The Tanagers Are Back

Song - Western Tanager Call

Can you spot him?

On Friday my son Andy spotted one on the dead tree near our creek 

but then he flitted away before I could get my camera or binoculars.

Then on Sunday I spotted two outside my office window on the pergola eating the grapes.

I looked at my blog and found that the last time they were in my neighborhood 

was in May 2016.

But by the time I located my camera and put on the telephoto lens....they were gone.

So now I have my camera on my desk so that is how I captured these photos yesterday.

Unfortunately, he is not singing but panting as it was 103 degrees outside.

 

I had Mr. B move a bird bath nearby

 and a friend told me to place some ice cubes in there to keep it cool.

Now I have to figure out what to do with my other grape eaters - time for a new squirt gun!

"The highway of life is filled 

with flat squirrels that couldn't make a decision."

 -- John C. Maxwell

Mellow Yellow

Song - Yellow Bird by Chet Atkins

Can you see him?

He is right in the center of the shot, trying to avoid the Paparazzi....me!

A flock of Western Tanager's flew into our garden late in the afternoon.  I was taking my end-of-day walk around the garden and as I stopped near the creek, I saw them.  Beautiful!!!  

I ran back inside to get my camera and by the time I returned, they seemed to have disappeared.  Like in the top photo......but they were still there!

Male Western Tanager

Female

I pulled up a chair and patiently waited for them to show their sweet little faces.

And just as I was changing my camera settings, I saw this.  

But he was so fast that I couldn't quite capture him very well.

 

Do you see him?

Quick.....look right.

A beautiful hawk buzzed right by me and I quickly tried to refocus but he was too fast for me.  It just amazes me when I see real photographers who capture amazing bird photo's.  I have been trying for years and it really makes me appreciate their photo skills!

I was hoping to show you a photo of the Tanager's drinking water from the creek but decided to just take a photo of the branches that they like to hang out on that are hanging over the water.

When I came inside and opened up this shot on my computer...oh wait...

........do you see them?

The female is at the upper right in the sunshine

 and the male is at the lower left.  

I was surprised that they have such good camo!

Heading into the house, I decided to take a peek at mama Mourning Dove.

  

No babies sighted yet.

Daddy Mourning Dove arrives later each day.....6:11 this evening!

Mr. B better go have a talk with him!!!

"Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang the best." 

-- Henry Van Dyke