Blue Jays

Had a pair of them in the yard this morning. I sometimes hear them around, but seldomly see them in my yard. Today 1 actually went to everyone's favorite feeder while I was out there, I wish I would have had the camera at that time. It was kind enough to stick around so I could go get the cam & snap a pic or 2 as it left the yard.





It really is everyone's favorite feeder:

The Magic Hedge

We finally got a chance to go yesterday, it was our first time there. I saw a few new birds (remember, I am a backyard chick that is still very much a rookie).

We saw:

*Oven birds (2)
*Yellow Warbler (2- 1M & 1F)
*Blue Gray Gnatcatcher (as cute as it was, it wouldn't sit still long enough for a picture) (1)
*Red winged Blackbirds (5+)

& I believe they were some sort of sparrows? (20+) They seemed to hang out w/the gulls near the water just riding the wind. Their tails appeared "swallow-like".

There were also tons of grackles, gulls, starlings & robins. Saw a couple of ducks & cardinals as well.

Besides totally enjoying myself, I had the added bonus of the hubby having pity on me & my little point & shoot digital cam. He gave me the go ahead to order my Nikon D40 that I have been eye-balling for quite awhile now. I am so excited to get out there & try taking some better pics. I don't care if they don't look extremely professional, they are for my memories & to share w/others. I won't be entering myself into any contests any time soon. It should be arriving just in time for our next outting to look for Cedar Waxwings.

So here are what I hope to be the last pics w/my little digital camera.

New editions to the yard!

I now have several White Crowned Sparrows & White Throated Sparrows visiting my yard. I have never seen/noticed them here before, new birds altogether for me. Hubby said he started to see them (WCS's) last weekend. He was read the riot act for not telling me right away. lol. I was sleeping last weekend during the day because it was my weekend on (3rd shift). I quickly grabbed my camera & took some pics.


















I also snapped a pic of this gorgeous cardinal that happened to be snacking while trying to take pics of the WCS. I couldn't believe how brilliant his color was. Amazing. For this pic, all I did was hit 'auto correct'. I took it w/my digital camera & it came out a bit more dingy than what I actually saw.