H.J. Ruiz – Avian101 – Page 854 – "My Backyard Visitors" – All about birds

More Members of the Family

Monday was a day that we got a respite from the scorching heat for about four hours, although did not rain the sky was kind of gray and a bit breezy. You have no idea the amount of birds that began to appear looking for food! It was morning yet and the emptied all feeders, I had to refill them again. I set my camera and started shooting pictures, that’s when I noticed that many of the birds were just immatures and juveniles. It was so exhilarating seeing the little ones getting their own food and you could also see their parents nearby observing.

There were dozens of birds everywhere all of them enjoying a short break from the nasty heat.

Here I bring you pictures of some of the babies:

Song Sparrow (I)

Tufted Titmouse (I)

Northern Cardinal (M) (J)

Red-winged Blackbird (F) (J)

Common Grackle (J)

Northern Cardinal (F) (J)

Text and photographs © H.J. Ruiz – Avian 101

Tags: birds, Immature and juvenile birds, nature, photography, photos of birds

Happy Independence Day!

To all my American friends that visit my blog I wish that you and your families have a great holiday!

Happy Independence Day!

© H.J. Ruiz – Avian 101

Tags: nature, photography, photos of birds

Let’s Ride this Heat Wave

The heat wave after the tremendous storms that punished the mid eastern and southern parts of the US are making things much more difficult for many thousands of people to cope with daily life. My heart goes to them.

I haven’t been shooting photographs lately, instead I’ve been trying to do more for the little birds by making sure they have food ready and water to refresh themselves, I cut the grass in the backyard near the creek and that helps the birds get a lot of insects, worms etc. I see that several birds are going under the deck where must be cooler. I’ve noticed that most birds eat at the feeders but don’t stay long, they leave toward the trees and bushes looking for cover, it make sense. I wish I could do more!

Brown-headed Cowbirds (M) & (F)

Song Sparrow

Northern Mockingbird

Field Sparrow

Northern Cardinal (M)

Text and photographs © H.J. Ruiz – Avian 101

Tags: birds, heat wave, nature, photography, photos of birds

Not Only the Heat is Going Up!

While the actual weather is so hot that makes it almost prohibited to wander outdoors. It’s also bad for going to photograph birds, they are not in a mood to be frolicking around, they just eat a bit and then fly back to take cover from the sun that can easily bake you in minutes.

A few minutes ago I saw my electric bill for this month and is double from the last one! Considering that we just entered the summer season, I’m guessing that we’ll be paying through the nose the coming months.

It’s getting unbearable to see how utilities are going up as is everything else, just go to the market to buy your groceries and see that it has gone up by 50% according to my stats. You must get the picture, since you are in the same boat with the rest of us.

Somehow, things were much better just six years ago!

Enough of my ranting, let’s get to the bird business, I’m afraid is kind of slow too! However, seeds prices are up 25% and are coming in low quality, full with dirt and sticks to cheat on the weight. What else is new!!

Here are some pictures to distract you for a couple of minutes! Just relax…no charge for these, are totally free! 🙂