H.J. Ruiz – Avian101 – Page 881 – "My Backyard Visitors" – All about birds

Northern Mockingbird

The Northern Mockingbird is a strong bird with a great ability to imitate other bird’s songs and calls.

I admire them not for that ability so much as for being bold and protective of what they perceive as their possessions.

The Northern Mockingbird usually establishes a territory and everything that is contained within a determined radius they are to protect and keep safe. I always name them as the “guardians”. I’ve seen them chase birds larger than themselves if they got in their territory.

Usually they perch on a high point such a high tree top, pole, roof top etc. From that point they keep an eye on what’s going on in his zone. I suspect that they are the ones that set the alarm when a Hawk is lurking around too close.

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

Tags: birds, nature, Northern Mockingbird, photography, photos of birds

If this is not romance…What is?

The sequence of pictures is a short version of the courtship of these Mourning Doves. I find it very romantic and inspirational toward a kind of love between birds.

The more I observe birds the more I find them to behave very much like us humans. Very interesting!

There is a dance like invitation, I believe it's the male who does it.

After the dance the female arrives where he stands.

They eat their meals very romantically together!

Now they just pose for the photographer, they're engaged to be a couple.

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

Tags: Doves romance, Mourning Dove, photography, photos of birds

New Occupants

One of the new couples for this year have taken possession of one of the bird houses, they are the Carolina Chickadees.

These little birds are so terrific, feisty and bold, great parents, I had those nesting in my backyard before and I’ve seen them defend their nest like champions!

I took some pictures of them coming in and out of the bird house. They take sunflower seeds one at the time and keep their own stock.

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

Tags: birds, Carolina Chickadee, nature, photography, photos of birds

Birds are Showing their Faces Again!

Now is the time to start shooting photographs because many of the birds are starting to get their mates and they are looking their best, besides they want to be visible to the potential companion. As soon as the sun is up early in the morning most birds start their activities. I usually wait for the most appropriate light conditions which help in getting better images with long lenses. I’m still shooting through the window pane, later when it gets warmer I will open the window and that will definitely make a great improvement on the quality of the image. Of course many more species will be returning from their migration and the variety of visitors will increase considerably. 🙂 Yeah!

I bring you a few more photos I’ve shot the past few days.