Feeling sad, even though new migrants are showing up every day...

I have been having some issues with my camera as of late... The autofocus seems to be off... I did a series of tests with it today on a tripod and using my 4 lenses and it is front focusing almost a half inch.... So, I shipped it off to Canon Service today to have it calibrated... Hope the turn around is fast...


On the Birding front, yesterday saw the arrival of Turkey Vultures... several were seen near my home.. Also had one Killdeer on a flyover and a flock of male Robins in the yard today....

Looked out at the feeders today at 1300 and there was an opossum helping himself to the tray feeder... not what I wanted to see.... I made it clear to him and his relatives that I do not want them visiting my feeding station... I'll just leave it at that......

Robins... and not the wintering population

Today I noticed that Robins have begun to return to the area... I have seen more wintering Robins this year than any other year... Hundred or so... but these Robins were all Males and in a group of 10... One of them singing form the roof top.... Spring is closing in.... Also saw 3 Turkey Vultures today.... Still no Killdeer.. I expect them in the next few days...

New Arrivals.... Common Grackle

It snowed 3 inches over night much to my chagrin.. I am really tired of winter.. Sitting at my computer studying for a certification test this morning I hear a loud chorus of squeaky bird songs and instantly know what I am hearing... walk to the back doorwall and lo and behold I have 20 Common Grackles and 50 RedWinged Blackbirds in my feeders, sharing room with a dozen Horned Larks.... I am thinking that even though spring has not broke (snow and ice), the birds must know something we dont..... Just sayin....

Good Hiding spot....

I had a feeder full of birds today and it was snowing.... I looked out into the field and about 25 yards behind the feeder I see this Cooper hawk sitting on a pile of branches from a cotton wood that I cut down in the fall... None of the birds knew he was there because usually he uses the roof tops or sits in the trees about 10 feet off of the ground.... He sat there for about 10 minutes and took off toward the feeders... Unsuccessful...

Common Redpoll in Feeder - Finally

Had a Redpoll visiting the feeder today.. Just one female... hanging with a group of Goldfinches.. Fun to watch. The Common Redpoll is more cocky and aggressive than the Goldfinches. She chased a couple of them out of the feeder, and then hopped on the ground, tail cocked in the air, acting like she owed the place... Hope she brings her friends.. Nice streaking under tail coverts... This is my first year attempting to photograph birds and my zoom is not very long... I find it hard to get good shots on cloudy days..

Redwinged Blackbird in feeder

The Red-winged Blackbird that arrived on the second decided to come into the yard into my feeders yesterday. It sure is good seeing a spring migrant... On an interesting note, he immediately chased a couple of starlings away... I do not like starlings in the feeders... eat too much, sit on my roof and poop all over my patio... warming up today and rain, might let the feeders sit empty for a day or two so the flock moves on...

Red-winged Blackbird

Redwinged Blackbirds arrived today behind the house... one day earlier than last year...