Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Migration Magic ~ Part 1

The spring season is one of my favorite times of the year. Along with milder temperatures, the greening of foliage and flowering trees, bird migration occurs. Colorful, active birds make regular stops throughout the Midwest seeking nourishment and rest before continuing on their long trek north. Below I feature several of the beautiful birds I have observed over the recent weeks.


A stunning Prairie Warbler uses a prickly branch to assist while foraging for insects


Singing a delightful melody ~ Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)


Posing pretty ~ Warbling Vireo


In the springtime, beautiful Yellow Warblers fill the marsh at the back of our country property

 
A Blackburnian Warbler shows off his brilliant breeding plumage


A sightly Northern Waterthrush looks over the reflective pond


The pond I visited was teeming with sightly Palm Warblers flicking their feathery tails


Peek-a-boo! A Prothonotary Warbler seeks food under a fallen tree limb ~ A life bird for me!


Foraging amongst the budding tree branches ~ Blue-gray Gnatcatcher


The lovely colors of a Chestnut-sided Warbler


A Sora balances upon a branch ~ Take note of the extra long toes!
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50 comments:

  1. BirdGalAlcatrazMay 17, 2011 at 9:06 AM

    Stunning images, as usual, Julie. Congrats on the Prothonotary Warbler! It's always so satisfying to capture a new life bird. Your images are just wonderful. It's a treat to see these great captures of so many birds and the Warblers are especially terrific. That Blackburian Warbler shot is just fabulous. And the last shot of the Sora is a great look at a bird that is often so secretive that it's hard to find a decent shot. A fantastic catch! Thanks for sharing your great images, Julie. A real treat, as always!

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  2. UnknownMay 17, 2011 at 9:07 AM

    Wonderful Post, Julie! It's "stumbled"!

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  3. Cynthia WhiteMay 17, 2011 at 9:19 AM

    Stunning images Julie! Congrats on the lifer and especially like the Sora :)

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  4. Dawn FineMay 17, 2011 at 9:25 AM

    Woweee-awesome photos- I am so jealous- I have been trying all week to take photos of warblers- I have lots of blurs and empty twigs :(

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  5. TexWisGirlMay 17, 2011 at 9:30 AM

    these are just SPECTACULAR shots!!! i'm so jealous you get to see such beautiful little warblers! the pond photos are just gorgeous. LOVELY!

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  6. TexWisGirlMay 17, 2011 at 9:31 AM

    wow oh wow. just had to go back thru them one more time. WOW!

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  7. UnknownMay 17, 2011 at 9:33 AM

    Love the photos. Spring migration is always such a treat! :)

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  8. UnknownMay 17, 2011 at 9:36 AM

    All the birds and images are wonderful!!! I've never seen a Blackburnian warbler! Excellent post--as always!

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  9. Kah-Wai LinMay 17, 2011 at 10:02 AM

    Great capture! Nice light and composition!

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  10. UnknownMay 17, 2011 at 10:03 AM

    Congrats on the life bird. Really great photography!

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  11. DebbieMay 17, 2011 at 10:56 AM

    julie, these photo's are beyond amazing, every single thing about them is perfect. i am so glad i found you here, you have no idea how much joy you bring to me and how much you inspire me!!

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  12. UnknownMay 17, 2011 at 12:11 PM

    Julie, what lovely images! Exceptional!
    I love migration time. Such a wonderful variety of birds.

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  13. Steve CreekMay 17, 2011 at 12:13 PM

    Amazing captures Julie!

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  14. Armindo TavaresMay 17, 2011 at 12:24 PM

    Congratulations, the photos are an oasis for the eyes!
    Ornitophilous Greetings from Portugal.

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  15. SLHMay 17, 2011 at 1:55 PM

    These shots are absolutely stunning! I love each and every one of them. Great job (as always!)

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  16. AnonymousMay 17, 2011 at 2:53 PM

    Lisa UK

    Gorgeous collection, simply stunning :-)

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  17. Patricia/TriskettaMay 17, 2011 at 3:57 PM

    Julie: I just burst out laughing at some of these. How do you do it??? You've outdone yourself--yet again. By the way, I meant to say this in my last comment--have a spectacular wedding. I wish you and your love all the joy and warmth that life can bring.

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  18. PoetessWugMay 17, 2011 at 6:44 PM

    All beautiful--as usual! But the peek-a-boo Warbler shot was precious! :-)

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  19. Greg GardMay 17, 2011 at 8:08 PM

    WOW!
    Spectacular set of images Julie!
    Love them ALL!!!

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  20. Debbie Miller @HooootOwlMay 17, 2011 at 8:37 PM

    Beautiful Julie!... all of them! I have really been wanting to see a Prothonotary Warbler for quite a while, finally did at North Pond last weekend :) LOVE your peek-a-boo capture! The Sora is amazing! I love spring migration.

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  21. ColoradocastersMay 18, 2011 at 7:56 AM

    Fantastic photos! Very impressive. My camera would take better photos if I would keep the darn thing dry. Stumbled across your blog and now a huge fan.

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  22. Kimberley WakelinMay 18, 2011 at 8:45 AM

    Absolutely breathtaking photos, Julie! Love that Yellow-rumped and the colors are so vivid and beautiful!

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  23. UnknownMay 18, 2011 at 10:25 AM

    Nice Julie really nice. Like the Water Thrush my favorite. Beautiful

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  24. Whimbrel NatureMay 18, 2011 at 10:52 AM

    Lovely as always Julie. Do you have a spot where the warblers come down low? You always have such great songbird captures.

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  25. TuckertownMay 18, 2011 at 2:02 PM

    This is a primer on warblers. Must be great to be in the mid-west this time of year. So many gorgeous birds passing through. Great post.

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  26. Julie G.May 19, 2011 at 9:01 AM

    You are all so very generous! I'm very appreciative of the especially kind remarks left on my blog. Thank you!

    Elijah, no, there is not spot where the warblers come down low. I do spend a lot of time observing them and hope they will venture down to eye level so I can get a closer look. Every once in a while I get lucky.

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  27. Pat UlrichMay 20, 2011 at 8:25 PM

    Wow, Julie! So many wonderful, colorful shots of these gorgeous birds! Awesome stuff!

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  28. Aranka Janné - PhotographerMay 21, 2011 at 3:53 PM

    Awesome photographs! love every shot. great compo's and colors, i follow you. Great work! Greatz, aranka

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  29. Marco LuijkenMay 22, 2011 at 9:08 AM

    Hello Julie,
    Very nice pictures of all these special birds. It's amazing how you get them with their beautiful colors. Well done Julie!!

    Greetings and a good Sunday,
    Marco

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  30. Larry OstbyMay 22, 2011 at 4:21 PM

    Absolutely beautiful. Your birds are incredible. You have them well trained. ;>)

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  31. Alan PulleyMay 23, 2011 at 6:37 AM

    Hey Julie,

    Your photos are stunning!! I'm pleased to tell you that you have WON the WBU contest on my blog. I couldn't find your email address in your profile, so when you get a chance email me at alan.pulleyATgmailDOTcom

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  32. forgetmenotMay 23, 2011 at 10:18 PM

    Oh Julie, These are all spectacular photos. I feel I've been "educated" on warblers now. Such colorful little birds. A joy, as always, to drop by your post--I'm in awe of your photos. Mickie :)

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  33. MaineBirderMay 25, 2011 at 10:24 AM

    WOW Julie, these are incredible photos! Absolutely love the Butter Butt singing photo.

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  34. AnonymousMay 25, 2011 at 11:22 AM

    Migration time seems to be "yellow time". Only two birds in this series don't have any yellow - even the Sora has a yellow beak.
    Awesome photos as always!

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  35. John's IslandMay 26, 2011 at 5:33 PM

    Hi Julie, Can't believe you posted all this beauty nearly 10 days ago and I'm just now finding it. Wow, what a lot of great pictures! I think your photos are a good example of why I enjoy birding so much ... these little creatures are so fascinating and it's great to get to enjoy these wonderful captures. Thank you, as always, for sharing! John

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  36. FABMay 27, 2011 at 7:36 AM

    Hi Julie. I nearly forgot to leave a 'Very well done' message ... too busy scanning back and forth through these fabulous images. One or two species I only ever saw in their 'fall' plumages so this was a real delight.
    Have a super weekend. FAB.

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  37. AnonymousMay 27, 2011 at 10:17 PM

    Wow! We really need to find a way to publish these!

    From Mr. V. ;)

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  38. Ricardo TorresMay 28, 2011 at 7:30 AM

    Spectacular photoos i don't belive it they're lovely Congratulations !!!

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  39. forgetmenotMay 28, 2011 at 12:12 PM

    Julie, Just came back by to see your great photos again. Feel free to post "often"--your followers would love to see more!!! Have a lovely weekend. Mickie :)

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  40. AnonymousMay 28, 2011 at 12:46 PM

    Oh My Gosh Julie...I don't know where to begin...every single image is exquisite! You seriously have to make a coffee table book! There's magic in your lens!

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  41. The Zen BirdfeederMay 29, 2011 at 3:23 PM

    Too hard to pick a favorite!!

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  42. John's IslandMay 31, 2011 at 7:55 AM

    Hi Julie, I just came back for a second look at this post. You have some photos here that are contest winners, no doubt about it! Hope you have a great day. John

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  43. eileeninmdMay 31, 2011 at 5:36 PM

    Wow, awesome warbler photos. They are all so colorful and pretty. Great shots and I just love the Sora too.

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  44. AnonymousMay 31, 2011 at 5:42 PM

    I love all your photos...
    Really amazing images!!!
    Regards Julie

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  45. Kathie BrownMay 31, 2011 at 6:04 PM

    Fantastic shots Julie! What wonderful sightings! I have only heard a sora so far this year and have not seen many warblers other than the ones I saw in Maine a few weeks ago. Bird life is quieting down in my backyard.

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  46. ShelleyJune 1, 2011 at 5:21 PM

    Wow - this was such a treat in looking at your photographs! Gorgeous, gorgeous! Loved that yellow warbler especially!

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  47. Harold StiverJune 2, 2011 at 5:58 AM

    Wonderful series Julie. Well done!!

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  48. Joke van de KliftJune 6, 2011 at 3:57 AM

    Schitterend!!!
    Julie, wat een mooie vogels hebben jullie daar BEAUTIFULL!!!!

    Lovely greeting,
    Joke

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  49. Kathie BrownJune 15, 2011 at 5:02 PM

    wow, you hit the jackpot with all of these! I would love to see a Blackburnian again. I have only seen one once and what a shining throat!

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  50. --June 16, 2011 at 2:14 PM

    Hi Julie :) I've been admiring your *beautiful* work via my friend, Linda! Your blog is truly awesome and I'm very happy to be following it now to grasp more precious glimpses of nature through your eyes :)

    Best Wishes, Fiona :)

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