The day after our big April snowstorm, I took the time to do some birdwatching and photography in the backyard. With the wind dying down for the day, the birds were back and hungry as ever to visit the feeders. I’m sure many of the birds have been focusing on establishing their territories for nesting or migrating elsewhere for the season, but this spring snow may have thrown some of them for a loop. Luckily, with the temperatures increasing and becoming milder the following day, the snow had melted rather quickly and things were back on schedule.
Most of our bird species here in Maine are used to harsher weather conditions anyway and this storm only served as a minor obstacle in their cyclical nature. I’m sure everyone hunkered down the night before and when the coast was clear, they were back to their usual behavior and bringing their healthy appetites. We experienced a few flurries on and off during the day, that the birds seem to enjoy. Here is a short collection of my photographs from that day.
American goldfinch (Spinus tristis), (f/6.3, 1/250 sec., ISO 100)
Dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis), (f/5.6, 1/250 sec., ISO 250)
Black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus), (f/6.3, 1/250 sec., ISO 100)
Purple finch (Haemorhous purpureus), (f/7.1, 1/250 sec., ISO 100)
Blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata), (f/5.6, 1/250 sec., ISO 320)
Song sparrow (Melospiza melodia), (f/6.3, 1/250 sec., ISO 200)
American goldfinch, (f/5.6, 1/250 sec., ISO 200)
Common grackle (Quiscalus quiscula), (f/6.3, 1/250 sec., ISO 200)
American tree sparrow (Spizella arborea), (f/6.3, 1/250 sec., ISO 800)
Mourning dove (Zenaida macroura), (f/5.6, 1/250 sec., ISO 500)
Black-capped chickadee, (f/5.6, 1/250 sec., ISO 640)
American goldfinch, (f/6.3, 1/250 sec., ISO 160)
Hopefully, the snow has ended for the season and we can move onto other things like backyard spring prep and gardening. I look forward to the changing of the seasons and more adventures in nature!
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