Monday, March 2, 2009

A Suet-Loving Mockingbird

Sometimes looking through the window at the feeders has a dream-like quality. The light reflections soften the edges and create a glowing quality.
The first time I saw this mockingbird fly from his perch to the suet feeder not more than six feet from my door, my mouth dropped and I truely was in disbelief. I froze in place for fear any movement from inside would spook him.
But that didn't happen. He sampled the homemade suet, then helped himself to more. A day later, I spotted him on the holly again...thinking. Yes, I could see that. In his posture and body movements. He was giving it some thought, checking out the territory. So this time I was ready, in place with camera in hand.
Truthfully, I didn't think anyone would believe me otherwise! Fun stuff, these backyard birds.
Linked to Bird Photography Weekly #27 at Birdfreak.com to promote the conservation of our world's birds.
Next--Red Shouldered Hawks in Love...or is that, In Love with Red-shouldered Hawks? That would be me!

15 comments:

  1. WOW, Vickie, I love the Martha Graham quote--AND your wonderful photos.

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  2. How fun to have a Mockingbird at your feeder. I've only seen a mockingbird once, perched on top of a hotel sign, then flying away.

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  3. Watching birds does often have a dream-like quality to it, especially if I am trying to peer not only through glass, but frost or worse ice. Our Mockingbirds have not arrived yet, so it is a treat to see yours.

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  4. Hi Cathy. Thanks! I have so much fun with photos. Taking them is like a new view into the world. And then making art takes me even futher.

    Hey, Wendy. This mockingbird has given me so many laughs. I knew he came to the water but never dreamed he would approach the feeders. His attitude is so much fun.

    Hi, Beverly. You're funny. Fortunately my window is sheltered from the elements. Some days I don't get much else done!

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  5. Mockingbirds are always interesting creatures. I'm glad you were able to capture its antics on the feeder.

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  6. You have a great variety of birds at your feeders. Nice to be able to photograph them all.

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  7. Ooooo, I liked mockingbirds. Even though they dived at our kitties. Such cheeky birds!

    We don't have them in NZ, but our Tui is a mighty songster and can warble anybody's tune. One Tui is reported to sing telephone ring tones and a radio jingle!

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  8. You are right Vickie, they do look dreamy... I love them!

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  9. For sure, backyard birds are fun to watch. But photographing them is quite a challenge because as you say, movements from inside scare them away. You managed to get some darling pictures of the mockingbird going after that Zick Dough.

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  10. How fun! Can't wait to read the Red-shouldered hawk post!

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  11. I have a big smile on my face as I type this. I too have a mocker who is very brave and comes to my suet feeder. I adore him and look for him everyday.

    I love the softness of the photos and how you can see some of the suet in its beak.

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  12. Good photos birds are great entertainment.

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  13. Backyard birds are just delightful aren't they? I mean, you don't have to go anywhere they just show up at your back door. Wonderful shots of the Mockingbird Vickie!

    I can't wait to see your Red-shouldered Hawk post. One of my very favorite birds of prey. Maybe because I was able to watch a pair raise their chicks from egg to fledged last year.

    I have a pair getting ready to mate very close to our house. I have been trying to find the nest site but no luck yet.

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  14. I especially liked the photo with the hunk of suet in his mouth~!

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  15. Wow wonderful to have such a precious visitor!
    I haven't joined in with birdphotography lately as I cannot work out on what day it starts.

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