Pic of the Day

Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Pheucticus ludovicianus:  Horse Cove, near Gurley, Alabama

     Back in the blind today shooting feeder birds.  Yesterday I had a couple of dozen Rose-breased Grosbeaks on my feeders at a time.  Today things were much different with less than a dozen at a time.  Looks like we are near the end of the grosbeak migration here in North Alabama.  I would be interested in hearing from others here in North Alabama on the numbers you are seeing.  I'm heading north myself, hoping to see these beauties at Magee Marsh.

Nikon D800, Nikkor 500mm f/4, 1/400 second @ f/5.6

Pic of the Day

Pine Siskin, Spinus pinus: Horse Cove, near Gurley, Alabama

     Yesterday I spent a couple of hours in the blind shooting Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Goldfinches and these guys, Pine Siskins.  The weather was perfect and the birds abundant.  I could not have asked for more.  

Nikon D800, Nikkor 500mm f/4, 1/80 second @ f/7.1

Pic of the Day

American Goldfinch, Spinus tristis:  Horse Cove, near Gurley, Alabama

     This American Goldfinch, perched in a sweet gum sapling, was shot this afternoon at my home.  Goldfinches are fully molted into breeding now and should begin nesting when the thistle begins to bloom.  They are continuously zipping to and from my feeders all day along with a flock of Pine Siskins, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks and a slew of residents.  Soon, both the siskins and grosbeaks will be moving on north.  I hope to see them at Magee Marsh in about a week or so.

Nikon D800, Nikkor 500mm f/4, 1/100 second @ f/8