Bill surprised me with a new camera this weekend (to replace the one that broke a few weeks ago), and I am once again able to take pictures of my beloved songbirds - through the looking glass as usual! Here's the sight that caught my eye just now (very early Monday morning) ... a new visitor to the Our Lady of Grace feeder:
This is a rose-breasted grosbeak, one of the largest members of the finch family. He is new to our feeders this spring, but since he arrived a few weeks ago, his colorful presence has been frequent and much appreciated. His song is beautiful, as well. He arrived seemingly ready to socialize; he doesn't fly off so quickly if we appear at the windows, but rather, cocks his little head and fixes us with a steady gaze. According to one bird book I consulted, grosbeaks are "unusually confiding, as birders say, showing little fear of humans."
I've only ever seen one grosbeak, the male, but I assume there's probably a pair. The female is drab in appearance, and looks quite like a sparrow so it is possible I have missed her. I will now keep my eyes peeled for her since I assume she is somewhere nearby. A fellow so handsome as this can't possibly remain a bachelor for long!
Here he is from the other side, to give you an idea of his shape and size. He's not as big as a robin, but close. Bigger than a sparrow or titmouse, but just. His markings are so striking!
Now, about my new camera. ;)
Thank you to everyone who left me suggestions for camera shopping; I have printed out your comments to save for the future. We decided, for now, to return to my original camera style for two reasons - A. I'm not much one for change, lol and B. it was on sale at a local office supply store this weekend. Bill actually picked out a slightly different version of my first, a Sony Cyber-shot - this new one is called a "Super Steady Shot" which sounds good to me - I can use all the help I can get with steadying my pictures!
Here's the last picture I took with my mum's camera:
My old camera is on the left with the zoom lens frozen out in place. My new camera is on the right. You can see how much smaller it is.
It is also much lighter and I think will be easier to tote around (and slip in my pocket). I like it very much and can hardly wait to get back to my nature photos!
Speaking of nature photos, I just got in from a quick tour of the yard ...
Our raspberries are starting to ripen! In fact, the boys each enjoyed one ripe red berry this morning upon waking. Above you see one of the golden berries.
A pretty mystery flower blooming just behind our fence and wildflower patch. I'll be checking the field guides today ...
Update! I think I found a match here - and would you believe, the name of this lovely and unusual wildflower is none other than Sweet William? A member of the dianthus family (or "cottage pinks" if you prefer), they must have that trademark spicy clove scent - I'll have to check and see. :)
Another mysterious flower, this one buttery yellow and just opening for the day. I'll pop back out in an hour or two to see how it looks unfolded.
I know it is almost July when the orange daylilies start blooming along the roadsides. Ours are always late, and I think that's because they grow in the shade garden.
But our neighbor's are ready to pop! They are better situated in a warm sunny spot.
Well, I'm off to start the day ... looks to be hot with temperatures nearing 90 (in the 90's for certain midweek). Summertime is here at last!
Thank you, honey, for the new camera, and thank you mum and dad for letting me hijack yours for the past few weeks. And thanks again to everyone for stopping by today! Hope your day is a good one.
