Look at those wide open mouths! Great shot Brenda! I needed a little R&R this evening after a crazy week at work and trying to get caught up with the grass after two weeks of rain and trying to get ready for installers next week, so I decided to spend some time this evening with the birds and the camera. And the bird gods smiled on me as I saw my first mockingbird! A common bird for many but I had never seen one so now I can add it to my yard-list. I was sitting in the garage mounting the camera on the tripod when he landed on the driveway and stood real still for his portrait. Shortly after that an indigo bunting appeared. This is the closest I have been able to get to one, they usually stay in the tops of the trees. They have a cheerful song and sing all through the day and evening so a wonderful bird to have around. This one is either still molting into his bright blue attire or is a first year male and still developing his mating colors. And an interesting shot of his tongue!

I live in snowy Saskatchewan and my feeders this year have been very busy. I have about 40 common redpolls and one or two hoary redpolls (I believe). I made some home-made suet and the chickadees love it. I have some bought suet right beside it but the chickadees and the downy woodpecker that comes to visit like the home-make stuff. When I didn't have the home-make suet, the chickadees did eat the bought suet. However, the redpolls will eat both. I also had some red-breasted nuthatches visiting but I haven't seen them for a week now. And my real surprise is a male and female house finch that come everyday. I believe they usually go south for the winter but this pair has decided to stay the winter. They love my shelled BOSS. The chickadees and woodpecker also like the shelled peanuts I provide. It's been the best winter for me in regard to lots of birds. The redpolls empty my feeder in less than 2 days and it holds about 6 cups of shelled seeds, so I'm kept busy filling it every second day.

Lisa, thanks. I agree. We haven't seen snakey since the day I posted this. I have no problem encouraging him to wind around my walking stick, then carry him out to the deeper woods about 5 acres away. The babies fledged this morning! All five are now out of the nest, happened for four between 9 & 10am, and the fifth one flew about 11:30am. So far you're right - when we saw last they were all up in low trees near their little enclave of nest-box & "worm-hut" (plexi hanging dome). Mama is still providing worms, and we'll continue to do so, but we're gonna back down to twice a day. Next task is to clean the box, and keep an eye out for snakey. Neighbors said today that the neighborhood red fox has at least one kit, and other neighbors say they've seen a bobcat (!!!). TONS of bird activity in the yard - today was a fun day. Having fun, but keeping our eye out for danger. Thanks for all good advice. - Les.

I happen to use Leupold 8x42 binocs for birding, but I would like a new pair of 7x50 for hawkwatching. The wider field of view is better for that purpose. I have heard that Zeiss is a well-liked brand in that regard. This post was edited by TMFF on Tue, Jul 15, 14 at 9:35