May Birds and Blooms Vol. II

Enjoy our logging of the second half of the month of May, one filled with an abundance of color and life!

 The early morning light found this Red-shouldered Hawk high over the pond watching for some breakfast.

But his morning was not peaceful, as the Bluejay was not happy with his presence.

The hawk was not flustered, but did flinch noticeably when the Bluejay buzzed.

 Later that day, same hawk, different detractor; a mockingbird. 

The Painted Bunting seemed fine with sharing the feeder with a sparrow.

Colorful little bird on a wire.

 Female Painted Bunting

 A sprinkler running in the late afternoon will always boost up the photo shoot. Female Northern Cardinal.

The Carolina Wren was enjoying my water dish just off the porch.

 At the office deck, comin' in for a landing.

 The Lesser Goldfinches demand equal time, but rarely get it.

We've been enjoying the return of the Scrub Jays. They even poke around on the deck from time to time.

This House Finch was confused, but that's o.k.

 A couple of male Lesser Goldfinches.

Male Black-chinned hummer at the office feeder.

 The Yellow-crowned Night Herons have been regulars on the pond this spring.

 And they can do a little side-step!

Green Heron seems intent on something else, but he's interested in whatever the Night Heron is hunting.

Some evenings there are two.

 Female Painted Bunting

My favorite summer visitor, the Painted Bunting.

 Female Black-chinned hummer posing with the knock-out roses.

 Proud of this capture of the Black-chinned in the early light on my porch.

 And the female as well.

Our Red-shouldered Hawk has been quite active around the pond, and seems to be as much a fisherman as the herons.

 A rare moment of stillness.

And yes, she's givin' me the stink-eye!

 Cardinal in the early light off my porch.

And on the wing.

 You know those beautiful black swallowtail butterflies? Yep, this is how they start! Chowin' down on our parsley.

 We'll close out May with a promise of a song in the air, as daddy Bewick's Wren is feeding mama in the church house on our porch. They are my favorite song bird!