Camera Critters #216

It’s always a nice time for a photographer when the birds are migrating.  I see a better variety of birds in the spring than I do throughout the summer.

Earlier this week, I got some good photos of a bird which has eluded me in the past.


The Wilson’s Warbler is an active little bird, but this one gave me good looks and time for a decent photo.

Misty Dawn’s Camera Critter Meme is a great way see critters the world over. Go to the homepage here to see more. Then join the fun and add your own.

Camera Critters #215

One of my favorite birds in this area, is the Yellow-headed Blackbird.

Their bright and dark colors contrasting in the sunlight, make them a sight to see.

A week ago, I went to Fireman’s Pond to check on dragonflies.  I was lucky enough to see my first of the season.  However, I came across a fearless blackbird at the same time.

This guy was ten feet away from me, watching every move I made.  As I began shooting images of him, he began singing.  Well, what the Yellow-headed Blackbird considers singing.  Hear its voice here.



Misty Dawn’s Camera Critter Meme is a great way see critters the world over. Go to the homepage here to see more. Then join the fun and add your own.

Camera Critters #214

During a recent bike ride in the Dry Canyon area of Redmond, Oregon, I came upon a tree which was singing louder than any tree I had ever heard before.

After stopping and getting the camera ready, I realized the tree was full of Evening Grosbeaks.  There were adult males, females, juvenile males and females.  And they all were calling away.



After snapping a number of photos, I got on my bike and continued my ride.

Misty Dawn’s Camera Critter Meme is a great way see critters the world over. Go to the homepage here to see more. Then join the fun and add your own.

Camera Critters #213

It’s not often I can say I have photographed a new mammal, but today I can.

While riding along the dirt trails of the Dry Canyon in Redmond, Oregon, I noticed something in the distance.  For some reason I was thinking rabbit, until I got a little closer.  My thought then went to rock chuck, which after looking at the critter through my camera lens, I realized it wasn’t that either.

So I snapped off a few shots, moved a little closer, snapped off a few more and moved in a little closer…oops…too close.  The critter disappeared into a hole.

California Ground Squirrel

When I got home and began looking at the creature, I realized it was something I hadn’t photographed before.  There are a number of mammals I haven’t photographed, so it’s not like I’ve shot so many I’m hitting the bottom of the barrel, but I rarely see new mammals in town.

But this California Ground Squirrel was definitely a new creature.  Not only that, but they are mostly known in the western part of the state, on the other side of Cascade Mountains.

Misty Dawn’s Camera Critter Meme is a great way see critters the world over. Go to the homepage here to see more. Then join the fun and add your own.