Using fallen sticks from our trees, here is a brush pile I placed on our patio next to the deck. I have two larger ones near the back of our yard along with a ground birdbath. Fallen leaves make the piles seem a little more natural, more so than a typical feeding platform, anyway. Sprinkling birdseed in front of the sticks completes the setup and doesn't take long to attract a lot birds, especially sparrows.
The skies were overcast today, but digiscoping from the kitchen provided the advantage of being super close to the action, which meant faster shutter speeds from employing minimum focal length. Of course, it's still such high magnification that it's difficult to frame an entire bird unless they're turned toward me a little, but the results are enjoyable to look at. It's also fun to pop off the camera and view the birds through the scope at close range.
Dark-eyed Junco
White-throated Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Fox Sparrow
Fox Sparrow
Waunakee backyard birds – 11/11/2007:
Mourning Dove
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Blue Jay
American Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
Red-breasted Nuthatch
White-breasted Nuthatch
Cedar Waxwing
Fox Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
House Finch
Pine Siskin
American Goldfinch
Dark-eyed Junco
House Sparrow
All images © 2007 Mike McDowell
