A juvenile Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) practices its "wing flashing" before it heads of into the world. Northern Mockingbirds when foraging on the ground for insects, will spread its wings, revealing its white wing patches. This action flushes and reveals the insects it will catch. I believe it is also a warning or threatening gesture. I watched a domestic cat starting to doze off in a sunny patch on the lawn when a mockingbird landed about 15 feet away and run toward the cat with wings flashing. A very brave bird, probably protecting a nearby nest. #mockingbird #mockingbirds #backyardbirding
Flowers of Chain Fruit Cholla (jumping cactus) are beautiful, but the sharp, barbed spines of this cactus will make you regret getting too close. Remember, I said barbed. Close-up photography demands concentration. Have you ever had a painful encounter with this cactus?
Cute Gambel`s quail drink at the water dish with dad. They don`t stay babies very long. Enjoy.
Found this interesting insect on a Shasta Daisy flower. Belongs to the genus Lygus. It is just 3/16 inches long. A magnifying glass is helpful. I like that green heart shape mark on its back.
If your assignment was to produce an image of a Verdin (Auriparus flaviceps) for a field guide, you would be hard pressed to find a better model than this bird foraging among the blossoms of Autumn Sage (Salvia greggii).
#backyardbirds #backyardgarden #backyardphotography #backyardphotographer
I did a test run with my nighttime flash photography components to confirm everything was functioning properly. I smeared peanut butter on the rock knowing I would probably attract a small rodent (mouse, pack rat, etc.). Well, a javelina got to the goods before any of the little critters could. I hope he enjoyed his 1/8 teaspoon of peanut butter.
@camtraptions #cameratrap #cameratrapping #cameratrapphotography
I keep rubbing my eyes, in disbelief, because I don`t think this is normal. 😊My first thought was a White-eared Hummingbird but the bill seems too long. This ID is above my grade level so I`m submitting to the birding community for confirmation. Seems like a juvenile. Is it possible this is from a nearby nest. Location: Casas Adobes, Tucson, Arizona. #birdidentification #birdidentificationhelp
Face to face with a Large Milkweed Bug ( Oncopeltus fasciatus) on a Pineleaf Milkweed (Asclepias linaria) seed pod.
#milkweedbug #insectphotos #creepybugs
Come on now. Admit it. Sweat bees are beautiful. Don`t go swatting them now. Sweat bee on Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa).
#nativebees #sweatbees #insectphotography #macrophotography
Take a look at a Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus) as it sips nectar from the white flowers of the Blackfoot Daisy (Melampodium leucanthum).
#backyardbutterfly #smallbutterflies #butterflyphotography
Bee on Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa), a beautiful and vital source of nectar for these busy pollinators. The bright orange flowers of this milkweed plant are a stunning addition to any backyard garden, and a must-have host for our Tucson monarch waystation. 🐝💛 #backyardphotography #bees #backyardgarden #monarchwaystation
Costa`s Hummingbird (Calypte costae) and Gregg`s blue mistflower (Conoclinium greggii).
#backyardphotography of #backyardbirds in #tucsonarizona
If not the most common, one of the most common birds of southern Arizona. The House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus). So common, I believe many birders are capable of identifying them in the margins of their peripheral vision and move on to their next target within a blink of the eye. A beautiful bird nonetheless!
#birdingarizona #birdingtucson #backyardbird #backyardbirds #backyardbirder #backyardbirding
Morning breakfast. Two Anna`s Hummingbird chicks being fed by the mother. These birds will grow quickly, including the length of the beaks, during the next three weeks.
#hummingbirds #annashummingbirds #backyardbirds
