Sore Eyes

What happens when you search beyond the "Usual Suspects" while birding?

Hutton's Vireo

You get sore eyes searching for new ones!!!!  But boy is it worth it!  These shots were taken at Madera Canyon while a woman was singing a Karen Carpenter song loudly.  I couldn't hear the bird sounds very well because they were drowned out by....."Why do birds, suddenly appear, every time you are near?"  Very sick sense of humor....but I like that song.  And it makes me laugh....now:)

Tree Creeper

So while the audio waves were blocked by this mad singing siren, I had to keep my eyes focused on slight movement.  There were so many little birds flying around that it was once again hard to focus.  I'm finding that there is a certain time when all the little birds flock together and feed.  I was in the hot spot as it all happened around me.

Bridled Titmouse

On this observation, I'd pick up three more for the lifelist:)  The Tree Creeper and Hutton's Vireo were most welcome surprises.....especially the Hutton's Vireo.  I knew the bird was different because of the head formation but I put it out to the ID Bird Gurus and it sparked a long conversation on how this bird gets confused with others.  I got lost in the conversation somewhere but am glad I got that one checked off my list.  Cute bird but it can be one of the difficult ones out there to ID:)

But moving along, I observed this Dark Eyed Junco(below) along with many of his compadres as they fed around the feeders at a local B & B in Madera Canyon.  

Dark Eyed Junco

Always a thrill to watch and never shy to the camera are the lovely and loud Mexican Jays:)

Squirrels, Lesser Goldfinches, Hummingbirds, Wild Turkey were all present.

The little birds make you work.  They are quick, fast and usually in deep shade to get on film or plain old ID.  But after all is said and done, it can be very rewarding.  On this day, I would learn much about behavior.

I want to say that the woman was annoying but she wasn't.  I got a little misty eyed.  I listened to Karen Carpenter as a child on the 8 Track.  She was one of my favorites growing up.  It was my parent's wedding song.  And today it's the featured video.  RIP Karen.  I still listen to your music and apparently so do others:)  More tomorrow....