Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Mr. & Mrs. Finch

Last week I bought a yearly pass to Bluebonnet Swamp for $25. Although the heat is too suffocating in the summer/early fall, and the vegetation too thick to see anything during those months, it will still pay for itself in no time.

I was happy to see the volunteers have improved the birding experience by erecting baffles under the feeders to keep squirrels away and fastening dead branches to the tops of the feeders. Not only do the dead branches allow extra "seating" for the birds waiting their turn to feed, it is also helpful for the photographer! I don't complain about shooting birds at the feeders, but it is nice to get them in a more natural setting. One of the volunteers even placed a bird blind next to the most popular feeding station. I can't wait to use that!








My favorite weather is bird chirping weather.
Terri Guillemets

Linking with Wild Bird Wednesday.

46 comments:

Nancy said...

A couple of years ago, I purchased an annual pass to our local NRD area. I really need to do that again and get out to take some nature photos. Love these finches -- just adorable.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Wonderful...well worth the price for the pleasure you get plus the money is for a good cause to keep it going. Thank you for sharing!

Anvilcloud said...

It looks like a great place for one who shoots birds.

Elizabeth Edwards said...

i am not sure if my area has such a thing. i will have to look into that. what a great investment. you will enjoy each time you go there & enjoy the views. so fun!! ( :

Optimistic Existentialist said...

Are those finches Gail? I love them!!

Author R. Mac Wheeler said...


chirp, chirp

Ela said...

Beautiful shots and lovely birds
Greetings

TexWisGirl said...

the house finches are beautiful shots! but that last one with the little goldfinch coming in made me smile. :)

Anita Johnson said...

I love that quote...I can't wait for bird chirping weather!

Karen said...

I love these little finches. Terrific captures!

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

Gosh these are great photos! How handy to have the bird blind too.

You asked about German Baptist. They are probably closer to Mennonite than Amish, because they drive and such. Some people call them Dunkards, but it's slightly un-PC to do so, I've always thought.

don said...

You do a fine job of capturing the beauty and details of the wild birds. I like the limbs. You have access to a wonderful place to shoot.

Anonymous said...

dit is genieten wat is het weer mooi.

Les Fous du Cap said...

We really enjoyed visiting your blog. Congratulations on your pretty picture ;-)
CĂ©line & Philippe

hootnonny said...

These are great. I'm guessing the female is in the drab colors. Don't understand why God did this...it's the opposite, usually, for humans!

Anonymous said...

Those finches are SO beautiful!

Barbara said...

I can't wait to see the photos you capture there. My birds are so shy, maybe I should set up my own birding area and blind!

Hilary said...

They are wonderful shots. Seeing a house finch is a treat for me. I rarely happen upon them.

John @ Beans and I on the Loose said...

Outstanding images with stunning clarity. Well done. Thanks for visiting my In Sync post.

Wally Jones said...

Bluebonnet sounds/looks like a great place to visit and roam around!

Wonderful images of the Finches!

Amy Burzese said...

These are great, Gail! I know you will get a lot of use of your $25. I need to look into some places around here. Thanks for all of your too kind comments for me lately. It is much appreciated!

Dave said...

little attention to detail such as branches for perching and photography makes all the difference.

EG CameraGirl said...

The $25 sounds like a good investment to me! I love the shot of the goldfinch about to land on the feeder.

Anonymous said...

So is this the famous 'purple' finch? Great shots. Love them. Dianne

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness...they are absolutely stunning! So glad they have given them a good feeding experience!

Ruth Hiebert said...

Yup,I like bird chirping weather as well. These pictures are spectacular.

eileeninmd said...

I can not wait till I hear the birds chirping outside.. Pretty closeups of Mr & Mr House Finch.

Connie Smiley said...

What a wonderful place! You've certainly made good use of it, with these great photos. That second shot it priceless!
Thanks so much for your kind comment.

sunshine said...

Wunderful photos and great details.

renae said...

Tremendous Gail! Those are as if right in front of me and I could reach out and touch him/her. wow.

So glad you love the scarf tutorials. They aren't easy to make and so when I hear gratitude regarding them - IT MAKES MY DAY! :D

Barb said...

You sure got some great shots - already $25 worth!

Anonymous said...

Such sweet little birds.

DeniseinVA said...

Your Mr. and Mrs. Finch are so sweet. The sunlight on the male's red feathers makes it look like velvet, and Mrs. Finch has a beauty all of her own. Fantastic photos Gail!

Tammy@Simple Southern Happiness said...

I think I would pay that, you get to shoot birds but do not have to pay for the seed nor clean up the mess. YOU have some amazing photos and captured the detail of their eyes.

Deanna said...

so that's where all of my birds go in the winter....beautiful captures!!

Kerry said...

Oh, aren't they just so beautiful? Those streaks are gorgeous on the breast of that finch. Your $25 is well spent.

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

The finch photos alone are worth the price of the season pass. Those are wonderful! Love the "incoming" shot. :)

Linda said...

Beautiful pictures! I love his colors and she looks very sharp too!

Unknown said...

Such great snaps my friend. I LOVE to watch birds at my feeder. But yesterday the squirrel ate the feeder.. Yep you heard me right. Now I need to buy a new feeder. Darn squirrel. This time it will be metal not plastic.

Hugs~

Brian King said...

Nice! Excellent catch light! I, too, prefer the natural setting, but sometimes I'll take what I can get.

Mary Howell Cromer said...

These are really beautiful images of such lovely birds too!

Breathtaking said...

Hi! Many thanks for passing by my blog Gail. You have a very beautiful nature blog and I will follow you.

Your shots of the Housefinch are fabulous. I have the same problema getting the natural look. Most of my bird captures are at the feeders.

Debbie said...

looks a lot like my back yard feeders....you got some great close-ups!!

Anonymous said...

Places like that are really neat. I'd love to take my camera somewhere like that and get some practice with shooting creatures other than my cats.

Helma said...


Beautiful Gail!
These are pictures of birds that I like very much had made ​​:-)
Class!

Suzan said...

Pretty finches!! They are certainly enjoying their winter's snack!! You are always awesome!!