In March my chosen photo was of a bird, and so it is in April - taken right at the very first day of April and I already knew then that this was my favorite image.
Every summer the Hooded Orioles come to my neighborhood to raise their young. They live in a tree very close to our property. Usually they arrive some time in April, but this year they came much earlier - I had never seen them as early as the first of April. I saw this little guy - the male - sitting on the wire and since I couldn't really see what kind of bird it was I fetched my binoculars - and when I saw that it was an oriole I was so happy. He was sitting on that wire and "chatting" (they are very chatty birds), so I ran to get my PowerShot with its powerful zoom and captured this image of him. Never before had I got such a clear image of this bird. They are very shy and flutter away as soon as they see people. However, they love hummingbird nectar and grape jelly, so I started to fill up the little molds on my hummingbird feeder with the jelly. Both the male and female come by several times during the day to fuel up. Even when I don't see them I can hear their delightful chatter, and it makes my heart sing to know that they're here. They will stay until the end of August when they start their long journey to the South.
I am joining Sarah and Leรณn for Scene and Story again as I try to do every first Sunday of a month. You can find more stories here.
Fantastic detail in this photo! You can even see his little claws. I don't see these birds near me. I love the story about the grape jelly, too.
ReplyDeleteThey are so beautiful! Sounds like so much fun to watch them. I love to watch different birds and listen to them too. It's so peaceful! Love your post and what a beautiful picture.
ReplyDeleteHe is a beauty. I am bird obsessed, and get soooo much joy out of them. And thanks to the wonders of the blogosphere can marvel at the birds that others see.
ReplyDeleteThis is an amazing photo, so sharp. Birds are a bugger to capture. I have taken more time lately to watch the birds, they are such delightful creatures.
ReplyDeleteThis little bird is a beauty.
ReplyDeletelovely shot of this oriole Carola! This is a bird that I have never seen in texas. So colorful and love hearing the sounds of the birds
ReplyDeleteCarola, I am so jealous! I wait for the orioles each year to come to my hummingbird feeder. I love the bright yellow of the males and have tried many times to get a picture of them without any luck. You're right. They are very skittish and chatty birds. What a great hint you have passed on about the grape jelly. I'll have to give that a try.
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous shot of this beautiful bird! I've never seen this bird in Europe. I must look it up to learn more about it!
ReplyDeleteHow lovely that it came early this year! So clever to fill up your Hummingbird feeder and put out grape jelly to entice these beautiful birds over and to be able to listen to their chatter!
Carola, I was so happy to see this beautiful hooded oriole! I used to see them when I lived in California, and I miss them. We put treats out especially for them, but it was funny to see them trying to figure out how to stick their big beaks into the hummingbird feeders as well! They're such a glorious color. I miss them.
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful photo!
ReplyDeleteThat is quite a lens you have! Wow! These are such pretty birds and we don't see them often where I live. It's a real treat when we do.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful photograph! I have a heck of a time taking pictures of birds and most the time don't even try, I just admire them. Good information to know about the orioles, I had no idea they like the grape jelly.
ReplyDeleteGreat capture. He is a cutie!
ReplyDeleteWonderful capture Carola!
ReplyDeletesuch a beautiful clear image of the little guy..
ReplyDeleteI love how you do a favorite image of the month. I can see why you chose it. It's a fabulous photo and a most unusual looking bird. Very nice indeed!
ReplyDeleteTruly beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photo! How exciting that visit your area every year! That's something wonderful to look forward to each year!
ReplyDeleteHello Carola, thanks for visiting today. You have such a lovely blog with many wonderful pictures. I've been browsing through your posts, but thought I'd comment on this pretty bird picture, as I love the birds and their song. And the hummingbird is my favorite. We would love it if you would follow us, and I would certainly follow you as well. It's nice to meet new friends, especially as we are from northern California too. : )
ReplyDelete~Sheri at Red Rose Alley