue! Eight of them were visiting my little feeding area in the early morning, but they’re only interested in the water, taking their time to take cute little sips, drinking slowly. The other birds that come for the birdseed were a bit irritated!
Another Robin
The Robins are still coming to visit our backyard. They seem to particularly like the berries of the huge Brazilian Pepper that grows on the slope towards our neighbor at the back.
American Robin
After a first cup of coffee, my morning routine includes filling up the feeders and spreading some birdseed on the ground, in places where I know the birdies like to go (sparrows and towhees seem to prefer the ground over the platform feeder that I built).
California Quails in Our Back Yard
While working in the back yard two days ago, I heard the call of California Quails — a first in our residential area; it was rather unexpected. Normally, we briefly see them on our local trails, where the sound of their fast wing beats are the most notable thing (“PRRRRRRRR”) as they fly away… they are very shy and skittish.
Basic Goodness
“We possess what is known as basic goodness. Then we develop an overlay of unnecessary tricks and occupations. We develop little tricks to shield ourselves from being embarrassed — or from feeling too painful or naked.” (Chögyam Trungpa)