It is midsummer now and the birds are plentiful at Fort Macon. I was there this past Saturday, and, as usual in June, I am always looking for one of our rare Painted Bunting visitors to this northernmost part of their breeding range. The North Carolina coast from here south gets a few of these beautiful birds in the spring and summer. The Park Rangers put out feeders with white millet to draw them close for visitors to see. I have been trying(with no luck) for several years to get a picture of one so I could have a "North Carolina" pic to add to my many South Carolina shots. I finally got one on this trip. I got the shot with the bunting on the feeder, then it immediately flew away. I waited for over an hour hoping to get a shot of the bird sitting on a branch, but did not see it again. I do not like "feeder" pics because I don't see them as natural--but I am happy to finally have a "home state Painted Bunting" pic!!
The area was full of Red-winged Blackbirds and grackles. I got an interesting picture of three grackles all trying to stand in the same spot, and a nice picture of a Cardinal with a giant grub. There were many Great Crested Flycatchers and I caught one swallowing a dragonfly. This area is always a great bird viewing spot year round .
The area was full of Red-winged Blackbirds and grackles. I got an interesting picture of three grackles all trying to stand in the same spot, and a nice picture of a Cardinal with a giant grub. There were many Great Crested Flycatchers and I caught one swallowing a dragonfly. This area is always a great bird viewing spot year round .
RSS Feed