Often overlooked, but demanding to be noticed is the Lincoln's Sparrow, Melospiza lincolnii. Reminds one of a song sparrow, but with distinctively different song. 07/06/14 12:27 pm, Upper Beaver Meadows, Canon 5Dmk3, Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM, f/5.6, 1/320s, ISO 400, lens focal length 400mm.
Williamson's Sapsucker: comedian and parent.
When the Williamson's Sapsucker male arrived to feed the chicks a mouthful of ants, he perched sideways on the aspen trunk. It was impressive agility, balance and strength. Also, humorous! Canon 5Dmk3, Canon EF f/5.6L 400mm USM, 7/6/14 12:52pm, Upper Beaver Meadows, f/5.6, 1/500s, ISO 640, lens focal length 400mm.
Good dad.
Red-naped Sapsucker, male, bringing ants to the chicks. 06/29/14, 4:29pm, Beaver Meadows, RMNP. Canon 5Dmk3, Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM, f/5.6, 1/1600sm, ISO 400, lens focal length 400mm.
Brilliance in the ponderosas
The Western Tanager male was protecting his territory in a large Ponderosa pine. I never saw the female, so she may have been incubating eggs. Anyway, this male was returning to the same spot…time after time. 06/27/14 2:02pm, Canon 5Dmk3, Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM, f/5.6, 1/1000s, ISO 640, lens focal length 400mm.
Ants for breakfast
The Williamson's Sapsucker, male, was bring ants to his recently hatched chicks. This is the first sighting I've had this year of the Williamson's and am exceptionally happy to see the brood happy and healthy. 6/27/14 1:07pm Canon 5Dmk3, Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM, f/5.6, 1/640s, ISO 400, lens focal length 400mm, Upper Beaver Meadows in RMNP.
Parenting tips from the bluebirds
For the first time in a month, I was able to hike and photograph like my old self. It was a joy to get back in the swing. The Mountain Bluebirds shared a meal and posed beautifullly. The new chicks have just hatched. The male is a good partner to the female and an outstanding provider/father to the brood. Canon 5dMk3, Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM, 6/27/14 12:33pm, f/5.6, 1/1600s, ISO 400, lens focal length 400mm. Upper Beaver Meadows in RMNP
