Friday, November 5, 2010

A Look Back

Here in the Midwest, the fall season brings many changes. Cooler, more comfortable temperatures arrive delivering crisp, clear, refreshing air. Brilliant golds, burgundies, umbers and reds replace the lush, green leaves of summer. Autumn also brings about a chance to view beautiful birds on their migration south to warmer climates. I always look forward to visiting my favorite birding locations in the fall, as there is usually an abundance of activity. Surprisingly, this autumn season has been especially quiet for bird viewing. That being the case, I took a look back at my photograph archives to see the images I captured last year at this time. Below are several beauties seen in 2009.
~ Identification corrections welcome ~


A striking Cooper's Hawks scans for prey atop a park fence


A most comfortable place to have lunch


A pretty Hermit Thrush framed by brilliant fall foliage


A busy Golden-crowned Kinglet in search of insects


This Eastern Phoebe has its eyes on a swarm of gnats nearby


A VERY berry Northern Cardinal face


A fluffed up White-throated Sparrow also enjoys the plump, ripe seasonal berries


An Orange-crowned Warbler carefully extracts tasty seeds


A White-breasted Nuthatch against a pretty autumn background


Tasty seeds galore for this beautiful White-crowned Sparrow


A lovely Wood Thrush amid damp grass blades


Sweet mush face

20 comments:

JRandSue said...

Amazing images,terrific photography.
Every shot looks superb.
John.

BirdGalAlcatraz said...

Fabulous as usual, Julie. Great to see these lovely images from your archives!

Debbie Miller @HooootOwl said...

Always a joy to visit your blog and photos Julie. I found it very quiet this year as well. Your berry faced views bring instant smiles. Beautiful!

Unknown said...

Wow, wonderful shots. They were really getting into those berries. Particularly like the Cooper's Hawk, but the others are exceptional too!

Birding is Fun! said...

What a great set of autumn bird photos! Love 'em!

PoetessWug said...

Yum!!! Eating and being photographed at the same time!....I don't know if I would like that, but they clearly don't mind at all!! ^_^ Beautiful shots...last year or not!

Whimbrel Nature said...

Excellent series Julie! You have some amazing bird photography here. What length lens are you using to get these close-ups of songbirds?

Rolf Hicker said...

Congrats - what a series, I love the fall colors - simply beautiful

Dan Huber said...

such wonderful captures of beautiful birds -

Amy said...

Great series. The two berry pigs crack me up! Oink!

Anonymous said...

WOW...this blows me away! The beautiful fall colors and leaves framing these precious birds is amazing! Great work Julie...you have a great eye and unbelievable talent!!

Unknown said...

Love them all but especially the hawk!!

Kerri Farley said...

Oh Julie .... these are FABULOUS! It is VERY cold here today but these have warmed my heart!
Great post!

Sarah Knight said...

Splendid shots — all of them! :D

Hilke Breder said...

Lovely shots all of them! I think the second photo is an immature White-crowned Sparrow.

Netster23 said...

So beautiful!

Dawn Fine said...

These photos are beautiful..each and everyone! I always enjoy coming to see what wonderful things you have captured with a photo.

Friend of HK said...

Wonderful captures and beautiful birds!

Julie G. said...

All of your oh so kind comments fill my heart with joy. Thank you for your thoughtful words. I am so very appreciative.

Seedplanter Designs said...

Julie, it's always such a blessing to come here at the end of my day and see your beautiful nature photos. A Cooper's Hawk flew in one winter and landed on our backyard fence. It was very windy that day and he sat there for the longest time, drying his feathers and looking around. I didn't get my camera because it was such an amazing experience to see him that close, I didn't want to scare him off. So glad to find your gorgeous photos include a Cooper's Hawk.