Just last month I saw my first ruby-crowned kinglet. And this golden-crowned was another big surprise. It happened during one of those times you have a million things to do indoors and despite it all, you have to take a break and get outside. 
When I do this, I'm never disappointed. And this cutie was on the move! I could hear her "see-see" call but it took some concentrated effort to locate her. Even when I knew where she was, much of the time she was obscured by pine needles.Her quickness made for many non-descript tail shots as she flipped about and the end result was these unclear images. But they were enough for me to identify a new bird for me. Below, a chance crown shot.
I love that bright yellow crown!
I assume this is a female unless their plumage changes in the winter. Anyone with more knowledge of this species, feel free to chime in.Backyard fun! Linked to Bird Photography Weekly #16 at Birdfreak.com to help promote the conservation of our world's birds!
I have never seen a Kinglet either! Congrats to you! And gosh those pinecones look pretty!
ReplyDeleteKinglets are one of my favourites too. We are lucky and you can hear them in their small flocks whenever you hike in closed conifer forests here in WA State. You are more likely to always hear them than see them since they are usually higher up in the conifer canopies and over here they usually travel with chestnut backed chickadees, so some people tend to think they are hearing only chickadee's when they are usually in mixed flocks. They are always a delight for me to see too when they venture into the lower canopy for tiny seemingly unseen morsels of food.
ReplyDeleteHey, Shelly. I sometimes think I'm the most inexperienced bird-lover around. Both kinglets winter in TN, I've just never seen them before now.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Bernie. That is interesting information. I am starting to recognize their tiny calls.
it really is exciting to see a bird for the first time. i know i have made a spectacle of myself before. lol but you were ready with camera and got some great shots! :)
ReplyDelete