American Goldfinch

Until leaves develop on the trees this goldfinch doesn't have much of a hiding place. It is in its molting cycle, with white plumage complementing the yellow and black feathers. You can read more about the annual plumage cycle of a male American Goldfinch on the Sibley Guides website.

Spontaneous photo opportunities

Common Cormorant

Eastern Kingbird with bug

Went to the park yesterday afternoon to take pictures of a cormorant that I had spotted moments earlier.  These diving birds don't often visit Bassett Creek's shallow pond.

Next I noticed a Eastern Kingbird perched overhead in a tree with a large insect (possibly a dragonfly) in its beak that it was attempting to eat before it escaped.

Dragonfly

After getting a quick shot of the kingbird I soon discovered a cool looking a dragonfly by water's edge.

A couple of American Osprey flew by on an unsuccessful fishing mission (already pictured in yesterday's post).

Monarch on Swamp Milkweed

Goldfinch

While watching for the Osprey I noticed Monarch Butterflies visiting the Swamp Milkweed by water's edge.

Then before I could put my camera away Goldfinches appeared.

Quite a photographic smorgasbord!

Recent pictures from yard and garden

Dragonfly

Goldfinch on sunflower

Goldfinch at sunflower feeder

Singing Goldfinch

A Goldfinch was singing up a storm atop of a cherry tree this morning.

Earlier I was just about knocked off my feet by the stunning beauty of tree leaves. What elegance in their varying sizes and shades. This was accentuated with a touch of dew.