Autumn Backyard Birds
Blue jay - Backyard - 10/25/25 Nikon Z8 with Z 100-400 mm zoom 1/2000 sec, f/5.6, ISO 2800
With all the traffic in the area as folks from all over the region are converging on the Hudson Valley to witness the Fall Foliage, I decided to revisit my own backyard and photograph some of our finest fall inhabitants. I was hoping for some new winter visitors as well, but it is still a bit too early especially given the fact that climate change has led to a later onset of the cold weather. First shot is of a Blue jay. This bird is “king of the roost” wherever it decides to land. He’s a bit of a bully and other birds keep their distance. Another larger bird in the backyard is much quieter and calmer. The Mourning dove is willing to share space with the other more diminutive denizens of our home grounds and lives up to his iconic image of a symbol of peace.
A peaceful Mourning dove - home - 10/25/25
Many of the smaller birds were flying in to get close to a platform feeder we have set up out back. They will fly into nearby roosts and patiently await their turn as the larger jays and doves get first servings. Watching the smaller House sparrows and finches come in for a soft landing is witnessing a feat of Mother Nature’s engineering prowess. Trying to capture these maneuvers on the camera can be a challenge, but success make worth the effort.
Incoming step 1 House sparrow - Nikon Z8 with Z 100-400 @240mm 1/2000 sec, f/7.1, ISO 11,400
Landing Step 2
House finches are still here in good numbers as well. Some House finches will migrate a good distance south, while other will hang out here all winter. Why to some stay and some move on? You’ll have to ask them that question! Come winter, some of the Purple finches from the north country may join these birds. We will keep our eyes open as the winter residents arrive.
House finch coming in for a landing - Backyard - 10/25/25
The last of today’s resident birds is my wife’s favorite, the Handsome Tufted titmouse. His ebony eyes against the light blue-gray tufted head give him an unmistakable appearance. These birds will remain with us throughout the chilly winter months, and we’re always happy to see them no matter what the time of year.
Tufted titmouse - Backyard - 10/25/25 Nikon Z8 with Z 100-400 mm @ 340mm, 1/2000 sec, f/5.6, ISO 1100
In a week, we will begin to contribute to the sightings of Cornell Lab’s “Project Feederwatch” and I will be sure to report and post any interesting winter birds on “Naturally Digital”. Hope you will continue to join us on our journey through the natural world in 2025.
