Inspired by Dogs & Nature
In the last couple of days, I took photos of a few birds that I couldn’t identify. That’s not true of the header photo. That’s a female Rose-breasted Grosbeak that arrived at the apple tree in the corridor. The birds have now taken advantage of a few fruits that we left for them as well as three other apples I hung to replace that fruit. A couple days ago I hung two more apples, once which I cored from the side and added some almond butter in the cavity.
Regarding the unidentified birds I filmed, the experts weighed in on some and on others I am still hoping to get assistance.
I have learned that the next two photos are of a Ruby-crowned Kinglet. It’s listed under the Chickadees at AllAboutBirds. I was assuming it was a Warbler, which is why I couldn’t find it! I have so much to learn. If you look carefully, you can actually see the ruby crown on the top of this bird’s head.


I’m fairly certain that this is a Nashville Warbler. The weeds were so dense all summer, but they are drying up and their leaves are less restrictive. I can see through them, somewhat, and finally get a sense of all the activity that was going on in there, as well as what is happening now during the migration. Nashville Warblers only migrate through.
I though the next bird is either a Louisiana Waterthrush or a Northern Waterthrush. But, after sending out a plea to the bird experts for help, I’ve been advised it is a Palm Warbler. I’m thrilled to even know there is such a bird and that it has spent some time with us! It’s new to my list of species I’ve filmed on our property.
This next one perplexed me. The beak made me think I would find it in with the finches and grosbeaks. I wondered if it was a a female Blue Grosbeak. I have filmed the Blue Grosbeaks and I just don’t think that’s right. It’s missing the light streak over the eye of the female Rose-breasted Grosbeak that I filmed quite recently in the same location. As it turns out, I was assisted with the information that it’s a female Indigo Bunting. I’ve filmed male Indigo Buntings. They are beautiful.
On October seventh, the following little bird was so close to me that I couldn’t actually get it into focus before it flitted off. Maybe it’s a female Common Yellowthroat. They have been present in that same location all summer – but mostly the weeds prohibited me from filming them. I did however get a few shot earlier in the year. I’ve heard from one Birder that it’s an Orange-crowned Warbler. Unless I hear otherwise, I’m going to go with that!
I just looked in my files, and I took the next photos on October sixth (the day before the photos above.) While I was uncertain if it was the Orange-crowned Warbler or the Nashville, I’ve been advised it is, indeed, the Nashville. Such a lovely little creature.
This next pretty bird is a Chipping Sparrow – thanks to the experts again for helping me with that identity!
I have to say in my own defense, if you showed me five Golden Retrievers that looked nearly alike, I could tell them all apart. I could probably tell you the continent of origin of a dog just by its appearance. And, if you showed me a photo of a black and white dog, I’d probably be able to tell you if it’s a Border Collie – even though many mixed breeds look just like my favorite breed. But, this bird identification thing – I just haven’t developed the eye for it, yet. I will get there…hopefully.
The last little bird pics are Chipping Sparrows. They are tiny with red caps.
The Water Thrush is Louisiana with a clear white throat, Northern has a spotted throat.