Backyard Birds and Daytrips

American Robin with insects for its babies

I spent most of the months of June and July at home in our new house painting, cleaning and doing yard work. I also found some time to photograph our backyard birds. I've kept a count and am up to 25 different species of birds and 5 species of mammal. I've got feeders and a birdhouse which was used by House Wrens to raise a family of 3 chicks. All images here taken with Canon 5D Mark IV and Tamron 150-600mm G2 lens.

Male House Wren announcing his territory

Female House Wren bringing nesting material to birdhouse

I also managed to break away from working on the house several mornings to visit Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge near Denver, Colorado is a perfect example of a great place for photography while being close to home. You don't necessarily need to travel across the globe to get nice images or to have fun photographing. I visited half a dozen times during the spring and summer months and found new subjects every time. For those in the Denver area, I highly recommend checking this place out. Mornings are best. 

Whitetail deer mother and baby

Mule Deer mother and baby

Western Meadowlark drying itself after a hard rain