This past weekend hubby and I enjoyed a daytrip to Shenandoah Nat'l Park. We left early in the morning so I could get to see some early birds on the trail. I was not disappointed with the Limberlost Trail. I started off see multiple pairs of Eastern Towhee's, Dark Eyed Juncos, Scarlet Tanagers way high in the treetops, Cedar Waxwings, Eastern bluebirds and groups of Hooded Warblers. I was having trouble with my camera focusing on closeups this time and it seemed to work better on the tree top photos. I took ten or more shots of the Hooded Warbler and they were all blurry. Gee, this was the first time I saw the Hooded Warbler on the ground right just a few feet in front of me. I did get one shot of the Hooded further along the trail, there we saw more hooded warblers and a Ruby Throated Hummingbird near some Cardinal flowers at a little creek. The birding was great.
I believe this is a female Eastern Towhee, with a brown head instead of the black head that the male has.
Male Eastern Towhee showing the black head
I am thinking this is an immature male Scarlet Tanager. I could see the black on it wings. I saw a group of them on this tree tops. They must have been enjoying the berries.
Cedar Waxwings were staying high on the tree tops.
A couple of juvenile Eastern Bluebirds were poking around this downed tree limb. I guess they were finding bugs to eat. One of the juvies looks like it is almost inside the hole on the tree.
The cute juvenile Bluebirds have white spots on their feathers.
We had a nice day in Shenandoah, seeing great birds, bunnies, lots of butterflies and two black bears.
To see more wonderful birds and photos check out Springman's World Bird Wednesday and Michelle's Nature Notes.. Thanks to Springman and to Michelle for hosting these fun memes. Also, thanks for stopping by to see my post and birds. I hope the rest of your week is a great one. Happy Birding!!!!!
43 comments:
the hooded warbler is so neat! all of them are beautiful!
You have some beautiful birds Eileen many thanks for sharing.
it's a joy to be greeted with birds, the cedar waxing perched on the tree looks so beautiful. I still have to see Shenandoah, hopefully, someday.
A lovely selection of colourful birds from your trip Eileen.
What a great variety of birds Eileen.
I "had" a nice day in Shenandoah, seeing great birds too.
Went through Shenandoah when I was a kid. Just an awesome part of the country. The valley is an unforgettable sight. I'm not surprised the bird life is wonderful too. Thanks for sharing!
Oh Wow---wish we lived close enough to Shenandoah National Park... I love that place.
Great group of pictures... You saw lots of birds, didn't you?
Hugs,
Betsy
Beautiful photos! The Hooded Warbler sure is a looker!
A great series of birds and photos.
I always look forward to the arrival of the Towhees in spring. They're such a pretty bird. Looks like you so quite a variety. Thanks for sharing!
What a lovely day for you with so many birds to see and photograph.
What a wonderful day of birding Eileen. Thanks for sharing. Greetings from Jo
wow, what great captures!
I never see these things..I need to work on my power of observation.
Great hike Eileen. Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
Cool photos...
Sorry your camera gave you trouble, but you got some nice shots anyway! Love the Hooded Warbler - I have yet to see one.
What a lovely place to go birding! You did a good job spotting some of those birds, so well-camouflaged they are. Lovely collection of shots!
Great variety of birds ... like seeing the juvenile bluebird ... I love them!
Hi Eileen, I have seen some of these same birds here from time to time but never any Tangers or Hooded Warblers. Have an excellent day today!
Wow what a great day! I am sorry your shots didn't turn out the way you wanted (that is so disappointing!!). Those juvenile bluebirds are so cute with those spots!!!
LOVE the cedar waxwing!!! Quite possibly my favorite bird!
Great mosaic too-thanks for sharing!
meggs.xx
beautiful bird shots!!!
and i love your new butterfly header picture!! NICE!!
great birds as always. :)
YOU got some super shots! I was cursing my camera the other day JUST couldnt get it to focus...Excellent list of birds witnessed on your hike..I have yet to make it to Shenandoah..Ive been up and down the BR Parkway and havent had the time to stop there!! YET but its on my list.
You had a very successful day in nature!
You have some interesting birds.Nice photos.
wonderful photos. i always love how the juv. bluebirds look
dan
What a gorgeous collection!
Thanks for showing me around :)!
Those are all wonderful! I'm sorry you had some trouble with the camera focus, but sorta' glad, because it's nice to know you're human ;>) -- your pictures are always fabulous. I always have to tell myself that I loved birding way before I even owned a digital camera and not to be disappointed when I don't get decent pictures.
Great set of photos,Eileen! I don`t think I`m too far from that park,will have to google it.I`m having a great time looking around your blog,will have to join in on some of your fun with the skies & things,have a great weekend!phyllis
Another successful birding day.I love the cedar waxwing with its yellow breast. Your header is stunning.
These are all fantastic shots. What a beautiful place for the scenery and bird watching.
lovely photos, looks like a wonderful place to walk and birdwatch!
It looks like you had a really good day, I am always amazed at all the birds you see on your outings.
I really like the immature Scarlet Tanager, he is a cutie. We usually only see them briefly in the spring.
There is nothing like getting out to do some birding...it looks like it was a great day with lots of finds....
Hi Eileen, you got some great birding in here. Happy to see that your your day trip was so successful, even though I know how you feel with blurry shots and that zoom, it can be a bit frustrating. However, these are lovely shots and I'm real happy you shared them with us. I've never seen any of these birds except for a couple of fleeting glances of the Cedar Waxwing. I guess I need to get up to the Shenandoah's :)
Just had to come back after I spotted your header Eileen. Absolutely stunning!
Another great birding trail Eileen. Your list of birds just made me so jealous.
all such beautiful captures!
Great shots! Love the Hooded Warbler!
Cannot believe how long it's taken me to get to your blog after your visit to my Sweden post this past week... definitely enjoyed all your images and am glad to know that good birding is not that far away! I seem to not find time to stray far these days when I'm home and not traveling. But the Shenandoah area isn't that FAR!
Great captures Eileen! I especially like the Tanager and Hooded Warbler. The juvie Bluebirds always warm my heart and the shot of the one preening on the log is wonderful.
Wow! So lovely little birds. Beautifully captured photos.
Cassy from Guitar Made Easy
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