Friday, January 13, 2012

Best of 2011: BIRDS

Two Pileated Woodpeckers playing Peek-a-boo around the tree--taken 1/13
Most of you know how much I love our Backyard Birds... Even though I haven't taken many photos lately,  I still love to watch the birds as they come to the feeders on our deck...

Today I'll show you seven of my favorite bird photos from 2011...  Hope you enjoy seeing them --and I promise I'll start taking some new pictures of these cuties soon. Be sure and click on the photos for enlargements.




Juvenile  Red-Bellied Woodpecker  --taken 7/21





Mrs. Bluebird is waiting her turn at the suet feeder.  Mr. Northern Flicker is taking his time eating and eating!!!  Taken 1/18


I love this picture of the female Eastern Bluebird.  Taken 2/8

I loved seeing these Turkey Buzzards when we visited Mt. Nebo in Arkansas --taken 3/31





This Rose-breasted Grosbeak visits us in spring and fall when they are migrating--taken 4/27.





And my favorite bird picture of 2011 goes to the "Shall we Dance"  Carolina Wrens--taken 8/7.
Hope you enjoyed seeing some of my Backyard Birds from 2011.  I hope to get many more great pictures in 2012...

Have a wonderful weekend, and I'll see you on Monday.
Hugs,
Betsy
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71 comments:

  1. pennyJanuary 13, 2012 at 4:15 AM

    I always enjoy seeing your wonderful collection of beautiful birds that visit your backyard eatery, Betsy.
    We use to have so many different types of birds visit our yard, but sadly after developers built houses on their habitat they left.
    Be Well and happy,
    Pam :)

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  2. JoJanuary 13, 2012 at 4:40 AM

    Beautiful, as usual Betsy! I love every one, especially the wrens (and "Shall we dance" fits the image!) which look like our pipits. Your header is SOOO beautiful too. Wow, I love your blog, dearest Betsy and it's good to "know" you. Have a great weekend. (((Hugs))) Jo

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  3. Diane AZJanuary 13, 2012 at 5:21 AM

    Hi Betsy, These are all wonderful bird photos! My favorite is the pretty bluebird portrait, looks like she was posing for you. Looking forward to your 2012 backyard birds!

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  4. pamJanuary 13, 2012 at 5:22 AM

    Those are wonderful Betsy!!! You really must participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count!!! It's coming up in February.

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  5. AnonymousJanuary 13, 2012 at 5:28 AM

    My favorite pic is the dancing wrens! They are such feisty fellows! Have a good weekend.

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  6. Ruth HiebertJanuary 13, 2012 at 5:39 AM

    Excellent pictures. Hope you get to take lots more this year. Have a wonderful weekend.

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  7. AnonymousJanuary 13, 2012 at 6:04 AM

    Ya'll should participate in the Great Backyard Birdwatch in Feb.

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  8. KellyJanuary 13, 2012 at 6:05 AM

    ....great shot of the pileated woodpeckers and the sweet eastern bluebird! I wonder what birds 2012 will bring? :-) Have a good weekend, Betsy!

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  9. UnknownJanuary 13, 2012 at 6:17 AM

    Oh my Betsy, your photos are marvelous! I would have been thrilled to have taken any one of them.

    John and Ellen
    connectedtothevinephotography.blogspot.com

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  10. BethJanuary 13, 2012 at 6:26 AM

    It's always a treat to see your bird pics--I'm still missing having bird feeders.
    My favorite was the "Let's Dance" one--so cute--s big grin spread wide on my face.:>)

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  11. UnknownJanuary 13, 2012 at 6:34 AM

    I love them all. Especially the woodpeckers.

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  12. Fred AltonJanuary 13, 2012 at 7:06 AM

    Most excellent photography on these birds, Betsy! Publishing quality.

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  13. DorothyJanuary 13, 2012 at 8:16 AM

    Love those birds!!! I especially like the two Carolina Wrens!!!!

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  14. Big DudeJanuary 13, 2012 at 8:27 AM

    You sure do capture you little friends well. We had enough snow to almost cover the roof - none on the ground - I was disappointed.

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  15. Out on the prairieJanuary 13, 2012 at 8:40 AM

    i miss my feeders, I haven't set any up at my new place.Loovely choces, that bluebird caught my eye.

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  16. LyndaJanuary 13, 2012 at 8:44 AM

    Besides being beautiful, they all look happy and content!

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  17. Katherine Roberts AucoinJanuary 13, 2012 at 9:05 AM

    Hope you're not too snowed in, we just got enough to make people drive like fools. You caught some fantastic shots of yout little backyard friends, just gorgeous photos Betsy!

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  18. AnonymousJanuary 13, 2012 at 9:08 AM

    What beauties. This is a treat for me, as I never see these birds in Hawaii. All I see are mynah birds.

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  19. Linda at To Behold The BeautyJanuary 13, 2012 at 9:12 AM

    All are beautiful, but that last one brought a smile to my face. :)

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  20. TexWisGirlJanuary 13, 2012 at 9:25 AM

    all of these are great - the pileated are beautiful! but, yes, those wrens are priceless!!!

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  21. MadSnapperJanuary 13, 2012 at 9:38 AM

    love them ALL, but am picking the turkey buzzard as my favorite for today because of the all over composition of the photo. beautiful

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  22. Sylvia KJanuary 13, 2012 at 11:09 AM

    Such beautiful, colorful birds and such wonderful captures! Your photos are the next best thing to having them in my backyard! Hope you and George have a great weekend, Betsy!

    Sylvia

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  23. JaneJanuary 13, 2012 at 11:19 AM

    Those little birds are all so pretty! I am still enjoying our red birds. Blessings Jane

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  24. Lisa @ Two Bears FarmJanuary 13, 2012 at 12:03 PM

    Beautiful pics! Pierce and I just broke up a bunch of old bread crusts and put them into our milk jug feeder for the birds last night :-)

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  25. Cheryl @ TFDJanuary 13, 2012 at 12:48 PM

    I'm on the lookout for a Pilated woodpecker, I've never seen one around here. I just love that last shot of the wrens, too cute! Now, I need to get up away from this computer and go out and feed MY birds! Have a good weekend!

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  26. Ms. AJanuary 13, 2012 at 1:42 PM

    Excellent shots, Betsy!

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  27. Coloring Outside the LinesJanuary 13, 2012 at 1:48 PM

    Great pics- my favorites are the bluebird and the dancers- Carolina Wrens.

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  28. Chatty CroneJanuary 13, 2012 at 1:57 PM

    You know what I feel and think about this Betsy - those photographs and the birds - are like eye candy to me. I look at the top and go down - then I go up - and look again. Really enjoy them. I think my favorite was the beautiful woodpecker. Sandie

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  29. AnonymousJanuary 13, 2012 at 2:19 PM

    HI Betsy, Yes, we got a bit of snow but probably not as much as you did in the Glade. I sure do like your selection of bird photographs. The one of those Carolina Wrens does win my vote as well. Have a great day and stay warm! By the way, next week will be a lot warmer.

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  30. Ginny HartzlerJanuary 13, 2012 at 2:20 PM

    Wow, what a great surprise when I came here and saw those huge Pileateds!!!! Hard to pick a favorite here! Love the cute close-up of the bluebird, and the dance, they are mirroring each other!! Can't figure out whether it is a waltz or rap!

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  31. NealJanuary 13, 2012 at 2:26 PM

    Wow Betsy.... those are great shots. I really like that last picture....funny. :)

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  32. HappyKJanuary 13, 2012 at 2:30 PM

    Wonderful shots. My favorite is the Blue Bird!!

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  33. LVJanuary 13, 2012 at 2:34 PM

    Never tire of seeing your glorious bird shots.

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  34. NCmountainwomanJanuary 13, 2012 at 4:01 PM

    Loved them all!

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  35. JanieJanuary 13, 2012 at 4:36 PM

    All the photos are great. Love the Shall we Dance, and the Eastern Bluebird's portrait.

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  36. Adrienne ZwartJanuary 13, 2012 at 4:42 PM

    I always love to see your bird photos, Betsy!

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  37. HolleyGardenJanuary 13, 2012 at 5:04 PM

    Great photos! Birds are hard to capture! I am especially impressed with the pileated woodpeckers. I have only once seen one here, and it was gone before I had a chance to go inside to get the camera. Beautiful!

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  38. Susie SwansonJanuary 13, 2012 at 5:17 PM

    Oh how I enjoyed these.. I've been watching them today also.. they have covered our yard up.. I bet with the snow you had they are really flying in.. We didn't get as much..Hope you have a nice weekend..Susie

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  39. WendyJanuary 13, 2012 at 6:14 PM

    Beautiful pics, Betsy! I love eastern bluebirds, but seldom do I see them here any more.

    Shall we dance? So cute!!
    Hugs

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  40. RoseJanuary 13, 2012 at 6:28 PM

    I can sure see why these are your favorites...

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  41. AnnJanuary 13, 2012 at 6:33 PM

    I just love all your bird shots and the one of the female eastern bluebird is my favorite of the bunch. that is such a gorgeous shot

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  42. Splendid Little StarsJanuary 13, 2012 at 6:48 PM

    Your bird photos are a treat, Betsy!

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  43. Arkansas PattiJanuary 13, 2012 at 7:28 PM

    Thank you for the close ups. Especially the Blue Birds. The English Sparrows have run all mine off. I really miss them.

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  44. MaryJanuary 13, 2012 at 7:29 PM

    Those were really some shots to be proud of! I love your header, too....very dramatic and beautiful!

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  45. DianeJanuary 13, 2012 at 7:56 PM

    Great bird picture Betsy. They last one does look like they're choreographed. I love the birds, too, yesterday we watched a HUGE northern flicker at the suet cake, it was so easy to see the beautiful markings. Thank God we have these beautiful living decorations to entertain us. Diane

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  46. Tami AKA My Kid's MomJanuary 13, 2012 at 8:37 PM

    I miss seeing the birds when I lived in the country! I just don't get them here in town. My favorite was the Indigo Buntings!

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  47. KathyAJanuary 13, 2012 at 8:57 PM

    I lose seeing the flickers in our yard -- such interesting coloring. And I've never seen a grosbeak around here. I wonder if they come up this far north?

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  48. MichelleJanuary 13, 2012 at 9:27 PM

    I love these...especially the dancing wrens!

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  49. DonnaJanuary 13, 2012 at 9:51 PM

    The Carolina wrens made me laugh! Cute shot! And the bluebird picture is downright adorable. Love them all!

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  50. Serenity CoveJanuary 13, 2012 at 9:59 PM

    Beautiful Betsy. I see the pileated woodpeckers occasionally here.
    LOVE the wrens doing the "bird scootin' boogie". Awesome!!!

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  51. carolina nanaJanuary 13, 2012 at 10:26 PM

    Love that pic of the 2 wrens ! We didn't get any of your snow thankfully. Hope you are having fun in yours, make lots of pictures !!
    Blessings
    Marilyn

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  52. diane bJanuary 14, 2012 at 12:16 AM

    Fantastic shots. I like the "Shall we dance"" it is funny.

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  53. SquirrelQueenJanuary 14, 2012 at 12:16 AM

    Betsy, I always love to see your pretty birds. Even the Turkey Buzzards are interesting in their own way. My favorite is that cute little Eastern Bluebird.

    Happy Weekend!

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  54. ameliaJanuary 14, 2012 at 7:04 AM

    Your birds are always lovely. I miss ours since we moved but here we have snow buntings, a bird we had never seen before.

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  55. BirdmanJanuary 14, 2012 at 9:47 AM

    Colorful bird shots. Tehy keep me company throughout the Maine winter.

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  56. Betty ManousosJanuary 14, 2012 at 10:04 AM

    your photos are always worth the look, dear betsy.

    such beautiful birds/photos...yet i have never ever seen a woodpecker in person, so thanks for posting this!

    hope you're having a great weekend!

    hugs
    betty

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  57. AnonymousJanuary 14, 2012 at 10:58 AM

    WoWoWeee, that's an awesome shot of the Eastern Bluebird! You really hit the nail on the head!!! heheheee =)

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  58. Small City ScenesJanuary 14, 2012 at 11:40 AM

    Wonderful, Betsy, you take very nice pics of the birds. I like the Pileated one because mine are blurry. Maybe the birds are just blurry themselves. LOL MB

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  59. Terry and LindaJanuary 14, 2012 at 1:54 PM

    Your photos are amazing!


    Linda
    http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
    http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com

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  60. Sweet Posy DreamsJanuary 14, 2012 at 2:10 PM

    What wonderful photos!

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  61. A Colorful WorldJanuary 14, 2012 at 6:03 PM

    I LOVED seeing your favorite bird photos of 2011. They are all wonderful, but I particularly enjoyed seeing the juvenile woodpecker, and the female bluebird. Great shots all, though! Hope you have as much success in 2012!

    Glad you enjoyed the rest of my Old Tucson photos. It was a fun day!

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  62. CatherineJanuary 14, 2012 at 8:33 PM

    You know I love the birds Betsy! I can hardly wait for spring and all my fine feathered friends to return. :)
    I hope you and George are having a terrific weekend!
    xo Catherine

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  63. AnonymousJanuary 14, 2012 at 8:35 PM

    Love your bird pictures, especially the bluebird.

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  64. CameraCruiseJanuary 15, 2012 at 6:42 AM

    Great shots of all the beautiful birds.
    Love them.

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  65. TracyJanuary 15, 2012 at 9:42 AM

    I love the femal eastern bird...such a sweet look on her face. YOu always do a fnatastic job on your photos; I aspire to be like you :)

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  66. imacJanuary 15, 2012 at 9:49 AM

    Peek a boo Birdy Betsy.
    Nice to feel the spring in the air soon and birds nesting.

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  67. eileeninmdJanuary 15, 2012 at 10:46 AM

    Hi Betsy, your birds photos are all wonderful and it is much too hard to pick a favorite. The dancing wrens are cute, great captures.

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  68. blueskyartistJanuary 15, 2012 at 4:03 PM

    I really enjoyed your bird photos.Your yard is colorful year round, I think! I haven't seen much variety at my feeder this winter, just sparrows! Maybe I need to put out more exciting food and suet! That, or everyone else has flown south!

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  69. Living In Williamsburg VirginiaJanuary 15, 2012 at 10:10 PM

    These shots are wonderful. What a collection of friends you have.

    Darryl and Ruth :)

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  70. KirigalpoththaJanuary 16, 2012 at 9:13 AM

    Superb collection!

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  71. AnnesphamilyJanuary 16, 2012 at 9:03 PM

    I think watching birds is so fascinating! They are as sweet as can be! Thank you for sharing with us! Anne

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