Wintery Mix of Birds

A Second Look                                        25 December 2012

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Great light and a great experience always deserve a second look.  There is, of course, some risk in a second look.  Sometimes the fullfillment of a first look is hard to beat.  In the case of a biodiversity-rich place, something new will always turn up.  Setting expectations low and mindset to wide-open will keep every return visit pleasant.  I returned a second day to enjoy this Mississippi River bird feeding wonder.

Northern Cardinal

 

While the species list stayed consistent, the opportunities for art were surprisingly different.  Blue Jays, more than commonplace in every forested Wisconsin habitat, are extremely difficult to photograph under normal conditions.   The jays, among other birds, are remarkably tame at Goose Island County Park.  Northern Cardinals, Red-bellied Woodpeckers, and Mourning Doves, normally jittery, nervous camera subjects, do not differentiate photographer from stump or post. Chickadees and nuthatches perched on my hat, and a Downy Woodpecker climbed up my pant-leg.  

Blue Jay

Downy Woodpecker

 

Swamp Sparrow, winter plumage (very similar to Lincoln's Sparrow in appearance!)

 

Mourning Dove

 

May the generosity continue at this remarkable feeding station along the Mississippi River!  If you happen to sleuth out this not-so-secret spot, you must repay the generosity by bringing your own high-quality bird seed.  Stand quietly and observe respectfully with a delightfully smirking smile! It is the gift you receive from more than two decades of dedicated generosity.   It is the gift you pay forward.  It is the gift you feel returned ten-fold when a chickadee perches on the tip of your lens, staring you in the eye from a few fluffy inches away.

Northern Cardinal, Tufted Titmouse, and Dark-eyed Junco

All images were photographed with a refurbished Canon 7D and my favorite 300mm f4 IS Canon flourite lens.  If you happen to be visiting the towns along the Mississippi River in search of nature, be sure to tell the people along your economic path (shops, restaurants, gas stations, etc.) that the reason for your travels was the abundance of nature.  Gently remind those people receiving your business that it is the birds that brought them your money.  Remind them that protecting those habitats and scenic beauties that keep the birds will serve to keep their businesses strong.  You vote with your dollars.  How you spend is part of the equation of sustainability.  Vote for the birds as you visit them.  The General Store in Stockholm Wisconsin (Stockholm General) is one great example of a business that is using local products and voicing the importance of protecting scenic beauty to the area's captains of industry.