Monday, August 30, 2010

The Green Heron




A few pictures of a Green Heron, common on the North Fork of the White River.


Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Indigo Bunting in all his glory


Taken this summer outside St. Louis. these are extremely common on the ROLF property in Ozark County Missouri.

Painted Bunting at River of Life Farm


I took this picture in 2007 with the ROLF property and was so surprised to see him. But in reality Ozark county is on the northwest edge of their range. I saw a second one in the Caney Mountain Refuge in 2009. I am sure I can find them in May - June in many locations in Ozark County. Be on the look out for this beauty. The female is a rather plain green gray.

There is a Blog about them published below:



Monday, August 16, 2010

Twin Fawns (wild)


Saw these a month ago in Rockwoods CA near St. Louis; they were being watched closely by the mother.

Black Throated Green Warbler





Uncommon to scarce in Missouri; this is probably a first year male; due to the blotchy black throat.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Some better Scarlet Tanager pictures





Taken yesterday, 7/26 in the afternoon.

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Scarlet Tanagers




Although more scarce and harder to photograph, these are also gorgeous birds. They spend most of their time high in the tree canopy and are very nervous. I have never be able to get a clear shot of one; but have several where I tried to focus upwards through the branches. Pictured are a late summer male and female.

Monday, July 12, 2010

Summer Tanagers in Missouri





These beautiful birds are spring and summer visitors across the southern part of the state. The are particularly common in Ozark County and I counted 5 pairs with the River of Life Farm property in June 2009. At first appearing to be a Northern Cardinal; and then appearing to be a more exotic red color, they need a close look to differentiate. They are beautiful birds (about cardinal sized); a little smaller.

They migrate each April from South American to next here. They nest high in hardwood trees and build a nest of grass. The first nest is fledged in June.

I took these pictures in St. louis county on Sunday 7/11/10 with a Canon 7D. Shown are 2 male and 2 female Summer Tanagers.

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Eastern Wood Peewee in the summer shade



This Wood Peewee was catching insects in the shade of some hickory trees Saturday.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Award Winning Bluebird Photo


Just won the award: click to enlarge.

Natures Prime - Hall of Fame Award

Hot Days -- Ozark Birds bathing






Days are hot and long in July. Creeks are pretty dry except after a downpour. Where songbirds can find a creek with moving waters; they can be found bathing and preening feathers.

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Blue Gray Gnatcatcher




One of my favorite birds. Extremely small, active, very inquisitive, and a native of Missouri and Ozark county in the summer. This one responds to whispering and comes to see what I'm doing.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Reflections: Great Blue Heron


Picture taken last evening 6/15. These birds are common on the North Fork f the White River.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Ozark County leads Missouri in Black Bear sightings


MDC recently announced that Ozark County leads the state with 102 bear sightings. Howell and Douglas County rank 2nd and 3rd with 60 and 51 sightings respectively.

I was lucky last May 2009, to see a good-sized Black Bear while leaving the River of Life Farm property, but never reported it to MDC.

The bear so quickly crossed the road that I had no chance at a photo.


Wednesday, June 9, 2010

House Wren on a late June afternoon




The pair have now fledged their first brood of 2010. Looks like five chicks.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Redheaded Woodpeckers nearing fledging brood one






This pair of birds has been mating and nesting since 4/14; starting building nest in tree cavity on 4/22; began feeding chicks on 5/18; and now are making continuous trips to feed. My guess it that the fledglings will emerge tis week sometime; stay tuned. I try to visit the nesting site ever other day.

Monday, June 7, 2010

Summer Tanagers 2010





They have arrived in eastern and southern Missouri i good numbers. This young male visits a mulberry bush a dozen times per day. They will readily eat ripe fruit along with insects. Click to enlarge.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Unusual birds in action






These pictures were taken over the weekend at a Mulberry tree. Many species of birds were gorging themselves with ripened berries. Pictures female Baltimore Oriole, juvenile male Baltimore Oriole, Orchard Oriole male and female and a Robin. Taken with Canon 7D with 400mm f 5.6.