Trust

DP135-2013  Posted May 15; processed ditto

Songbirds in the woods around the Nature Center have learned to trust humans who hold out food for them in their hands.  (Signs along the trails politely ask people to feed the birds ONLY by hand, not to put food on the ground for them, and NOT to feed the cranes.)  On the last day of my sister's visit, we walked in these woods and fed the birds.  Feeling their almost negligible weight and the tiny prick of their claws as they land and daintily snatch the chosen seed is a pleasure beyond description.

Kensington Metropark, Milford Township, MI
May 14, 2013
(For those who care, but don't yet know, this was a tufted titmouse.)
Gee ... Dash, dash, dot is Morse code for "G"
Domestic ducks which now live wild on the Huron River.

These ducks are slightly larger than wild mallards, and are much more variable in color.

Gallup Park,
March 17, 2013
Domestic ducks which now live wild on the Huron River.

These ducks are slightly larger than wild mallards, and are much more variable in color.

Gallup Park,
March 17, 2013
Red Crossbill ( Loxia curvirostra; finch family Fringillidae) - a first for me!
What a thrill to see a bird species for the first time.  What a bonus to have that sighting come at our bird feeders where not only can I get sufficiently long viewing times to satisfy my curiosity and confirm my ID, but I have some hope of getting a recognizable photo of it.

The only camera I had at hand with enough zoom capacity to pull the bird in from a distance of ~20 feet was my Canon Powershot SX50HS P&S, which is pretty noisy and not great at focusing where I want it to.  But at least I think you can see it really is a red crossbill.

DP040-2013.  Posted February 9; processed February 8.

Ann Arbor, Michigan
February 6, 2013

I'd love to hear whether other people in the upper midwest or northeastern part of the U.S. have seen this bird this year, and if so, under what circumstances.  I've read that Michigan is along the northern edge of its wintering grounds, and a little south of its southernmost breeding grounds.
Prairie Falcon, Falco mexicanus.
DP029-2013.  Posted January 29; processed January 28.
This was one of four birds of prey (not all raptors) that flew during the 10 am Raptor Free Flight program (one of two such each day).  We saw a peregrine falcon fly in the afternoon show.  They are similar in size and general appearance.  Both are awesome fliers.

I should explain that the 'free' in the title of the program, Raptor Free Flight, refers to the birds flying completely free out over the desert.  Nothing compels them to return to their handlers except their knowledge that by doing so they get food and shelter.  None of the birds was captured from the wild for the purpose of use in the program.

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (commonly abbreviated by the obvious acronym, ASDM)
Tucson, Arizona
December 21, 2012 (10:14 am MST)
Northern Mockingbird (tentative ID) perched on ocotillo stems.
.
Saguaro National Park, East.
Tucson, Arizona
December 20, 2012 (mid- to late morning)
Northern Mockingbird (tentative ID) perched on ocotillo stems.
.
Saguaro National Park, East.
Tucson, Arizona
December 20, 2012 (mid- to late morning)
Atlantic puffin.  This individual was banded.   

Látrabjarg bird cliffs, Westfjords, Iceland. 
June 18, 2010
Atlantic puffin.  This individual was banded.   

Látrabjarg bird cliffs, Westfjords, Iceland. 
June 18, 2010
Trust

DP135-2013 Posted May 15; processed ditto

Songbirds in the woods around the Nature Center have learned to trust humans who hold out food for them in their hands. (Signs along the trails politely ask people to feed the birds ONLY by hand, not to put food on the ground for them, and NOT to feed the cranes.) On the last day of my sister's visit, we walked in these woods and fed the birds. Feeling their almost negligible weight and the tiny prick of their claws as they land and daintily snatch the chosen seed is a pleasure beyond description.

Kensington Metropark, Milford Township, MI
May 14, 2013
(For those who care, but don't yet know, this was a tufted titmouse.)
Trust

DP135-2013  Posted May 15; processed ditto

Songbirds in the woods around the Nature Center have learned to trust humans who hold out food for them in their hands.  (Signs along the trails politely ask people to feed the birds ONLY by hand, not to put food on the ground for them, and NOT to feed the cranes.)  On the last day of my sister's visit, we walked in these woods and fed the birds.  Feeling their almost negligible weight and the tiny prick of their claws as they land and daintily snatch the chosen seed is a pleasure beyond description.

Kensington Metropark, Milford Township, MI
May 14, 2013
(For those who care, but don't yet know, this was a tufted titmouse.)
Trust

DP135-2013 Posted May 15; processed ditto

Songbirds in the woods around the Nature Center have learned to trust humans who hold out food for them in their hands. (Signs along the trails politely ask people to feed the birds ONLY by hand, not to put food on the ground for them, and NOT to feed the cranes.) On the last day of my sister's visit, we walked in these woods and fed the birds. Feeling their almost negligible weight and the tiny prick of their claws as they land and daintily snatch the chosen seed is a pleasure beyond description.

Kensington Metropark, Milford Township, MI
May 14, 2013
(For those who care, but don't yet know, this was a tufted titmouse.)
See photo in original gallery.