What They Don’t Tell You About Getting Into Bird Watching Is That Once You Get Into It, You Do Not

American Robins (Turdus migratorius), female (1 & 2), males (3 & 5), and juvenile (4), taken January 23, 2025, in Georgia, US

A few of the robins in my backyard robin army! They're eating so much food. Hundreds, all day every day for weeks... I love them, but oh my god.

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Banded Fishing Spider (Dolomedes vittatus), female, taken September 27, 2024, in Georgia, US

Aside from maybe Joro Spiders, this is one of the largest spiders I find in my area. I almost stepped on this girl while I was circling a tree, and she shot out of the leaves and scared the crap out of me! She was a wonderful model, though, unlike her cousins the White-banded Fishing Spiders (Dolomedes albineus) who are hateful and cannot sit still.

Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus), taken July 19, 2024, in New Hampshire, US

Looking down at me from above... Though these birds would never get very close, I still find the few pictures I got of them wonderful. This one in particular is very nice! The fact that he perched right in a gap in the branches so he could look at me was pretty fortunate, since it turned into a really cool picture!

Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia), taken May 27, 2024, in Georgia, US

Just a beautiful, solid sparrow! The more I photograph them, the more I come to like sparrows. They're much more colorful than they seem from afar, and I love all of their intricate patterning! This individual sat very politely for me, what a champ.

Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia), taken February 10, 2025, in Georgia, US

Very cute and pretty brave, as is the case with most sparrows! This guy has a preferred spot directly underneath the feeder pole. It's a highly contentious seat, but he had it all to himself this time!

Fowler's Toad (Anaxyrus fowleri), taken April 21, 2025, in Georgia, US

Quite the wise-looking toad! His eyes look like they see all—or maybe they see too much. I did almost step on him. While he was processing his near-death experience, I took the opportunity to get some nice macros of his face, and, even though I couldn't get the whole thing in focus, they turned out nice! This was my favorite of them because you can better see the curve of his mouth and the reflection of the woods around us in his eyes. After he finished recovering, he hopped off, likely in search of dinner!

Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens), male, taken March 28, 2025, in Georgia, US

Because of the massive amounts of pollen in the air, birds are now much harder to photograph... I'm way too sniffly and loud to allow them to relax, so nobody really shows when I'm outside (except robins, of course). This guy was willing to take the risk, though! Downies tend to be really bold, though, so that isn't really a surprise!

Round-necked Longhorn Beetle (Clytus ruricola), taken May 2, 2025, in Georgia, US

A cool longhorn beetle who's slumber I disturbed! This guy was hiding under a leaf after a storm. I didn't recognize the beetle, so I flipped his little leaf over for pictures. He was disturbed but didn't seem afraid, slowly exploring my presence and staying after I left him alone. I'm seeing lots of new longhorn beetles outside, but most of them are so skittish that they fly away as soon as they see me. I just happened to catch this guy at a lucky time!

Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura), taken March 21, 2025, in Georgia, US

A lovely dove cooing into the evening sun. Someone was on the other end of their song, likely a partner, and I could hear them calling back. Not only is this dove's call very calming, but—when you can find them—they're interesting to watch while calling! You can see in the second photo this dove puffing its neck feathers up and tucking its head in to call. It was both holding a conversation and keeping an eye on me in case I got any closer—professional multitasking!