Looking so chipper
Connie Redinger of Indiana, Pennsylvania, says, “A juvenile chipping sparrow was perched in my lilac tree and then took a short flight to my fence. It looked so proud sitting there, as if to say, ‘Thanks, Mom, I can fly!’ It was so tiny but so brave—all puffed up, enjoying life.” Check out these fantastic photos of hummingbirds you need to see.
Fledgling oriole
“Baltimore orioles built a nest on a tree branch above my porch,” says Marybeth Zilnicki of Riverhead, New York. “Once their eggs hatched, I enjoyed watching both parents feed and take care of the young. I was lucky to see this fledgling settle on my fence. I love how its feathers look and how my tree is reflected in its eye.” These 30 incredible photos showcase the beauty of birds.
Walk this way
“I found this adorable gosling at Lakewood’s Belmar Park, home to a large variety of birds and a favorite spot with walking trails, ponds, and an abundance of wildlife,” says Chuck Danford of Littleton, Colorado. “I use photos like this to create watercolor paintings.” You’ll love these spectacular photos that celebrate spring.
Strike a pose
“When I first noticed this little one watching me, I thought it was a baby owl,” says Dianne Braun of Southport, North Carolina. “Upon closer inspection, I realized it was a young American kestrel. Because it wasn’t doing much flying, I had time to grab my camera for this shot. The kestrel was under a butterfly bush at our old house in Woodland, California.” Check out these funny animal pictures you need in your life.
Feed us!
“These American robins were waiting to be fed in early spring,” says Daryl Beck of Pleasant Hill, Missouri. “Their nest was on a farm tractor next to the gearshift, so I had to wait until they fledged to use the tractor.” This eerie photo shows what happens when a plane encounters a flock of birds.
Stop and smell the flowers
Raven Ouellette of Sudbury, Ontario, writes, “A mallard family took up residence in our neighborhood lake. One duckling exploring a grassy area nearby was so intrigued by a dandelion! It reminded me of the saying ‘Always take time to stop and smell the flowers!'” These funny bird puns will “quack” you up.
Sitting pretty
“My husband and I feed a pair of black phoebes,” says Jennifer Meyer of Mission Viejo, California. “They snatch mealworms right out of the air when we toss them. The birds brought their new brood, and this juvenile posed on a patio chair. The photo is special to us because of our relationship with these amazing fliers.” These are 12 of the most majestic birds found in nature.
Model behavior
Leslie Abram of Codrington, Ontario, writes, “Finally, a young eastern bluebird! Along with our neighbors, we put out many nest boxes and have been planting wildlife gardens with native shrubs and trees to attract these beauties. It takes a village to raise a bluebird.” Did you know these incredible facts about hummingbirds?
Three’s company
Douglas Beall of Camp Sherman, Oregon, says, “American bitterns are often difficult to see, but when these young ones galumphed around the marsh, it gave me a prime opportunity to capture them in their typical pose of ‘I am just a reed.’ Bitterns will shift back and forth in sync with the marsh grasses swaying in the breeze. It’s a fascinating survival skill that makes them tricky to spot.” See if you can spot the animals camouflaged in these photos.
Bluebird trio
“My husband and I turned our backyard into a haven for birds, bees, and butterflies by planting flowers and trees that attract them,” says Deb Forster of Clayton, North Carolina. “We’ve also put up bird feeding stations, a birdbath with a bubble fountain, and two bluebird houses. Our first pair of bluebirds moved in and produced a brood of babies. Last summer it was such a joy to watch another pair build a nest and care for their young. After their second brood left, three of the four young bluebirds eventually returned to the birdbath. I happened to be outside and got a photo of the siblings.” These adorable photos of baby animals will brighten your day.
Sibling love
Mary-Ann Ingrao of Angola, New York, says, “When I was in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, it was so refreshing to watch these two young burrowing owls. In their eyes, I see love and courage. A few moments before this shot, they were beak kissing.” Learn about some birds you can only see in one part of the world.
Peek-a-boo
“One of my favorite things about summer is enjoying breakfast in the backyard while listening to birds, says Michele Verbick of McHenry, Illinois. “I watched these young nestlings beg for food in one of my many birdhouses. One or two poked their heads out on the lookout for food. I got into position with my camera and couldn’t believe it when all three peered out for a photo op at the same time.” Next, these hilarious bird photos are sure to give you a laugh.