Birdsong

Most migrating birds are back and that provides a dawn to dusk symphony  in the garden.  Spring seems to be the season the birds sing the loudest; need to declare territory and for the males to show the ladies that he can sing.  After observing them for years, I can tell now when they will be back.  The Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) will be back when the cherry trees start to bud.  The Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus) will be passing through at the same time.  They summer further north.  Hummingbirds will come when the columbine starts to bloom.  Tree Swallows are here as soon as the insects are flying about.

Nature’s impeccable timing.

I was sick last week so gardening in the sun was off limits.  Setting up a blind to take bird photos was too much work when my head felt like it would explode any minute.  But sitting around doing nothing would have made me even sicker, that’s when the light bulb came on.

iPhone, little tripod for phone, remote control…..should work…..and it did.  I just sat there 30 feet away clicking the remote control, capturing the birds activity up close without interrupting them.

Here are a couple of videos: Baltimore Oriole enjoyed his oranges and Some backyard birds at the feeder.  I will post some other birds when I have time to edit some of my experimental videos.

Hummingbirds are my next target.