Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 20:52

This past week was for the birds, in more ways than one. Even though things are a bit busy for me right now, I still find time to sit in wonder of all He has made.

Here's what I've been seeing . . .

The sweet Phoebe pair wakes me every morning. They have a nest somewhere behind the house.

Eastern Phoebe

I was glad to see this flycatcher back this year. He is a bit tricky to ID but his song gives him away!

Great-crested Flycatcher

Now that the lizards and snakes are more active I'm seeing more of this guy. They are so fun to watch!

Greater Roadrunner

The mockingbirds are just crazy this time of year! They seem to nest later than the other birds. Lots of showmanship going on right now!

Northern Mockingbird

We have a pair of scissor-tailed flycatchers back this year. They prefer a copse of trees down in the field but they often come up to the cottage to visit me.

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

 I spotted two females before this guy arrived for a bath!

Summer Tanager

One of the most breathtaking birds, this little guy never fails to delight. 

All four of the flycatchers pictured here are part of the Tyrannidae family called the Tyrant Flycatchers. It's so thrilling to have them all here! 

Vermilion Flycatcher

Next week I'll show you what's blooming in my garden. And some other friends that came to visit!

What are you seeing through your lens this week?

Have a wonder-filled week, friends!

PS Click on the bird's name to find more pictures and listen to their song!

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Inspired by . . . beep, beep

Every since I got my new camera, which delights me anew every day, I’ve gotten into the habit of never going anywhere without it. Because it seemed as if every time I left it at home, even if I was just going to the grocer, I’d miss a photo opportunity!

 

I mean, what are the odds of seeing a porcupine at the local Whataburger?

 

But there he was, climbing down the tree to hide in the bushes next to the drive through lane. The people ordering dinner wondered why the crazy woman with the camera was taking pictures of the shrubbery, lol.

 

 

 

So the other day, I arrived home from the grocer, in a bit of a hurry, unloaded all the groceries from my car - - and forgot to bring the camera inside.

After completing a few tasks, the reason for my afore mentioned haste, I walked to the kitchen sink and what do you think I saw outside the window in my front yard?

 

The elusive Greater Roadrunner. A top item on my photo bucket list.

 

I lunge for my camera, which of course, is still in the car. Seriously, what.are.the.odds?

 

My limited experience with Geococcyx californianus is that they are very skittish birds. I figure it’s from being chased by Wyle E. Coyote for so many years.

The odds of me sneaking out of the house, across the porch and over to the car to retrieve the camera and still getting a shot seemed slim.

 

And yet . . .

 

 

. . . sneak, I did.



Shoot, I did.

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I discovered later the same day, when I spotted this guy up in one of our oak trees pruning himself, that we have a pair! This is the larger of the two, and the color patch behind his eye is brighter.

He didn’t stay on the rock long, and I really was surprised that I was able to capture him at all!

 

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Have a wonder-filled day!

 

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