May 17, 2011 – Tue. – Ridgefield NWR – Part Three

Greetings!  This is the third part of my May 17 photo shoot at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge.  There will be a 4th, and final part, in the coming days.

We’ll start off with a good looking Yellow-rumped Warbler against a sort of drab background.  These birds remind me of Kinglets in the way they jump around and twitch, hardly ever holding still.

[Clicking on the thumbnails will display larger, more detailed, images.]

One of many Cinnamon Teal in the canal between posts #12 & 13 posed for me.  I like the green reflection off the water and the perfect light supplied at this location early in the day.

Around the turn at post #13, this cute little Savannah Sparrow let me drive right up to him and take a bunch of shots.  The green grasses and the leafy trees in the background supply a nice creamy bokeh.

Back around at post #5, I almost didn’t post this shot due to its similarity to that of one I posted in Part One, and due to the somewhat distracting background.  But I like  Mourning Doves and thought the pose and perch were delightful.

Here’s a nice little American Robin, likely a youngster.

I stopped at the Kiwa Trail, snapped my camera onto my monopod, and walked into the wooded section of the trail.  I find there is usually more bird activity here than in the more open marsh areas of the trail, so I stuck to the wooded area today.  I was specifically hoping to find the Black-headed Grosbeak that frequents this wooded area in Springtime.  I wasn’t too disappointed except this bird could have perched on a lower branch!  Still, I’m happy to have gotten an opportunity for a couple of photos.

As I was heading back toward the Kiwa Trail parking area, I noticed this Western Tanager in the brush on the right, just before reaching the trail gate.  I’m still hoping for better shots but these will have to do for now.

I’m happy with the variety of Spring birds I was able to see and photograph in this batch.  It leaves me hoping I can capture even more of the migrants before they move on to their next destinations.  Thanks for stopping by to take a look at my blog and Part Three of this Ridgefield photo shoot.