Mourning Dove Carrying Pine Needles for Nest Building
A Mourning Dove carries pine needles through my Arkansas yard as it gathers nest material, a simple sign that nesting season is underway.
Bird Photography
Bird photography can be challenging. You need the right gear. A good camera and lens are key. Settings matter too. Fast shutter speeds help freeze motion. Learn how to adjust ISO and aperture. Techniques are important. Think about composition. Get close-ups. Try aerial shots. Capture birds in their habitat. Patience is needed. Birds move quickly. They can be hard to find. Study bird behavior. Know where they live. Understand their habits. This will help you get better photos.
Male Downy Woodpecker Waiting for His Morning Suet
A male Downy Woodpecker waited near my deck for suet, then called for breakfast. I photographed the moment in Arkansas.
Barred Owl Pellet Found in My Arkansas Yard
I found what appears to be a Barred Owl pellet under a pine tree in my Arkansas yard, with hair and tiny bone fragments visible.
Northern Flicker Pulls a Buried Acorn From the Ground
A Northern Flicker probed the ground in my Arkansas yard, pulled up a buried acorn, cracked it open, and ate the kernel.
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker on a Dwarf Pear Tree in Arkansas
A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker climbed my dwarf pear tree in Arkansas, showing the neat bands of holes these woodpeckers drill in bark.
Mourning Dove Iridescent Color in My Arkansas Yard
Mourning Dove iridescent color stands out in these Arkansas yard photos, with soft pink shimmer and close detail from my deck.
American Robins Can Be Brutal During Territorial Fights
American Robin territorial fight photos from my yard show how fierce these birds can be during breeding season. Camera settings included.
Eastern Bluebird Faces a Territorial Mockingbird at the Birdhouse
An Eastern Bluebird checked my birdhouse in late February, but a territorial mockingbird may make nesting harder this spring.