Highland Park Backyard Birds
It’s the time of year when people post cumulative posts. You know, usually the ones that say Favorites of 2014 or Best Posts of the Last Year or that sort of thing. I decided to post Highland Park backyard birds that I have seen since I started bird watching. Let’s see – I first bought a bird feeder in February 2010; I did find some of my bird photos from 2009. The birds below are listed in alphabetical order – enjoy.
Blue Jay
Blue jays visit every now and then. When they do come, they are sure to make noise and hog the bird feeder.
Cardinal
I took this photo about two weeks ago – cardinals love to visit my backyard when I fill my feeder with black oil sunflower seeds. I see the red in my backyard, and it warms my heart.
Cardinal – Female
Mrs. Cardinal is usually nearby when I spot Mr. Cardinal (above) first. She indeed was there at the same time as the photo taken above.
Catbird
I seem to get catbird visitors in summer months. Pleasant birds: I enjoy the “singing.”
Chickadee
I don’t often see a chickadee – the one above is from February 2012. But they are handsome birds – so I love seeing one!
Downy Woodpecker
I am more likely to hear a woodpecker than see one. The one above was sighted in February 2014.
Finch
This rare beauty (rare for my backyard) was sighted in December 2013. Maybe if I am more diligent this winter with my camera and my feeder, I will find more.
Goldfinch
If you look very carefully, I believe that’s a goldfinch hidden in my echinacea. I saw a few goldfinch this past summer on other echinacea in my neighborhood. I suppose it’s the seeds they are after.
Grackle
I only had the chance to photograph grackle once my backyard. Turns out I had also photographed a grackle way back in 2008 while visiting Ein Gedi in Israel.
Mourning Dove
Mourning doves are birds I see a few times a year in my backyard.
Robin
When I looked up “robin” in my photo collection, I had quite a few choices. We do have robins as fairly frequent visitors in our area.
Sparrow
Sparrows are by far the most common bird in my backyard. I believe most of the ones that I see are house sparrows. I should study the different types of sparrows so I can appreciate them a little more. These three beauties were hanging out together in my backyard tree last week.
Starling
The few times I’ve seen starlings it’s been in a swarm like the one above. I still remember Michelle calling them “snarling starlings.”
Tufted Titmouse
I saw this tufted titmouse in my backyard last week. Tufted titmice aren’t frequent visitors, but when I do see them, they seem to pose and look at the camera. I find them quite cute.
Turkey Vulture
What fun, a swooping wide-winged bird in one’s own backyard. Here is the turkey vulture that visited this past October.
If you want to see a full list of Highland Park birds, and not just the ones I’ve seen and not just Highland Park backyard birds go to Highland Park, New Jersey: Bird Sightings. We have been putting those online since 2001.
For more Nature Notes:
Eileen says
Pretty collection of yardbirds, Leora! Have a happy day!
Leora says
Thanks, Eileen! I enjoy all your birds, too - from much further than your backyard!
Carver says
I love these shots of your backyard birds. You have quite a good mix of different birds.
Leora says
Carver, I get so happy when I see something other than a sparrow ... today I chased a cardinal and a blue jay to get shots of them ...
Ramblingwoods says
Oh great post Leora! Isn't it amazing what we can enjoy in our own yards? I had better get going on my NN post... Michelle
Leora says
I read somewhere instead of short, abrupt posts better to write lengthy ones that last longer. I suppose that inspired. I will probably continue to do both (short and long posts). Yes, I look at my own backyard quite often!
Lorri M. says
I love these photos...each one is so sweet. I love the puffy-looking cardinal, and the tufted titmouse is adorable. Thank you for sharing this group of feathered-friends with us.
Leora says
I'm glad you enjoyed the post of birds, Lorri!
EG CameraGirl says
I enjoyed seeing the birds you saw and photographed in your backyard this year, Leora. I ought to do the same as it's a great idea Well, maybe next year. LOL
Leora says
It's the kind of post for which you need a little more motivation. I was curious if this post would get more hits if it's a cumulative one. Kind of an experiment. We shall see in a few months.
Laura Hegfield says
So many beautiful visitors Leora. We used to have many black capped chickadees, through all seasons, lately I've noticed their song missing, and it makes me sad. Wishing you a Chag Urim Sameach!
Leora says
Laura, I wonder why no more chickadees in your area. Sounds rather sad. I'm hopeful that they just went elsewhere.
Susan Cooper says
I have bird feeders out and so love the feathered visitors that come to feed. Even though yours are different from the north west, they are just as beautiful and fun to see. My favorites are the cardinals. :)
Leora says
Susan, I would love to learn about the birds where you live, as well. I'm an upcoming bird-a-holic!
EG CameraGirl says
I LOVE seeing all the birds that visit you!
Laura says
Oh, fantastic post. I will keep an eye out for these birds in my yard. I have seen some of them, but not all of them. I once saw a blue heron in my backyard, much to my surprise. Mostly, I see house sparrows, cardinals, and blue jays.
Leora says
"house sparrows, cardinals, and blue jays" - that's basically what I usually see, too. A heron! I've seen a heron near my in-laws, near the shore (they live near a golf course next to water), but not in my Highland Park backyard.
Donna@GardensEyeView says
Leora that is quite a collection of birds....
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