Monday, December 10, 2012

Not a Dirty Bird Here!

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When you watch birds, what is it that excites you? One of the things I love to watch (and photograph) is birds taking a bath. Here are a few images I made this year, of our fine feathered friends ... getting "undirty".

This first bird is an exceptionally beautiful bird, the male Painted Bunting (Passerina ciris):

Then a female Painted Bunting stopped by:

Next up, a Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) female:

Followed by a male Northern Cardinal, who almost takes an "upside-down" bath:

A little later, a Black-crested Titmouse (Baeolophus atricristatus), which happened to be a "lifer" for me that day, stopped by to clean up:

One of the "best" birds to visit the waterhole for a quick bath was this thrasher, a Long-billed Thrasher (Toxostoma longirostre). I debated long and hard for an ID on this guy ... may be a Curve-billed Thrasher (Toxostoma curvirostre) ... what do you think?
So, if you are out exploring new areas and happen upon a waterhole, sit tight and watch ... maybe some dirty birds will stop by for you!

This post was authored by Jim Braswell of Show-Me Nature Photography
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26 comments:

  1. Tim SchreckengostDecember 10, 2012 at 4:41 AM

    I would call the thrasher a Long-billed. The streaks on the breast are too bold and dark for a Curve-billed Thrasher. Cool post!

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    1. Jim BraswellDecember 10, 2012 at 1:37 PM

      Thanks, Tim! Also appreciate the ID info ... the streaks were what pointed me towards the long-billed, too.

      Delete
  2. Dan HuberDecember 10, 2012 at 5:00 AM

    Wonderful post Jim. It is always fun to watch them bathe, and you got super shots.

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  3. ironheadJamesDecember 10, 2012 at 5:26 AM

    Jim great pictures, so many nice birds, I have to wait till April to see cardinals again. thanks

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    1. Jim BraswellDecember 10, 2012 at 1:39 PM

      Thanks, James! Fortunately, we have tons of cardinals at my home during the winter. I've counted as many as 35 at a time, either at the feeders or in trees waiting their turn! Just love them :o)

      Delete
  4. Isidro OrtizDecember 10, 2012 at 6:20 AM

    Excelentes series de esta bonitas aves.Saludos

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  5. Laurence ButlerDecember 10, 2012 at 6:46 AM

    Definitely a Long-billed with the white breast and darker streaking, along with the darker brown back.
    Great series of images!

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    1. Jim BraswellDecember 10, 2012 at 1:40 PM

      Thanks for both the ID help and the kind comment, Laurence!

      Delete
  6. Hilke BrederDecember 10, 2012 at 7:06 AM

    Much enjoyed your post, Jim! Beautiful series of captured images!

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  7. UnknownDecember 10, 2012 at 7:16 AM

    What a great series Jim! with really beautiful and interesting birds as your subjects.

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    1. Jim BraswellDecember 10, 2012 at 1:42 PM

      Thank you, Robert. Besides the fun activity, it was great to get so many "lifers" :o)

      Delete
  8. Julie G.December 10, 2012 at 8:44 AM

    I just love to watch birds splishin' and splashin'. Marvelous photographs of bird behavior and so much fun to look at. This wonderful post put a big smile on my face. Delightful!

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  9. AnonymousDecember 10, 2012 at 9:08 AM

    Jim these are great photos. I too enjoy birds at the birdbath, but don't get near as nice photos.

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    1. Jim BraswellDecember 10, 2012 at 1:43 PM

      Thank you, Terry! Rest assured, I don't always get nice photos, either :o) But you learn from your mistakes and keep trying!

      Delete
  10. woodpeckerDecember 10, 2012 at 9:43 AM

    A great post, some wonderful pictures of some very colourful birds.

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  11. woodpeckerDecember 10, 2012 at 9:43 AM

    A great post, some wonderful pictures of some very colourful birds.

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  12. TammyDecember 10, 2012 at 2:52 PM

    Awesome photos Jim! Just as entertaining as watching them in person:)

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    1. Jim BraswellDecember 12, 2012 at 6:09 PM

      Thank you, Tammy! Watching/photographing them sure can make the time go by so quickly!

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  13. Kathie BrownDecember 10, 2012 at 9:38 PM

    These are wonderful shots! I love to watch birds bathe! They seem so joyful when they do it!

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    1. Jim BraswellDecember 12, 2012 at 6:10 PM

      Thanks, Kathie! I agree, can't decide who loves it more, the birds or me :o)

      Delete
  14. heidiDecember 16, 2012 at 9:25 AM

    Location would be a nice addition to the post!

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