I’ve already written, but not posted, my assessment of fall/winter birding here in Anacortes this season… stay tuned! But on my way to the forum I discovered that I had taken some photos with which I could make an important point for yard habitat and birding. On January 10, 2021, I took an unusually small number of bird photos in the yard and noted that many were of the same species, Dark-eyed (Oregon) juncos. Not very interesting from a birding point of view, although I think their feather patterns are very interesting, but from a photography/observation standpoint a good way to make an important point.

All the following photos were taken in our yard in a 20-minute period, all were taken from the same point and all were taken of subjects that were within less than 20 feet from the camera. It sounds like it could be boring, but thanks to a little creative arranging of staging objects (sticks and rocks) we have an assortment of photographs. And even if you’re not into photography, staging objects often give you more time and angles from which to view your subject. So here are a variety of photos as described above.

Have I made my point? As my OLD Latin teacher used to say, “A word to the wise is sufficient”!