Thursday, January 08, 2009

For excitement, keep scrolling.

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This little fellow brightened my day on Monday. The first day back to work can’t be too bad when the Bluebird strikes a pose on the parking lot and


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beneath him, a spot of bright yellow hops around the grass. Now. Those wing bars look like they belong to a Yellow-throated Vireo but it could be a Pine Warbler, a Horned Lark… I can’t think right now. Somebody tell me.

Mystery bird was the last photo I took this week and I’m running out of them to share! Today, I’ll just comment on a few leftover snapshots.

So here I sit, drumming my fingernails on this desk, chin cupped in hand, wondering if words will come. Not many today.


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Today’s favorite photo.

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In the subfreezing wind, Mourning Dove dreams of spring.


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This is what she thought of me.


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Awww.

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Ughhh.

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Stunning, wherever you find them.

Dear Readers, on this Thursday evening, if you crave color, excitement, and exquisite writing, please treat yourself and visit TR of From the Faraway, Nearby. Take a trip around the world with him and you just might see or read about someone you know in this community. He hosted I and the Bird today and let me tell you, he’s a grand host. With every post he shares, he proves to be the master of arts. You must see!

40 comments:

Sherri said...

Beautiful photography, Mary. I loved every single pic.

Lisa at Greenbow said...

Mary!! Congrats on the award. It is so richly deserved. I and so many others love your blog. I am so happy for you.

Ruth said...

Wow Mary! You should be tooting your horn loudly!
2008 Best Amateur Photographer in the world is....
Congratulations and well deserved.

Balisha said...

Congratulations, Mary. So many love this blog and the wonderful pictures.

Wendy said...

Grass! You've got grass! I'll trade ya a snowback for some green grass! LOL!
Like your birdies - and congrats on that award. Yippeeeeee!

JeanMac said...

I just love your pictures, Mary. Oh, congrats are in order, also.

Mary said...

Hi All,

I'm flattered for the mention from wonderful Tim. Thanks.

BUT WHAT ABOUT THAT SECOND BIRD PHOTO? ANYBODY?

Anonymous said...

Congratulations for the recognition, Mary! Say, I would comfortably call that a Pine Warbler. Yellow, white rump, a little streaking in the breast, wing bars. Yup. Pine Warbler.

Anonymous said...

Totally a pine warbler! I have those in my yard all the time and LOVE them. So pretty! Weird coincidence, though--my day started with bluebirds followed by a pine warbler, so I thought maybe you had snuck into my yard for a few shots!

Have you had any pine siskin invasions yet? They've finally arrived here in Rockingham County in droves.

A New England Life said...

At the end of a long day it was nice to see your photo's Mary. Like the Dove, I too am dreaming of Spring, though I know it is a long way off.

How I long to see more bluebirds. For some reason I only see them on rare occasions, though I know we have plenty around.

Now I'm going to go check out that other blog!

Sharon

Kathleen said...

WooHoo! Congratulations!!! The award is well deserved!

Todsy's photos are gems. I adore the morning dove. I'm dreaming of spring too.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, Mary! I am so happy that your talents have brought you this well deserved recognition. It has always been said that the "secret" for artists and writers is to record what they know and love - it's obvious that you've known this all along as your love for your world shines through in both your words and photos!
hugs, gretchen

Mary said...

Kathleen, thanks. I think most of the country is dreaming of spring right now. It isn't bone-chilling cold here but I'm ready.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Beautiful Mary.. I especially love the bluebird---welcoming you back to work..
Hope it is going well this week!
Hugs,
Betsy

Q said...

Dear Mary,
Thanks for the Blue Bird sooo prettyand the heads up on "I and The Bird".
On my way.
Happy Friday...
Weekend......yeah!
Sherry

Robin's Nesting Place said...

Mary, congratulations on this well deserved recognition. The bluebird picture is wonderful!

KGMom said...

Love all the birdies--I agree--when a bluebird greets you, must be a great day. Even if it is the first day back to work.

Even you "uggghh" bird shows lovely irridescent colors.

goooooood girl said...

your blog is very fine......

Kim said...

Mary, you get the best birds this time of the year and you photograph them so well.

I will be sure to check out that link after work today.

Anonymous said...

Always love your pictures!!

SaraG said...

Great photo's. ALL of them! The chipmunk is really cute.
I just love you site.

Kerri Farley said...

Oh Mary....your birds are so pretty!! I can't believe how close you can get to Bluebirds....they fly away every time they see me. So Beautiful!

Tina said...

mary,
sometimes..all one needs is for the picture to create the comment..like the dove sitting in the sun waiting for spring..ahh that's a grand image and thought..and will most likely last the rest of the day for me. Nice post!

RuthieJ said...

Wow Mare, I read Tim's post.... Congratulations! You're a Celebrity now!
(too bad someone forgot to tell your mourning dove!)

Cheryl said...

Well Mary...you know I am one of your biggest fans.......well done, so very well done.....

I love the first photograph of the bluebird, so pretty......

And the dove....so sweet having a little snooze......

Have a fun weekend.....

nina at Nature Remains. said...

Yay, Mary!
Best Amateur photographer in the world is quite an honor!
And we all get the distinction of saying we know you!

Nice work--I know how much time and effort you put into his site.

Corey said...

He nailed that one Mary! What a fun award to win. If I wasn't always so darned late getting to your posts I'd have helped you out with the Pine Warbler, but alas, Steve beat me to it.

LostRoses said...

See, I told you that you have the best bird photos! And great comments to accompany them. You're so funny!

Heidi said...

The bluebird pic is ADORABLE!

I'm glad so many others appreciate your blog as much as I do :) It's a shame more don't know about you yet.

Kathie Brown said...

You know, I haven't seen a cardinal around here in awhile! Nice to see them showing up there. I envy your bluebirds!

Kathi said...

Coming late to the party (as usual) to say:

1) Love the bluebird in the parknig lot!
2) Nice PINE WARBLER (mystery bird) - bill not heavy enough for a vireo and totally different profile for a Horned Lark (plus, no "horns")
and
3) Congrats on Best Amateur Photographer for 2008 award. I had never been to Tim's site before, and this was my first visit there. Surprised by how many birder-bloggers I knew from his post.

~Kathi

Naturegirl said...

Mary you continue to inspire me with these beautiful photos of Nature!
How do you concentrate on a full time job with all these beauties outside your building..I'd be peeking out the window every chance I get! I think knowing you..you do! I'm off now to check out that link.hugs

Naturegirl said...

Mary!
Vagabird Magazine voted
the 2008 Best Amateur Photographer in (((the world))) is.....YOU!!
Congratulations!! Well deserved!
Whoo Hoo!!

Ramblings of a Villas Girl said...

Congratulations Mary. Well deserved.

Love all your photos here. The chipmonk is my favorite. Lisa

Mary said...

Hi Gretchen,

You have always been so kind! There are millions of amateur photographers out there who are more skilled than I, but I do appreciate Tim for remembering me.

Mary

Rose said...

Your photos speak for themselves, Mary, but I always enjoy your commentary, even when brief.
Congratulations on your award! I've seen some great photos of birds on various blogs, but yours are always phenomenal.

Andrea said...

Hi! Stopped by via a comment on "painting is just another way..."...so glad I did! Your photos of the birds are breathtaking!! I hope I can my photos to turn our as well as yours one day. Nice to have found you. :)

Mel said...

Great post!
If those pics are your leftovers, I want them all!!
Besos,
Mel

Julie Zickefoose said...

Science Chimp was busy scratching herself. Yeah, pine warbler. Yes, beautiful photography!!!

dguzman said...

Nice pine warbler there, Mary! And you definitely do win my best "amateur" photog award. Your pix are always so good.

I've got to look into those Fuji Finepix cameras....