Monday, March 1, 2010

MWT – Flocking Birds

In the 15 years that I’ve lived in my neighborhood, this is the first year I’ve noticed any bluebirds, robins or waxwings.  Small groups of birds such as doves and finches have always come around, but I haven’t seen any large flocks until recently.  And, I don’t find them everyday.

Of the flocking visitors, Cedar Waxwings are the most shy.  So, I was thrilled to be able watch them for a few minutes the other morning, and sneak a few shots.

Zoomed in all the way, this was the best picture I could get.  Their colorful bodies remind me of rainbow sherbet and I like their black masks, and bright yellow tail tips.

I haven’t figured out how to photograph a flock in flight yet, but I’m working on it.

See what’s happening in different corners of our world at “My World Tuesday” here.

29 comments:

Anya said...

Wow!!
NEVER seen before
those birds looking cool :-)
Wonderful shots !!!

Martha Z said...

These are beautiful birds, I wish they would visit my area.
I love the effects you are getting with Windows Live Writer. I seems to allow you more options to express your creativity.

Anonymous said...

those birds look like they are having a little family meeting!

rainfield61 said...

They have a beautiful crown as well.

And it is most excited to get them in flight.

Indrani said...

Great photography here. Major group discussion seems to be on, Could it be on global warming?

Sylvia K said...

Those are such gorgeous birds! I've never seen one before -- at least I don't think so, certainly not this close. Marvelous captures, Diane! And you do have a tree full! Wow! Thanks for sharing these! Hope you have a great week!

Sylvia

Leslie said...

Wow - you got some great shots. I also saw these beauties for the first time in my yard in December. Only four of them, and hidden in the leaves of the tree, but what a treat. Thanks for sharing yours!

Photo Cache said...

wow, those are beautiful birds, i wonder what brought them to your neck of the woods. thanks for sharing.

www.ewok1993.wordpress.com

Rajesh said...

Spectacular shots. Very lovely group of birds.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Love your Cedar Waxwings, Diane... I remember the first time I saw them here. I was SO excited... They are gorgeous, aren't they????

Hugs,
Betsy

Brenda's Arizona said...

Super shots! How patient you were to get such great shots!

Ebie said...

They are beautiful birds! Love the last shot, just posing for the camera!

Stephanie said...

So nice! The birds all look so nice like that. Great photos!

I hope you will figure out a way to photograph a flock in flight soon. I often seen it in video but in pic rarely.

Sunny said...

What beautiful birds. I don't think we have them in our part of the country. The have a similar shape to a Blue Jay.
Sunny :)

tom sullivan said...

Do you have any ideas as to why you're getting these unprecedented flocks of birds?

Self Sagacity said...

Lovely birds, they look like photo copies of each other. So Cute!

Kathie Brown said...

Until this year I had never seen bluebirds or waxwings in AZ, and definately not in Tucson. Until this year I had only seen a robin in Madera Canyon, but this year I have also been seeing all 3 species everywhere! I have seen bluebirds at Sabino Canyon, Agua Caliente and Lakeside Parks. I have seen robins and cedar waxwings at Agua Caliente and I even had a robin sotp by my own yard briefly one day. Good for you getting shots of these magnificent birds!

Loree said...

Wonderful birds. You have some awesome bird shots.

Jo said...

Beautiful birds and brilliant shots, Diane. I've never seen a Cedar Waxwing before but they look remarkably like our Mousebirds.

Lindy said...

These are beautiful birds, and so fortunate for you to be able to capture them in such great numbers! I like their masks. =)

LadyFi said...

Such delightful shots!

•°°• IcyBC •°°• said...

Great pictures, Diane! I like the colors on your Cedar Waxwings..

Jen said...

I've never seen one - congrats to you!
I think they're neat looking birds.

Gwendolyn L said...

Beautiful pictures. You did a greta job capturing these lovely birds. I have never seen this before. Thanks for sharing.

Joanne Olivieri said...

What great shots of the waxwings, they are amazing and you know it's funny because lately I've noticed many flocks of bird as well.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

I think they must do this at certain times of year for food. Maybe it is getting time for mating season and these are the males out looking for females? :)Great shots Diane. Sorry I have been so busy the apast couple of weeks but it is financial year end by me and chaotic!!

Eng said...

i so love the last picture, looks like they're in contemplation...lol!

have a lovely day!

Ayie said...

haha all lined up

DoanLegacy said...

Such beautiful birds, and gorgeous photos!