Tuesday, January 18, 2011

2010 Best of....: SONG BIRDS

I've already featured my favorite Woodpecker photos of 2010 and my favorite Bluebird photos of 2010..  SO today I will feature my 'other' favorite backyard bird pictures that I took in 2010..  Above is a picture of a TUFTED TITMOUSE,  taken on 1/8/10.  Below are more.





Another of my favorite birds is the CAROLINA WREN.  I love this picture of a very cold little guy,  perched on top of a rhododendron blossom, taken on 2/16/10.





You can see one of my favorite male AMERICAN CARDINAL in my header.  That picture was taken on 2/16/10.   Here is another favorite Cardinal picture taken on 11/14/10.  This picture obviously is a beautiful female Cardinal... Isn't she gorgeous?





This beauty is one who only visits us twice a year --while migrating.  They visit in Spring and again in Fall.   He is a gorgeous ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK.  What a beautiful bird!  This picture was taken on 4/29/10.





One of my favorite little birds who is with us all year is the CAROLINA CHICKADEE.  They are very friendly little birds ---and ones that will come close,  even when I am nearby.   This picture was taken on 4/7/10.





This little CHIPPING SPARROW is a beautiful little bird.  I took this picture on 4/8/10.





And finally, I chose this recent picture of a DARK-EYED JUNCO taken on 12/13/10.  The little Juncos always come around after it snows.   I loved this picture since he almost seemed to be burying himself  in the snow.

Well--I could have chosen many, many more pictures of my little songbirds --but I'll stop with these.  I hope you have enjoyed seeing some of my 2010 favorite songbird pictures.

Hugs,
at

58 comments:

  1. JoJanuary 18, 2011 at 4:34 AM

    What stunning photos of these beautiful birds, Betsy. Do you know them by their call? I.e. do you hear them even if you can't see them and know what it is. (Only askin' because you call them songbirds;-) The CHipping Sparrow is amazingly clear (as all the others) but I love the "HUGE" seed in its mouth. Besty, if you'd like to see a great waterfall, I have the link here for you. Let me know what you think, OK? Blessings and (hugs) Jo (the link) http://driftwoodramblings.blogspot.com/2011/01/mosi-oa-tunyathe-smoke-that-thunders.html

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  2. TracyJanuary 18, 2011 at 4:54 AM

    Betsy,
    As always, you impress me...seriously, I aspire to be like you and take fantastic photos of birds. I tried this weekend and had quite a few lovelies, but every time I venture out the door, my Hurricane insists on accompanying me and well, then all the birds fly away; imagine that!
    ...but there is always tomorrow or the next day so patience...
    I also wonder if you time your posts to register 4:00am or are you holding your finger over the 'Publish Post' buttom? ...just wondering.
    Hugs my dear friend...

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  3. TaborJanuary 18, 2011 at 5:11 AM

    Wonderful photos. I can tell you love birds almost as much as waterfalls. I have not seen the grosbeak...he must come through here sometime. I will watch more closely.

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  4. Debbie TaillieuJanuary 18, 2011 at 5:14 AM

    Oh Betsy these pictures are wonderful! I feel the same as Tracy, I would love to be able to take pictures like these of all the wonderful birds in your area!!
    And of course, your header is my ultimate favorite!
    Have a fabulous day!

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  5. SciaradaJanuary 18, 2011 at 5:16 AM

    Ciao Betsy,the sweetness in this your post is the maximum power!
    A kiss for you!

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  6. diane bJanuary 18, 2011 at 5:41 AM

    Your birds are so different to ours, Yours are small, pretty and dainty. Ours are big , brash and noisy. Your photos are stunning.

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  7. AnonymousJanuary 18, 2011 at 5:41 AM

    Hi Betsy, Really fantastic photos today of the birds. We had a Carolina Wren to get in our garage the other day during the snow. They are the cutest and most acrobatic little birds! We finally shooed him out the door! Enjoy your day.

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  8. Ruth HiebertJanuary 18, 2011 at 5:44 AM

    I love to see your favourite birds.I sometimes think that my favourite bird is the last one I see,because I love them all.Have a good day.
    Blessings,Ruth

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  9. NealJanuary 18, 2011 at 5:46 AM

    All are beautiful but the wren is my favorite. We had one at our bird feeder last week. When I was a kid I can remember them coming in the house once in a while. They always had a nest on our porch.

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  10. Kathy WJanuary 18, 2011 at 5:52 AM

    Wow Betsy I would have a heck of a time trying to decide which was my favorite. I really do like the first one though.

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  11. MelanieJanuary 18, 2011 at 6:12 AM

    Those are such beautiful pictures, Betsy!
    We have some of those birds where I live too. It's nice to see such amazing close up pictures of them!

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  12. cyclopsevenJanuary 18, 2011 at 6:20 AM

    Beautiful pictures. Thanks for sharing.

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  13. BethJanuary 18, 2011 at 6:22 AM

    Betsy, those are incredible shots of your little bird visitors! I can't decide which is my favorite, but I do love the funny little crest and shiny button eyes of the tufted titmouse. Of course, I also love the perky little unturned tail of the carolina wren. Oh, well, I just love them all...and I thank you for posting them!

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  14. mamahasspokenJanuary 18, 2011 at 6:26 AM

    They all are great photos! You should enter them into a contest somewhere (county fair?) and I'm sure you would win an award for them!

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  15. pennyJanuary 18, 2011 at 6:26 AM

    Hi Betsy, I love seeing the beautiful birds that visit you feeders, they look as if they are posing just for you.
    They know a great photographer when the see one. Your photos are gorgeous!

    Be well, be happy
    Warm hugs,
    Pam

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  16. StinaJanuary 18, 2011 at 6:36 AM

    Lovely! Beautiful birds.:-)
    Stina

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  17. eileeninmdJanuary 18, 2011 at 6:44 AM

    Wonderful series on your favorite birds, Betsy! The Rose Breasted Grosbeak is one of my favorites too. They are all pretty songbirds and great photos.

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  18. UnknownJanuary 18, 2011 at 6:48 AM

    Awesome!

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  19. Thoughtfully Blended HeartsJanuary 18, 2011 at 7:07 AM

    Betsy, I always enjoy your bird photos...and these are super duper great!!! Got my morning started off well here!!!

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  20. SnapJanuary 18, 2011 at 7:22 AM

    Great selection, Betsy, of the best of your feathered friends!

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  21. MadSnapperJanuary 18, 2011 at 7:38 AM

    the first two made me smile really big because of their expressions. my favorite of these is the chipping sparrow. he is so pretty with his bright stripes and fat little body

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  22. JenJanuary 18, 2011 at 7:42 AM

    The little Juncos always remind me of Penguins.
    great series of pics Betsy. Enjoy your day.
    Full of rain here. :(

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  23. Pat - ArkansasJanuary 18, 2011 at 7:43 AM

    Fantastic photos, Betsy! You did an excellent job of capturing the essence of these beautiful birds. Thanks for sharing!

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  24. KarinJanuary 18, 2011 at 8:14 AM

    I'm so glad you share your terrific photos of these gorgeous birds! Something special about each bird and I can't possibly chose a favorite!
    Lovely post again!

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  25. DorothyJanuary 18, 2011 at 8:20 AM

    Beautiful pictures, Betsy! The Wren and Chickadee are two of my favorites. When I was a kid (many moons ago) we didn't know the correct names of lots of the birds, but we called the Dark-eyed Junco a "Snow Bird"!

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  26. AnonymousJanuary 18, 2011 at 8:23 AM

    Your photos are perfection captured...one of my favorite birds is the Rose-Breasted Grosbeak so I'm enjoying your photo of one.

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  27. Cheryl @ TFDJanuary 18, 2011 at 8:34 AM

    Thanks, Betsy, for the beautiful bird photos! I don't want to see them stop. Maybe just a few more...please?? Have a wonderful day! Cheryl

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  28. ValJanuary 18, 2011 at 8:38 AM

    Oh these pics are absolutely beautiful. I love that last one. So sweet. Thanks for sharing.

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  29. SunnyJanuary 18, 2011 at 8:41 AM

    Your birdie pictures are excellent. You should design a calendar :)
    It's snowing like mad here, ice in the forecast :(
    ☼ Sunny

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  30. ConnieJanuary 18, 2011 at 8:50 AM

    Great choices, Betsy! I think the Carolina Wren is my favorite.

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  31. DIGITAL WORLD PAGES ARCHIVEJanuary 18, 2011 at 8:59 AM

    Hello!
    As a usual wonderful post!
    Several of birds in this post I have not seen before.
    Thank You You very much for sharing!
    Beautiful photos!

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  32. Arkansas PattiJanuary 18, 2011 at 9:56 AM

    Really wonderful captures Betsy. You have really gotten so good at your bird shots.
    You and I pretty much have the same variety of birds.
    Thank you.

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  33. ameliaJanuary 18, 2011 at 10:06 AM

    The Carolina chickadee looks like the black capped chickadees we have here. I know you know your birds so I know you're right but what's the difference between the two?

    Lovely pics, especially of the rose breasted grosbeak. You must get them on the way here and on the way back!!

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  34. Linda at To Behold The BeautyJanuary 18, 2011 at 10:36 AM

    Oh, they're all so beautiful, Betsy. The rose-breasted grosbeak is stunning. We rarely see them around here. My hubby will enjoy seeing the image that you've captured.

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  35. Kim@stuffcould....January 18, 2011 at 10:55 AM

    Again I say Wow, these are beautiful. I love the way you know their names! Educational to me.
    kim

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  36. LolaJanuary 18, 2011 at 11:55 AM

    Post card quality for sure. I loved all the pics of your little friends. Waiting to see more.

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  37. DianeJanuary 18, 2011 at 12:01 PM

    The juncos must know how beautiful they are against the snow - that's when they visit here too. In photo #1 that little bluebird has quite a hairdo. Diane

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  38. Fred AltonJanuary 18, 2011 at 12:01 PM

    Beautiful pictures of the songbirds, Betsy. I love watching them through my office window. You blog is creating a desire in me to put up a bird feeder or two. Beautiful.

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  39. AnonymousJanuary 18, 2011 at 12:12 PM

    I recognized several photographs of your favorite songbirds. It was nice to see them again.

    I haven't seen any birds at my feeder in the past couple days. I don't know if the starlings frightened them away. Come to think of it I haven't seen the starlings either. I hope that the birds come back soon. I miss them!

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  40. Busy Bee SuzJanuary 18, 2011 at 12:41 PM

    I vote for the Carolina Wren as the cutest bird photo of the YEAR!!!! That should be a postcard photo.
    xoxoxo

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  41. Pat @ Mille Fiori FavoritiJanuary 18, 2011 at 12:49 PM

    Betsy all of your bird photos would make a beautiful calendar or set of notecards. They are such wonderful close ups of all the birds and their entertaining personalities. We see mainly sparrows and starlings here in winter and an occasional cardinal, but you get a wonderful variety!

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  42. UnknownJanuary 18, 2011 at 1:33 PM

    My mom and dad would just love your blog! Mom LOVES the Smokies, and both love birds. They had a grossbeak this year. I'm going to try and get them to start following you. They are not always enamored of the computer.

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  43. From the KitchenJanuary 18, 2011 at 2:13 PM

    The beautiful birds have warmed my heart (if not my body) this afternoon! I started picking out my favorites but stopped because they all are. The last photo of the little junco in it's snow cave sort of put things in perspective for me--I'm inside looking out at snow!!
    Thanks for sharing!!

    Best,
    Bonnie

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  44. Ginny HartzlerJanuary 18, 2011 at 2:23 PM

    The chipping sparrow with the seed in his mouth is perfect and cute! But my favorites are the top two!!! Just adorable!!!! I love the titmouse, but if I had to pick, it would be the wren!! Did I tell you I was attecked by a mad wren once? Can't remember if I did a post on that or not, I'll have to check and see.

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  45. mudderbearJanuary 18, 2011 at 3:04 PM

    I just love your birds. They are wonderful. I've never seen one the color of the little Wren or striped like the Chipping Sparrow. He looks like a tiger. We did have Chickadees and it's fun to see this one. I hope you don't stop posting soon.

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  46. RoseJanuary 18, 2011 at 5:05 PM

    These really are terrific photos, Betsy. And I want to tell you that each time I open your blog, I fall in love with that header photo all over again. It is just so wonderful.

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  47. floweringmamaJanuary 18, 2011 at 5:27 PM

    Hey, great pictures, just can't beat the cardinal, though. Always my favorite.

    Cathy @ Country Cathy

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  48. Love Of QuiltsJanuary 18, 2011 at 6:48 PM

    Betsy I do enjoy all your birds and I am watching for them myself...but still don't know for sure what some of them are.Trish

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  49. Velvet Over SteelJanuary 18, 2011 at 8:43 PM

    Everytime I see anything 'bird' related in the craft stores now.. I think of You and Smile!!!

    You take such up close and beautiful pictures, Betsy!! Loved them all!

    Hugs,
    Coreen xoxoxo

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  50. ratiehJanuary 18, 2011 at 9:22 PM

    hai Betsy! =) i like the first bird. it's soooo pretty.

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  51. UnknownJanuary 18, 2011 at 10:27 PM

    Your bird photography is just fab Betsy. I love the Cardinal and we see alot of those here too. But I think my fave might be that cute little sparrow, just adorable :-) x

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  52. Together We SaveJanuary 18, 2011 at 10:46 PM

    You really do know your birds and your pictures are amazing.

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  53. Small City ScenesJanuary 19, 2011 at 12:18 AM

    They all are beautiful birds and they all are my favorite. Hard to choose one so I choose them all. You are getting excellent with your bird pics. MB

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  54. SquirrelQueenJanuary 19, 2011 at 2:10 AM

    I always love seeiny photos of your little birds Betsy, you have so many that I never see here. Except for the Juncos, lots of those little fellows in my yard every winter.

    My favorite is the Tufted Titmouse, that sweet face stole my heart as soon as I saw the photo.

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  55. ValerieJanuary 19, 2011 at 4:58 AM

    Love the birds! I LOVE the birds. You have several that are new for me. MAybe someday I will catch a glimpse of them in person.

    The Titmouse is my favorite - such sweet little tender faces . . .

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  56. carolina nanaJanuary 19, 2011 at 9:25 AM

    Lovely pictures Betsy,I always love looking at your birds and identification to help me id mine because for the most part we have the same bird visitors.
    Have a blessed day.
    Marilyn

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  57. JanieJanuary 20, 2011 at 10:45 PM

    You have so many beauties at your feeder. The little Carolina wren is my favorite.

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  58. Twilight ManJanuary 28, 2011 at 1:26 AM

    I stared at your birds and admired them for so long. It made me wonder how nice if I could be the birds and fly everywhere! I will visit Betsy's home for freebies and grubs!

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