Saturday, May 23, 2009

Camera Critters #59

I have been bird watching in central Oregon for about 14 years now. In that time, I have seen most of the common birds in this area. However, there are a few I haven't seen.

One of those birds is the Black-headed Grossbeak. I have had my opportunities to see one. During my one of my early days, my mom and I went out birding. We were scanning the trees opposite of each other when she said, I see an orange bird with black on it. What is it? I turned in her direction, asked where the bird was and she said, "It just flew."

Another time, I was with some friends and one of them said, "Black-headed Grossbeak in the large pine." By the time I turned to focus my binoculars on that spot, nothing was there.

Earlier this week, I was sitting at my computer when I heard a bird singing in the tree outside my door. It sounded very unfamiliar to me, so I went to the door and realized the bird was higher than I could see. I stepped outside, circled the tree, looking upwards and there it was.

I quickly went and grabbed my camera, lifted it and fired off two shots. Just as I was ready to get a third image, my neighbor started her lawn mower, which startled the bird and off it flew.

But I finally saw a Black-headed Grossbeak. I even got a photo to prove I finally saw one. 8v)


If you would like to see more Camera Critters, just drop by the website here run by Misty Dawn and then join in the fun with an entry of your own.

16 comments:

Juliana said...

Oh...what a GREAT shot

My entry this week: in HERE. I hope that you can stop by as well. Thanks

Janie said...

Beautiful shot. I'm glad you finally saw one.
I'm usually behind the curve when someone says, "Look at ... (fill in whatever cool bird or critter.)"

Unknown said...

Very cool !!!

I've never seen one of those either... so thankyou for sharing :-)

Cute bird, with that orange and yellow belly ...

Ladynred said...

What a nice bird and look at that long beak!

Snap said...

Congratulations and thanks for the story and the great photo!

jabblog said...

Patience brings its own rewards - it sounds like an elusive bird so well done!

Anonymous said...

Great catch! Now go find Bigfoot!!

Monica said...

You are much more patient than I am and you were rewarded! Thanks for sharing

said...

How lovely!

Dianne said...

great shot! pretty bird :)

Mom Knows Everything said...

It's pretty! Is it a small bird like it seems to be in the picture?

Misty DawnS said...

We both know how exciting and wonderful it is to see something we haven't seen before... and even more exciting to get a photo of it ;-)
A purple eyed camo girl comes to mind.

Raise Them Up said...

Congratulations! I've never seen one around here. Great job and picture!

Jenn Jilks said...

So nice to have spring here!

DeniseinVA said...

Great shot! I'm glad you got your photo.

jenn said...

Beautiful bird, and great shot.