All Photographs by David lilly
A while back I wrote an article about the White-breasted nuthatch. in the article I talked about how the nuthatch is upside down for ninety percent of the time, just like the photo to the right.
I was photographing this nuthatch and was lucky to get its wings open. They are very fast, if you blink they are gone.
I consider myself lucky to get this photo.
Nikon d 500 with a Nikon 200 - 500mm lens.
The Rock pigeon is a colourful bird in the right light.
Photographing the bird in the snow in a way to isolate it against the snow was a bonus. They are not easy to photograph as they spook easily.
Nikon D 500 with a Nikon 500mm pf lens
The dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis) is a small songbird native to North America. It belongs to the family Emberizidae, which also includes sparrows, towhees, and buntings. Dark-eyed juncos are commonly found throughout the continent, particularly in forests, woodlands, and suburban areas. They are known for their distinctive plumage variations across different geographic regions.
These birds have a rounded body shape with short, stout bills, and they typically measure around 5 to 6 inches in length. Dark-eyed juncos exhibit sexual dimorphism, meaning males and females have different plumage patterns. However, both genders generally have a gray or brownish-gray body with white underparts and outer tail feathers. The plumage variations are most apparent in the head and upperparts.
One of the most striking features of dark-eyed juncos is their behavior during winter. They are often seen foraging on the ground in flocks, especially in snowy or colder climates. Dark-eyed juncos primarily feed on seeds, insects, and occasionally berries. During the breeding season, they nest in shrubs or on the ground, constructing cup-shaped nests from grasses, twigs, and moss.
Overall, dark-eyed juncos are a familiar sight to birdwatchers across North America, known for their adaptable nature and distinct appearance. They are also popular subjects for scientific research, particularly regarding their behavior and ecology.
Nikon D 500 with a Nikon 200 - 500mm lens
