The First Wave of Birds

With the gear in hand, I went about searching for the birds in my own backyard. As it turns out, there was quite the variety. Birds and colors I was unable to identify prior to last week, but with this new photography interest came the desire to learn more about the subjects.

Admittedly, I still have a lot to learn. But I have enjoyed starting that process.

American Robin

These red-breasted birds can be seen eating anything it can find by the bushes of the local commercial buildings. While I don’t notice any resemblance to the titular superhero, they are quite pleasing to observe, if a little dull.

Bluejay

Easily the most elusive bird of the bunch. In order to get a good photo, I had to sit and observe for 30 minutes. The attached is not one of those good photos, but it captures its secrecy.

Eastern Blue Bird

This particular building is home to a collection of bird boxes for the local blue birds. Coincidentally, at the same time that I began taking pictures, the local blue birds laid their eggs. That made it quite convenient to stake out a bird box with some babies and wait for the pictures. I have not yet observed them in the wild outside of the boxes, but I am quite interested in this beautiful little birds.

Northern Cardinal

Perhaps the cardinals are the most elusive bird. I have not managed to get a good close shot of one yet, even though they are more prevalent. Which is unfortunate, as the North Carolina state bird deserves better. I will have to focus on them soon.

Northern Mockingbird

Perhaps these are my least favorite birds thus far. Quite bland and in abundance, they are not nearly as intriguing as the others.

Cedar Waxwing

Originally I did not think much of the waxwing, but the more I observed, the more beauty I’ve found. On the surface they appear bland, but underneath a vibrant yellow can be seen. And on the wing, a slip of red can be found, almost analogous to an armband.

Canadian Goose

Certainly the most angry bird of the bunch. I have spent some time at a wildlife rehab and the geese are, without question, the most violent of the bunch. Regardless, I find them to be pretty creatures. And the babies? Adorable. I ended up driving around the local area in search of the babies I happened to see during work hours.

Cooper’s Hawk

I was very fortunate one day to see the Cooper’s Hawk land right above my head as I was lakeside. Very majestic and intense. The hawk is not a creature that I thought would pique my curiosity, but I find them to perhaps be the most remarkable.

Vulture

Let’s be honest, it’s a vulture. Not exactly the most interesting bird in the brood. I don’t have much to say about it.

Mourning Dove

I have only seen one mourning dove (at least, one that I have noticed). They are the most curious bird to me at this time, one that I have not had the opportunity to observe. But I do hope to get the opportunity to observe them more.