Wordless Wednesday - Mother's Day

 

 

 

 

Feathered Friday

Today the boys are helping me identify some of the birds that we've seen recently with my new fancy Peterson Field Guide to Birds of Western North America.  This hooded oriole has been very elusive the past few days but I finally caught him this morning. I hope I can get some better pictures of him in the coming weeks.  The Western Tananger we saw in the Oso Creek Trail path (not far from our house) last weekend and my understanding is that they are migrating.  Such a pretty bird.  My wish list to see/photograph include the Calliope and Allen's hummingbirds (we have them but they are so quick!) and the lazuli bunting.  They are apparently pretty common around here so I am sure we'll see them before long.

Jack says "I'm pretty sure it's a house finch, Ma."

Definitely a hooded oriole

hooded oriole

house finch

western tananger

Birds in my backyard - Rufous Hummingbird

I am kind of obsessed with the wildlife here in CA.  It is pretty different from what I am used to in New England.  Today I was able to photograph a few hummingbirds in my backyard.  They are always buzzing around the Hawthorn bushes but for some reason they don't care for the feeding I put out.
I believe this is a male Rufous Hummingbird.  I guess they migrate through Orange County about this time of year.

I also photographed this beauty. I am not sure if it is the female or another species.