Northern Flicker

This year, I noticed a lot more woodpeckers around my neighbor's orchard and my yard. Fortunately for us, they have stayed away from the walls of our house, for the most part!

This set of pictures were taken from my window (cold air coming in the house even as the heater came on notwithstanding!) with my camera, 600mm telescope and 2x teleconverter set up. The pictures could have been a lot sharper if not for the vibration caused by the mirror slap from my camera every time I clicked the shutter. Yes, I did use a remote shutter release, but that did not stop the vibration.

Autumn Birds

Here are some pictures of birds that I took this week. Some of these birds are found in my backyard all year round, like the woodpeckers and the hummingbirds, and others are migrating birds that are from a little further north of California.

It is fun photographing them and learning the identity of each bird.

"Oregon" Junco

Golden-crowned Sparrow

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Song Sparrow

Mockingbird

Northern Flicker Woodpecker

Nuttall's Woodpecker

Starling

Hummingbird

The hummingbird is a beautiful bird and photographing it can be quite a challenge. It moves so quickly that even before you can get your camera focused properly it has moved to the next flower.

Fortunately for me, the ones in my mother-in-law's yard are quite used to being around people that they do not get spooked too easily when you approach them as they sit on a small branch.

I especially love the photos taken during one foggy morning. The bokeh background looks more interesting than usual.

Female Western Blue Bird

The female Western Bluebird has a more washed-out blue color.

Male House Finch

The male House Finch has red coloring on the head and chest.

Yellow-rumped Warbler

This is a common backyard bird in California.

Western Blue Bird

The male Western Blue Bird has a striking blue color.

Red-breasted Robin

The red-breasted robin is a common sight in the spring.

Western Scrub-jay

The Western Scrub Jay is a noisy bird and a common site in the California backyard.

Black Phoebe

A Male Western Bluebird

Simply love the bright blue plumage!

Hummingbird