White-breasted Nuthatch: Kennebunk, Maine, USA, March 2026 — This little gentleman or lady is on our deck at the feeders many times each day, probably hourly, maybe more than once an hour (might not be the same bird every time; I do occasionally see two at once). It takes sunflowers from the sunflower feeder, and goes into the suet cage for suet, and really enjoys the crumbs of mealworms that the Bluebirds (and, unfortunately, the Starlings) drop. Always apply to enjoy its alert and somehow cheerful presence. Sony a6700. Sigma 16-300 at 300mm (cropped to ~ 600mm equivalent field of view). Program with bird and wildlife modifications. Processed in Photomator.

House Finch: Kennebunk, Maine, USA, March 2026 — I check this ornamental cherry tree whenever I pass, in hopes of catching the local flock of Cedar Waxwings feeding. I do not know where they are this abnormally cold and snowy southern Maine winter (at least abnormal for the past decade), but I hope they will come back to us sometime soon. In the meantime, there are a few birds starting to use the cherries. The House Finch seems to only take the fruit that is the most shriveled. There is a building behind the tree, and the brown siding forms an unusual contrasting backdrop. Sony a6700. Sigma 16-300 at about 800mm equivalent field of view. Program with birds and wildlife modifications. Processed in Photomator.

Eastern Bluebird: Kennebunk, Maine, USA, February 2026 — Actually, I just caught this bluebird swallowing a mealworm…but I know what it looks like. He was not really mad at me, and he was not yelling anything nasty. In fact, he seemed quite happy with the fresh supply of mealworms. Sony a6700. Sigma 16-300 at 450mm equivalent field of view (cropped to about 500mm). Program with bird and wildlife modifications. Processed in Photomator.

Carolina Wren: Kennebunk, Maine, USA, February 2026 — It is snowing again this Sunday morning, but this is from Wednesday’s snowstorm. A Carolina Wren possibly thinking, “Remind me again. What made me think moving to Maine was a good idea?” They have been in and around our yard for at least 5 winters (and summers) now, so they must find something to like about it. Sony A6700. Sigma 16-300 at 450mm equivalent field of view (cropped to more like 600mm). Program with bird and wildlife modifications. Processed in Photomator.

Cooper’s Hawk: Kennebunk, Maine, USA, February 2026 — Yesterday, I decided to have Carol drop me off at the pond so I could see what was happening there and then walk home the mile and a half. Since I was walking that far, I only brought the Sony a6700 and the little Sigma 16-300 Contemporary zoom…my walk-around kit. Nothing much at the pond but some more river ice scenics. A Red-tailed hawk flew in and out, being chased by crows, but too quick for any decent photos. But the crossing the bridge over the river, there was a Cooper’s Hawk sitting in the first tall trees, just slightly above my eye level. It let me approach (I went very slowly), sat for me for a series of photos. At 450mm equivalent field of view, cropped mostly for composition, not scale. Program mode with birds and wildlife modifications. Processed in Photomator and assembled in FrameMagic.

Northern Cardinal: Kennebunk, Maine, USA, February 2026 — Two more shots of the Cardinal in the snow from Wednesday…showing both profiles. Still a very handsome bird (and doesn’t he just know it too!). Or at least that is the way it looks to me. Sony a6700. Sigma 16-300 at 450mm equivalent field of view. (Cropped to something like 800mm.) Program with bird and wildlife modifications. Processed in Photomator.

Northern Cardinal: Kennebunk, Maine, USA, February 2026 — Yesterday we had snow in the morning, and the feeders were predictably busy. Even the cardinal, who I only see in our yard a few times a month, showed up several times. After the first visit, I went to get my camera. I was on starling guard duty all morning anyway, trying to limit the uptake of mealworms and give the bluebirds their turns at the feeder, so I was there and ready the next two times the cardinal came. These photos are through the double-glazed back deck door. I can’t get right up to the door without startling the cardinal, so they were taking from well inside the kitchen. The dull light of the snowstorm helped limit reflections from the window glass. Interesting as that is 🙂 the real story is the bird itself, so vivid and vibrant in the falling snow. And so expressive. I am not sure what the cardinal is thinking, but I can easily imagine all sorts of thoughts. Probably you can too. Sony a6700. Sigma 16-300 at 450mm (cropped to something like 800mm equivalent field of view). Program with bird and wildlife modifications. Processed in Photomator and assembled in FrameMagic.

Red-bellied Woodpecker: Kennebunk, Maine, USA, February 2026 — For some reason, I rarely see the Red-bellied Woodpecker in good light. Yesterday, the sun was higher in the sky than it has been for a while, though it was still a cold February day with lots of snow on the ground. The sun cast the shadows of the suet cage across the body of the Red-bellied (you can just see the red belly), creating interesting geometric distortions, as though the bird was rendered in stained glass. Interesting? I think so. Sony a6700. Sigma 16-300 at 450mm equivalent field of view. Program with bird and wildlife modifications. Processed in Photomator.

Mallard Duck: Kennebunk, Maine, USA, February 2026 — the male of the pair of Mallards feeding on the tide-exposed marsh grasses along the road. No more leery of me than his mate. He had been working on his feathers. Can you tell? Sony a6700. Sigma 16-300 at 450mm equivalent field of view. Program with bird and wildlife modifications. Processed in Photomator.

Mallard Duck: Kennebunk, Maine, USA, February 2026 — A pair of Mallards were feeding in the bare marsh grass where the tide had washed the snow away behind the dunes, right next to the road, alongside the parked cars. I mean, who could resist? This is, of course, the female, and lacks the male’s bold colors, but still a very attractive bird. Sony a6700. Sigma 16-300 at 328mm equivalent field of view (yes, that close). Program with birds and wildlife modifications. Processed in Photomator.