Cardinals & Allies

Northern Cardinal - Sloss Lake, AL There are few birds that are as striking as this Male Northern Cardinal. This bird was flycatching on the shores of Sloss Lake, Alabama I am guessing to feed the young in the nest. He was very focused on the flying insects in the area so much so that we were able to shoot several photos as close range. Cardinals are part of a very large family that includes grosbeaks and tanagers along with several others. Michael W Klotz 2022 - www.TheBirdBlogger.com
Northern Cardinal - Sloss Lake, AL
Black-headed Grosbeak - Grouse Mountain Base, BC At the base of Grouse Mountain, there is a great spot for mountain warblers and other song birds. We were lucky enough to catch several species we were looking for here. We were out on a mission to find MacGillivray's warbler and ran across this handsome boy. Our answer to the Rose-breasted grosbeak found on the East side of the continent. This stunning bird sounds similar to an American robin when in full song and sometimes cannot be located even with all the contrasting color. Michael W Klotz 2022 - www.TheBirdBlogger.com
Black-headed Grosbeak - Grouse Mountain Base, BC
Dickcissel - 10 Mile Pond, MO During our southern states road trip, we hit 10 mile pond just west of the Mississippi River in Missouri. Along the farm road, we came across more colorful birds than you could shake a stick at. This Dickcissel was one of them. This male was quite happy to call the ladies while we watched on. These are a bird of the Prairies and will be thick one year and absent the next all based on conditions in the area. Michael W Klotz 2022 - www.TheBirdBlogger.com
Dickcissel - 10 Mile Pond, MO
Lazuli's Bunting - Osoyoos Cottages, BC During a 110 degree day on Osoyoos Lake, we found a Lazuli's bunting hiding from the sun under some maple leaves. This handsome little bird was panting away but happened to come out for a bit of a photo shoot. I had never noticed before that these birds had blue thighs. They are closely related to the Indigo bunting which is is more of an eastern bird where as the Lazuli's spends most of its time on the western parts of North America. Michael W Klotz 2021 - www.TheBirdBlogger.com Picture
Lazuli's Bunting - Osoyoos Cottages, BC
Black-headed Grosbeak - Sturgeon Slough, BC This handsome devil was making the rounds and collecting some of the summer berries in the area when we passed by. Next time a napkin might be in order. Sturgeon Slough was the site of several good birds this year including a Yellow-bellied chat, a Chipping sparrow and some Black-crowned Night Herons. This has always been a special area for birding but better than most this year. Not far from here was a Costa's hummingbird in the early summer which does not usually come north of California and Nevada. Our subject, the Black-headed Grosbeak is a summer resident here in southern British Columbia and is seen occasionally during walks in the area. Michael W Klotz 2021 - www.TheBirdBlogger.comPicture
Black-headed Grosbeak - Sturgeon Slough, BC
Western Tanager - Meadow Lake, BC I spent a very special morning with a very curious Western Tanager along the side of Meadow Lake Road. He was singing away checking the poplar and pines for food and working his way up the shoulder while I kept pace. I love the early caterpillar tracks in the poplar leaves just to the side of his head, tail and feet. keep an eye out for the video I will be posting soon of this guy as well. Michael W Klotz 2019 - www.TheBirdBlogger.com Picture
Western Tanager - Meadow Lake, BC
Western Tanager - Meadow Lake, BC There is nothing more spectacular than a close encounter with a beautiful piece of nature. This male Western Tanager was very close to the road edge looking for breakfast. He let me get within feet to photograph him. He had a mate near by who made a quick appearance, but soon disappeared with the male in hot pursuit. Can't beat the color of this summer resident of Meadow Lake. Michael W Klotz 2019 - www.TheBirdBlogger.com Picture
Western Tanager - Meadow Lake, BC
Black-headed Grosbeak - Pitt Meadows, BC This handsome male was singing his heart out. It seemed to pay off, there was a female staying close in the shadows. During some research I found out that this bird used to be called the Spotted Grosbeak back when Audubon was drawing pictures for his book. Thompson Rd is little dead end road with an amazing treasure trove of birds mostly because of its diverse ecosystems all within close proximity of each other. Michael Klotz - www.TheBirdBlogger.com Picture
Black-headed Grosbeak - Pitt Meadows
Lazuli Bunting - Kamloops, BC - Below Rattlesnake Bluff in Kamloops is a conspicuous Saskatoon Berry tree. On the top of the tree was a very conspicuous blue and tan bird singing his heart out looking for a female. Lazuli's Buntings are the West's answer to the Indigo bunting. The brilliant blue of this little songbird is quite striking. Michael Klotz - www.TheBirdBlogger.com Picture
Lazuli Bunting - Kamloops, BC
Pyrrhuloxia - De Anza Trail, AZ This fantastic little bird seemed to be comfortable enough with my presence while I took some shots. He was on the the Anza Trail in Tubac, Arizona. This particular fellow brought my life list to 289. Pyrrhuloxias are sometimes call Desert cardinals with good reason. One of the tell tale signs to look for is the beak looking all shrunken and bent. Michael W Klotz 2006 - www.TheBirdBlogger.com
Pyrrhuloxia - De Anza Trail, AZ