I spent some time Saturday morning watching the birds in the backyard, and happened to be at the right place at the right time to see a male and female western tanager pass through the yard. It was only the third time I’ve ever seen these birds, and the first opportunity to photograph, so needless to say, I was thrilled.
I had another interesting sighting earlier in the week; while out on my bike I spotted an interesting bird with a very long beak. After looking on my bird app, I figured it was likely a long-billed curlew, a first time I have seen the species. I hopped in the car with my camera to see if they were still in the area, and luckily managed a couple photos.
That’s enough of the chatter, I hope you enjoy the birds I have seen this week
A dark-eyed oregon junco with her chicks. Even though the ground was full of sunflower seeds that I spilled earlier in the day whilst filling up feeders, the chicks still wanted Mom to feed them.
I was watching the hummingbirds with camera in hand when I saw a flash of yellow land behind some branches. I moved slowly to get a better vantage point, worried I would scare the bird off before getting to ID it. The male and female tanagers arrived at separate times and only stayed a minute or to. I was really lucky to have seen them.
A long-billed curlew.A pair of long-billed curlews with a chick (mid photo far right). I was taking photos when pulled over on the side of the main road into my neighbourhood, so I didn’t spend any time adjusting settings; a couple quick photos then I was off.
