Tuesday, January 19, 2010

The Birds! Not The Movie...

Oh my gosh!!!!!! Isn't this Black Capped Chickadee the cutest little thing ever?  (Can't believe I captured this shot!) Proud to say that this is our state bird here in Massachusetts.  I actually learned that little tid bit when my daughter was studying our state in 4th grade!  You know that show "Are you smarter than a fifth grader?" (never watched it, but you get the idea).  Well, she is in 6th grade now and definitely knows more facts than me!  Never really payed any attention to the birds around here...  I took these with my "semi-pro" Nikon D300 super duper camera with telephoto lens that is about a mile long!  I was far from these little ones, so I could sneak up on them!  So excited at the capabilities of this camera.  Completely clueless though.  Love photography and hope to churn out "fabulous" pictures with it!  For just getting to know it...  I love how these pictures came out!
The elusive Cardinal in Red and the Tufted Titmouse, so cute!
One day, when I was bored and just needed to "buy" something.  You know those days...couldn't quite find what I was looking for.  So, I was browsing in Russell's garden center out in Sudbury and saw all these bird feeders.  I was instantly inspired to have one!  Sales girl was really informative and I decided to get the "Squirrel Buster Plus".  Cheesy name but does what it says.  With all the trees in our yard we have lots and lots of squirrels.  They try to get the seed but fail!  I highly recommend it.  Not the most attractive looking feeder but simple enough.  Beautiful Blue Jay below.   We have had four show up at once, they pretty much take over the feeder.  They are so big!  Never realized.  I love their call...it reminds me of camping at Taconic State Park in Upstate New York.  So happy they decide to visit everyday!
Cuteness abounds...I can't stand it!
Caught this peek-a-boo moment.  My camera even captured the glint in his eye!

Not sure what kind of bird this one is, above.
I think this is a wood pecker.  Beautiful markings on this bird.  I have become an avid bird watcher now.  I am trying to learn more about them and their habits.  In the cold winters, especially here in New England, they really need the help of bird feeders.  I actually feel better now that I am helping them through this frigid weather.  Now, I am worrying about where they sleep at night!  Ugh!  Just what I need!  They do need some shelter I learned and now I am going to have to figure that out!  There are so many beautiful things in nature that we forget about with all our day to day lists and busyness.  I find myself, especially in the morning, running to my back kitchen door to see who is eating at the feeder.  This Dove below is too big for eating at the feeder but visits anyway and is able to eat off the ground.  I hope you enjoyed my photo's of these pretty ones.  Let me know what your state bird is or what kinds of birds you have enjoyed seeing lately.  I would love to know...Thanks!
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~jamilyn~

*All photo's property of Living It At Home*



10 wonderful comments:

the gardener's cottage said...

Wow, what wonderful shots. They are amazing. And the subject matter, my favorite. I have the crappiest, cheapest camera ever made. I guess I should consider getting a better one!

~janet

annie cat said...

love love love. great shots!

paula said...

they are gorgeous.

Jenn @ Dear Heart said...

Love these photos. You are so talented!

Gwen Driscoll said...

i absolutely love birds. It's my daughter's nickname. Such beautiful images. Hope you are well.

Fargerike Dagny said...

Beautiful!!

Sixty-Fifth Avenue said...

You are really good! Love your little subjects. Thanks for sharing.

Haven and Home said...

Great pictures. I want a bird feeder, I have dropped hints forever but to no avail!

Brabourne Farm said...

It's one of the things I love most about our garden - all the beautiful birds! These photos are fabulous - well done you. Leigh

sweetbay said...

Chickadees are about the cutest birds ever, I agree! The bird you were wondering about is a White-Throated Sparrow and the woodpecker is a Downy.