Tom Priddy

I don't shoot Mourning Doves very often because, well . . . they're like annoying neighbors. They're always around, butting in everywhere. But when they close their eyelids and scratch an itch I pay attention. #birds #nature

I put out fresh food and water this morning, and was rewarded with a visit from a Red-bellied Woodpecker. He tried to hide from me . . . but he let down his guard for one 320th of a second. I didn't have time to boost the ISO, but fortunately that was enough. #birds #nature

This little guy just plopped down in the seed tray and stayed a while. I guess he was tried from cracking open the seeds. #birds #nature

I was already seeing some beautiful birds yesterday morning when I took this shot of a Red-bellied Woodpecker. And with that I was very content with the morning's shoot. Then the Tanager came by, so I sort of forgot about this frame. But he has the stage all to himself today. #birds #nature

Imagine my surprise this morning when I discovered this beautiful bird had stopped at my feeders. I believe it's a Summer Tanager, which would make it the third first-time bird in my backyard this year. I wish I'd had a little more light, but I'll take what I can get. #birds #nature

Only thing I can think of to explain this seemingly mean countenance is that this Northern Mockingbird was unhappy with the cuisine du jour in the back yard. Or maybe he was just overusing his mocking skills. #birds #nature

Another Rose-breasted Grosbeak came to visit yesterday. Or, maybe it's the same one. If you're interested in more bird photos, you can visit my website here: www.tinyurl.com/tomsbirdphotos #birds #nature

The Brown Thrasher always look so serious. I wish he would use that stern look to scare away the darn squirrel that's been pestering me today. #birds #nature

Ehhhhhh, I think it's time for another Eastern Bluebird. (Is it ever not a good time?) #birds #nature

Nah. I'm not gonna even try to figure out what's going on here. I'll just consider it a surprise gift from the bird gods and leave it at that. #birds #nature

Those Eastern Bluebirds can't resist a mealworm snack, and I'm good with that. #birds #nature

He came back a second day! The Rose-breasted Grosbeak, who first visited our back yard yesterday, made a repeat appearance again this morning. Imagine my surprise. Never saw one before; now visited two days in a row. #birds #nature

These American Goldfinches are so bright it's hard to miss them when they stop by the backyard feeders for a bite. #birds #nature

This Red-bellied Woodpecker stopped by yesterday. Briefly . . . very briefly. If you're listening . . . please come back often. #birds #nature

I'm not sure what this little one was yelling about, but I'm just happy he stopped by for a bite to eat this morning. #birds #nature

I have two bird cameras: one that I use most of the year, the Nikon D500, and one I use in the lower light of winter because of better ISO, the Nikon D5. Yesterday was the changing of the guard . . . er, cameras. (It's kind of a big deal for me.) #birds #nature

Last night I got a little taste of the eclipse of the moon, standing out in front of my home in the middle of the night, but tonight was a second act, and it was even better. I wasn't wearing my pajamas and it didn't interrupt my sleep. It was a bit more conventional.

One of the "features" of growing old is that you often have the opportunity to discover what is happening around you at 3 and 4 in the morning. What fun! But this morning about 3:30 I decided that since I was awake anyway I might as well go outside and see what's happening with the eclipse.

What's the hardest common backyard bird to photograph? I would argue it could be the American Goldfinch. I don't think I've ever been satisfied with a photo of these little birds. The head always seems fuzzy, unsharp and dirty. But I'll keep trying. #birds #nature

I guess I haven't been catering to the Northern Cardinals recently. They don't seem to care for the mealworms or the little seeds, so I'll have to stock some more black oil sunflower seeds. I've run out. This female took a look and split, staying just long enough for a photo. #birds #nature

I've seen quite a few Carolina Wrens around here recently. And I guess that's to be expected here in, uh . . . Carolina. #birds #nature

Does anyone else look at this and see an elderly gentleman with a wide Santa Claus beard? #birds #nature

This little guy was hanging out at the feeders this morning, keeping an eye out for the Robins that were hogging the mealworm feeders. He managed to sneak in when the Robins were taking a break. But he wasn't happy about the situation. #birds #nature

Is this possibly the bird equivalent of being mooned? #birds #nature

I was happy to be corrected about the full dates of this year's Great Backyard Bird Count, so I was able to count this beautiful Carolina Wren in this weekend's tally. #birds #nature

I was happy to be corrected about the full dates of this year's Great Backyard Bird Count, so I was able to count this beautiful Eastern Bluebird in this weekend's tally. #birds #nature

OOPS! I got the start date wrong! These count after all.

It's a shame that the Great Backyard Bird Count didn't start until today, because I shot this beautiful bird yesterday on a bright, sunny Valentine's Day. But I would never think of saying it doesn't count in some way or another. #birds #nature

It's a shame that the Great Backyard Bird Count didn't start until today, because I shot this beautiful bird yesterday on a bright, sunny Valentine's Day. But I would never think of saying it doesn't count in some way or another. #birds #nature

As I said before, this Carolina Wren seemed to be on the lookout for any dangers as he picked off the mealworms. #birds #nature