After being under the weather for the past 14 days, I finally ventured out for a much-needed birding adventure. The goal? To capture little songbirds like sparrows, chickadees, robins, and finches. While the day didn’t unfold exactly as planned, it turned out to be full of surprises, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the wildlife moments I experienced.
On my way to the first park, I spotted a bald eagle perched majestically at the top of a tree by the highway. Excited, I drove a good distance to find a safe place to turn around and park. As I stood by the highway observing him for several minutes, he seemed completely unbothered by the hustle and bustle of life below. I couldn’t help but wonder what he was thinking. Was he worrying about anything? He looked like he didn’t have a care in the world other than perhaps where he would get lunch or dinner that day. But for a bald eagle, is that really a worry given that they are expert hunters? Perhaps I need to observe life like the eagle does—from a higher perspective, letting go of the small worries and focusing on the bigger picture. While the eagle had his back to me, I managed to catch a unique shot of him mid-yawn—proof that even these regal creatures have their lazy moments.
At the first park, I set up my bird feeding stands, inspired by a technique I saw on YouTube, to lure small birds closer for photography. Despite my efforts, the only birds around were robins who kept their distance. Robins are small yet charismatic birds that often bring a sense of calm to those who pause to watch them. I stood there, listening to their soft, rhythmic chirps—a soothing balm to my soul. They flitted nearby, their movements lively yet deliberate, as if they were just as curious about me as I was about them. Observing their behavior, I couldn’t help but feel a quiet connection, a moment shared between two beings simply existing in the same space.
As I waited for the little birds to come to my platform, I took the opportunity to capture a few 'winter' foliage photos. Bright yellow lichen on a branch, vibrant red berries, and a unique brown flower caught my eye, each adding a touch of seasonal beauty to the quiet surroundings.
I believe this is a 'common selfheal' or 'heal-all' herbaceous plant. In spring and summer, it typically bursts into vibrant shades of purple, but even now, isn't it gorgeous? The subtle browns and beiges of its dried petals, combined with the intricate patterns of how they fold outward, are stunning in their own way. Taking the time to observe where you are can shift your perspective, revealing the beauty in what we might normally pass by or consider mundane.
After an hour of waiting, I decided to move on and try my luck elsewhere. I look forward to using them in the spring when there are more birds about. So stay tuned for another try later on!
Feeling slightly deflated, I grabbed some lunch and headed to a local bird sanctuary. As I stepped out of my car, I heard the familiar call of Kane Kingfisher, the local kingfisher. The kingfisher's distinct call before fishing serves as a territorial announcement and a way to communicate its presence to others.
This behavior can also help clear the area of potential competitors or threats, ensuring the bird has an uninterrupted moment to dive and hunt effectively. He was perched on a little island in the lagoon. Although he was far away, I captured a few photos before he took off again. One day, I’ll get that perfect in-flight shot, Kane!
The sanctuary was buzzing with life. I spotted pintail ducks, a first for me at this location! The male pintail was striking, with a sleek chocolate-brown head, white neck, and long pointed tail.
"The pintail duck's feathers are a masterpiece of nature, with intricate patterns and rich colors—chocolate-brown heads, sleek white necks, and delicately mottled wings—showcasing the artistry of evolution in every detail."
In contrast, the female pintail’s mottled brown plumage provided excellent camouflage, blending beautifully with her surroundings. She looked very demure and regal.
These migratory birds are drawn to bird sanctuaries, which offer safe resting and feeding areas rich in aquatic vegetation and invertebrates—perfect for fueling their long journeys.
Next, I turned my lens to a couple of rock pigeons displaying affection. Their iridescent turquoise and purple necks shone in the overcast light, reminding me how underappreciated these city-dwellers are. These highly social birds are often seen in flocks, engaging in courtship behaviors like gentle pecking and cooing. Their iridescent neck feathers shimmer with turquoise and purple hues, making them surprisingly striking up close. Despite being common, their unique coloring and lively interactions always catch my eye.
"Amid the chaos of daily life, nature's simplest wonders often go unnoticed—like the shimmering iridescence of a pigeon's neck. When we pause to truly see, even the mundane reveals a beauty that reminds us to appreciate the extraordinary in the ordinary."
Nearby, a very vocal Red-Winged Blackbird demanded seed from me (which I didn’t have), his persistence earning him a spot in my camera roll. The Red-Winged Blackbird is easily recognized by the males' striking black plumage adorned with vibrant red and yellow shoulder patches, while females have streaked brown feathers for camouflage. Known for their distinct, melodic songs—a mix of trills and whistles—their calls often echo over wetlands and open fields, serving to establish territory and attract mates.
Next, I was able to get a female Brewer’s Blackbird carefully observing her environment from the ground. She looked very unassuming, with her plain light chocolate-brown plumage blending effortlessly into the surroundings. I wondered if she ever felt overshadowed by the flashy iridescence of the males. Perhaps she saw her subtle coloring as an advantage—a ninja of her environment, able to blend in and avoid detection. Maybe it allowed her to indulge in a bit of "naughty" behavior unnoticed, like sneaking seeds or slipping through the crowd unnoticed. Her quiet beauty and adaptability made her just as fascinating to observe as her male counterparts.
Whereas, the male Brewer’s Blackbird I observed was very forthcoming with his sassy personality, as you can tell from the expression on his face. He also had what looked like a tick or something near his eye. It had me wondering if he was worried about that or not. He seemed unbothered, adapting to his situation as if it were just another part of life.
His striking plumage, with a glossy mix of turquoise and purple on black, was mesmerizing. It’s incredible to see the subtleties in nature’s world—how light plays on these colors to create a dynamic display that’s easy to miss if you’re not paying attention. His combination of resilience and vibrancy left a lasting impression on me, a reminder of the beauty and adaptability found in even the smallest creatures.
Next, I spotted a male starling and a female starling. They were almost identical except that the male was black while the female had a light brown hue. Up close, their feathers appeared as if covered in tiny heart shapes, a beautiful and unique pattern that glistened in the light. Starlings are known for their adaptability and intelligence, thriving in urban environments where they often form large, synchronized flocks called murmurations. These dazzling displays are both a defense mechanism against predators and a mesmerizing natural spectacle.
As the rain began to drizzle, I spotted a white-browned chickadee nestled in a bush. He paused just long enough for me to snap a few portraits, his curious glances suggesting he was also checking to see if I had any seed. The White-Crowned Sparrow is a striking bird with bold black and white stripes on its head and soft gray and brown plumage. They are often seen flitting through bushes at the lagoon, searching for seeds, insects, and berries hidden among the foliage. These shrubs provide both a reliable food source and cover from predators, making them an ideal habitat for these active and melodious songbirds.
By midday, the rain was coming down steadily, and I felt accomplished and fulfilled. After two weeks of being sick, this outing was a reminder of the beauty and solace that nature provides. From a yawning eagle to pintail ducks and songbirds, I’m grateful for the chance to capture these often-overlooked moments with urban wildlife.
These creatures are around us every day, quietly enriching our lives. I hope my photos encourage others to notice, appreciate, and protect the incredible wildlife in our urban spaces.
Love this!! Always a treat to read your blog and see your stunning pictures!!
These expeditions are a real adventure for all of us who can't get out.
wonderful detail