Highlight on Rufous

Last blog spotlighted our visiting Hooded Orioles that are currently putting on quite a show. This afternoon, while bird watching from the backyard, I saw two adult male Rufous hummingbirds - a first for me! I got a few photos showing off their brown plumage.

A nice profile showing lots of brown.

Not super obvious, but both males show here along with another hummer.

 Good shot of the tail fanned out with back lighting and a hint of the red gorget.

 Male rufous and unknown female.

 Here is a cranky old guy, an older Blackchinned male. Most of the time he is on guard near HIS feeder and will chase off all who dare try to snatch some of his food! For an old guy, he uses up a lot of energy chasing the younger hummers that get too close.

 This shows him on the right, one of the two spots he guards from. At this moment, he is allowing a couple other birds to snack on HIS stuff!

 A young male and maybe a young female from this year's visiting orioles. They have been chattering and beeping up a storm lately and chasing each other around.

April Activity

A lot of activity in the backyard early this month. Definitely seeing the new oriole youngsters showing up with the parents at and around the feeders. Always fun to watch the young ones playing, chasing each other around.
It seems like the number of hummers in on the increase as well. A couple days ago I had the first ID on a Costa's hummingbird - a handsome male with purple gorget.

Here are a few recent photos -

Nice wing detail

 A couple of hooded oriole males having a 'discussion' about who's turf this is ;-)

A bit of a long shot of the Costa's hummer

 The pair of scrub jays that have been keeping us company for a couple years now!

Lesser finch cleaning up :-)

Spotted Easter Sunday - Turkey Trot - a wild turkey strolling through the neighborhood!