Just a few common East Tennessee birds, "caught" while feeding...

Mockingbirds are common residents here year-round. They're very aggressive and vocal in defending their winter feeding areas. This one was quite busy insuring that no other birds would "steal" his privet berries!









American Coots are commonest here in the wintertime, and feast on aquatic vegetation. They're not particularly shy, especially if you approach them slowly.







And they're worth a closer look - if only to gawk at those amazing feet!







One more winter resident. We have several native Woodpecker species that are here year-round, but we only see this species in the wintertime. Yellow-Bellied Sapsuckers peck horizontal rows of small holes in tree trunks (especially maples, but several other species as well). Dripping sap attracts insects, and the Sapsuckers enjoy the sticky mixture!

Have been stalking this guy (on and off) for several weeks, and finally got a pretty good snapshot. Hoping for some opportunities for a better shot, but he's pretty shy...







Hope you enjoyed the "bird restaurant," and that you'll share your comments & critique!

[Bob Harris]

all wonderful photos to view Ranger, we have the coots at several of our parks in the desert, very interesting birds to watch.

[tessfully]

Mole, your photos are beyond excellent, I am enjoying each series you post immensely.

[8540tomg]

Great series.

Tom G

[mole]

Bob - They sure are fascinating birds - and not too hard to observe either.

Tess - You are too kind!

Tom - Thanks so much!

[mehl]

Nice ones. Love the 1st 3. So clear. Is the 400 ATX a MF lense?

[OrchidJulie]

Mockingbirds are really defensive of their nests, too. They're not the least shy about strafing intruders anywhere near the nest! One year we couldn't approach the car without being attacked...I took to carrying an upright broom, the bristles just above head-height, so the birds would attack that rather than my head!

Wonderful images, thanks for sharing them. Coots are common here, too. Amusing creatures, without a doubt.

[Heinrich Lohmann]

Some very nice and interesting bird shots, thanks for showing us.