As spring runs its course and summer grows nearer, nature photography, especially bird photography, can become a dawn to dusk exercise if you let it.

Tate note that first image below, that of what is described as a Red-headed Robin by photographer Patrick Cavanaugh, is far and away the best image I share with you today. While I hunted in my usual cavalier fashion for my own images to share, his jumped out at me. It was submitted to my Flickr Photos group, Earth Images (of course).

Having or knowing where to find backyard bird feeders, makes for great opportunities to “image capture” songbirds and others who will frequent such locations.

This male Indigo Bunting first appraises the feed boxes before he chances it. He had a fine breakfast and moved on.

I know photographers who won’t photograph Grackles and other such birds. They say they are rude and they pester other birds. I say they are a part of nature as is any bird, and they were worthy of my time.

There’s nothing like an orange at the feeders to bring in some special birds. Like this female Baltimore Oriole.

Non migratory birds like this male Red-bellied Woodpecker, will provide you with photos opts all year long.

Above all, spring and early summer means nesting. This female House Sparrow was gathering intentionally placed nesting material. She returned time and time again giving me some great images.

Bird houses such as those designed for critters like the Purple Martin (this one’s a male), also can give hours of enjoyment and lots of pictures.

Late winter through mid spring is the perfect time for fledgling babies in the “birds of prey” category.

The young Great-horned Owl you see below is in a coniferous forest area of a large cemetery. Just two days earlier it was still in the tree cavity nest.

Spring is fun.

While some waterfowl like this Greater Scaup, are around and busy at most latitudes, all year, they become more active and attractive in spring.

To me, there’s nothing like wetland/marsh areas in spring.  I found this Common Snipe shorebird “working the edges” of a marsh pond.

The grassland areas adjacent to marshes, farm fields and even country roads, are used for nesting. Not just little birds but giants like this Sandhill Crane as well.

To me; there is nothing quite like sitting at the side of a marsh camera in hand, in any season but especially in spring. The entertainment, and then the images come in at a rapid pace.

Of course, it “ain’t” all about birds.

Amphibians like this landlocked Leopard Frog, come out of slumber to get on with life. This one is in a parking lot of National Wildlife Refuge.

Turtles such as this female Snapping Turtle, are beginning to lay eggs. This image was made here in southern Wisconsin on June 6, several years ago. Watch for turtles getting ready to dig holes along roads and trails, move in quickly make some images and then leave them alone.

Ahhhhh spring!!!!!!

Wayne,