Birds kissed by morning light

A Northern cardinal, deep red with some black streaks about its head for missing feathers, snacks on a rolled up leaf whiile perched on a tree branch.

We’ve had a delightful run of sunny days of late. I’ve donned a jacket a few times on my morning walks because the post-dawn temperatures have dipped into the low 60s and even the 50s.

This morning dawned gloriously, and I got out to the Pole Farm hoping to photograph some of the warblers that have been trickling in. I did see male and female redstarts obscured by branches high up in a tree, but no other warblers revealed themselves.

Thanks to the warm rays of the sun, this was a day for quality, not quantity, in photos.

Topping this post is a Northern cardinal, still magnificent even if he’s missing a few feathers. I spotted him in a tree at the former AT&T Building One site. There’s a parfait of light, shadow and color in that shot. Through the camera viewfinder I spotted the bird plucking at what appears to be a rolled leaf. I figured I’d likely land a nice shot. I’m pleased with the result.

As I headed back toward my car, I crossed paths with my birding buddy Jim. He spotted the redstarts, and as we were chatting I noticed a field sparrow tucked into some of the plants just off the trail. I squeezed off a few frames, all of them with the bird’s beak closed except the one below. Again, light and shadow highlighted the bird’s features.

It’s rewarding to get these images, and I’m happy to share them. 🦅

row, partly in shade from the green and yellow leaves framing it, opens its beak while perched on a stalk.
This field sparrow was maybe 15 feet from me, perched long enough for me to take several shots.

Published by Dan

University media executive by day, blogger by night, I am a well-traveled resident of New Jersey

2 thoughts on “Birds kissed by morning light

  1. “There’s a parfait of light, shadow and color in that shot.” That’s a wonderful phrase, Dan. Light, shadow…and patience. That’s what photography is often about. And, yes, the weather here the Great State of New Jersey has been splendid of late. Looking forward to the next two months, though some rain would be good.

    Like

Leave a reply to Mark Cancel reply