Summer In Utah

Spent a few week in Utah this summer.  Here are some of the things we saw.

Ash-throated Flycatcher. 

 Western Kingbird.  They had a nest in the gutter, and were quite vocal about our presence.  Once the little ones were out the nest, they were gone.

Western Kingbird. 

 Black-billed Magpie.

 Say's Phoebe - juvenile.

 Western Kingbird.

Black-billed Magpies - juvenile. 

 Rufous Hummingbird.  Late summer arrivals, on their way south.

Rufous Hummingbird

Hummingbirds!

Suddenly there was a great deal of Hummingbird activity around our feeder, including some surprising species.  I had fun taking these shots.

The following photos are all male Anna's Hummingbirds.  They are the most common hummingbirds in our area, and can be found here year-round.  They are also quite handsome.

 Below are photos of male Black-chinned Hummingbirds.  I had never seen these at our house before this, but they seem to have moved in and made themselves at home.

This little one is a Calliope Hummingbird, the first one I have ever seen.  They are the smallest bird in North America.  This photo was taken with camera only, no scope.

Below are Rufous Hummingbirds, female on top, the rest males.  They are typically seen passing through in spring and fall migrations.

This Week At Home

This week I sought advice and worked to improve the quality of the images using the usual local suspects.  Still have some things to try, but I believe things are improving. 

Soon I hope to take the rig out to other environs.

 Rufous Hummingbird.

 Rufous Hummingbird.

Anna's Hummingbird getting colorful.

Rufous Hummingbird showing off.

Stellar's Jay.

Western Kingbird.  Not a great photo, but the only time I have ever seen one at our house.

Second Day

Although it was very windy here today, the birds were out in force.  Managed a few decent shots and learned a bit too.  Hoping image quality will improve when the birds are not being blown all over the place - many were having bad hair days.

Acorn Woodpecker

Acorn Woodpecker

Anna's Hummingbird - Bad Hair Day

Allen's or Rufous Hummingbird - Can they even tell the difference?

Downy Woodpecker

Hairy Woodpecker

Good Ol' American Robin

Western Scrub Jay

Western Scrub Jay

Stellar's Jay