Getting Better

I have been trying to do a little birding without E.  I think I am getting better.  Well, better at not spending as much time trying to focus in on a dead leaf or funny branch.  Not so much better at finding new birds for my list.  But I did finish the year in a 5 way tie for 53 on Ebird for my county. 

Saw this mocking bird in the yard. 

And this meadowlark with several others just on the hill in front of the house.  

There are lots of bluebirds hanging around.  

But I did spend a long time trying to photograph this bird at a distance thinking it was going to be a new one for my list.  Then when I saw the pictures on the computer and saw that red spot on the back of it's head, I knew it was a northern flicker, already have it.  I will try again another day.