Painted Redstart |
Today's post is fun and incredibly awesome. There were many lifebirds here for me and during my stay at the Birder's B & B in Portal, AZ I was able to drink coffee, read my book and bird!!! Many people ask if it's worth spending your money on birding places and my answer is "YES!"
Black-throated Gray Warbler |
While my hikes were productive, much of my finds happened outside of my cabin door! There's nothing better than to have birds surrounding you at all times because you never know who will drop in. These were some special finds......like the Blue-throated Hummingbird.
Blue-throated Hummingbird |
Hammond's Flycatcher |
Of course during the quiet of my reading, a lot of these little birds would fly right up to the running water.
Hermit Thrush |
But it was incredible. The Warbler Invasion was awesome. I've heard about this happening in other places but never had I witnessed it in person. Not only did the warblers come in great numbers but so did lots of Sparrows, Bridled Titmouse, Painted Redstart(also considered a warbler), Flycatchers, and hummers! It was like a small bird party.
I sat smiling in the cool temps of Portal drinking wonderful coffee and reading a great book.
Chipping Sparrow |
They had been reported at Sweetwater in Tucson but I wasn't having any luck finding them. Plus I wasn't even sure I'd know one if I saw it. Then in Portal, I saw the tiny flying skunk in the sky:) And I knew I had found myself a new lifebird.
And while all of this was going on up in the canopy of the trees, I was watching the sidelines. Lots of fun action happening from previous birds I had already seen.....but they're still cool to watch:)
Ruby Crowned Kinglet |
And here we see some fancy flight work going on. While I was having a conversation with one of the owners, I was taking pictures:) Fascinating stuff here.
This Blue-throat looks like a young one as he was a smaller male compared to the rest.
The difficult part about the warbler invasion came from the huge variety of warblers that were out there. And I know I missed a lot more. But I did witness my last lifebird below. Not only was my stay at the Bed and Breakfast relaxing; it was also rewarding. It truly was a birding oasis and that's what I love about these places. When you're not hiking, you can still relax in a rocking chair with a cup of coffee and watch birds. More tomorrow....
Townsend's Warbler |
Good birding series !
ReplyDeleteIt's always nice how you can photographed these nice little birds.... my compliments Chris.
ReplyDeleteGreetings, Joop
Some wonderful birds there Chris and great photos :) Sounds like a bird paradise and well done on the lifers you saw :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like a wonderful and relaxing retreat- lovely photos!
ReplyDeleteGreat collection of birds and photos, Chris! Looks like a fantastic place to stay and for birding. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteAn excellent series of shots Chris!
ReplyDeleteOglądałam post z góry na dół, później z dołu do góry i znowu na dół, żeby się napatrzeć na śliczne ptaki. Pozdrawiam.
ReplyDeleteI watched the post from top to bottom, then from bottom to top and back down to a good look at beautiful birds. Yours.
such cuties. i liked your 'flying skunk'. :)
ReplyDeleteLove seeing all of your SMALL birds, Chris. We have lots of them around here. Right now though, we are over-run by Pine Siskins (which are eating us out of home and home)...
ReplyDeleteHave a good weekend.
Betsy
You are living the life!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing collection of bird photos. I enjoy looking them. The Ruby Crowned Kinglet looks so confused because he is spoilt for choice.
ReplyDeleteI love every single one of these pictures. The ones of birds in flight are always my favs. Wings!
ReplyDeleteGlad you were able to get away and enjoy the B&B.
That whole coffee, rocking chair, porch thingy should never be underestimated.
These bird pics are all so good! It's terrific getting to see these birds that don't hang out in our parts.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds as if you had a great time :)
ReplyDeleteYour pictures are really wonderful - such beautiful wee birds. :))
Dang! Nice photos Chris, really great work. It's hard to get good close-ups on these little flighty birds but this is excellent. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteI like this kind of birding. You sure got some great shots and congrats on the lifers. What size lens were you using?
ReplyDeleteOh my it's a veritable treasure trove of wonderful images Chris, I cannot tell you how happy I would be with images like this. Nice work indeed, and you got in some relaxing time too, it's all good!
ReplyDeleteThese are wonderful photos! I especially love the two blue throats, and the Redstart. Well, they are all great. I know you had an awesome trip!
ReplyDeleteI am always awed with your diligence in posting, but i thought, you have to do that or else a lot of photos need to be posted. That's a lot of birds in one trip! And I am awed also at your expertise in getting them flying or moving, when in my case, i can't even get the good shot of a fluttering butterfly! Grrrr! I am envious at your expertise, and your lenses!
ReplyDeleteI loved staying at Portal and I wish we had more time to sit and relax and observe like you did. I love these "little pippy birds" - that's what I call them because of the sounds they make. I have a pair in the yard right now that I believe are traveling through, but I can't get a good picture of them, but when I do, you'll be the go-to guy. :)
ReplyDelete