(African Red Winged Starling).
Holler birdies (Purple Finch)
are curious (Black Phoebe)
and friendly (White Headed Sparrow).
But their African cousins (Cape Glossy Starling)
have that African ‘vibe’ (Southern Ostrich).
Like no other birdies (Blacksmith Lapwing)
anywhere else (Pied Kingfisher)
alive (African Fish Eagle)!
Cheers to you from our world of amazing birds (Baleteur Eagle)~
Fantastic photos! 🙂
Hugs to you Bette~ <3
Many thanks again for great pictures. When you don’t fly far away for subjects, the sujects fly, or in other ways, come to you.
Ahhhh, I hope so. They might sense how much I love them~ <3
Wow, love these close up pictures of these cuties. I have the feeling that you could never get close to any of them in real life and these pictures are just unreal.
Birds will let you get close. My son is particularly good at hand feeding wild birds. It is uncanny~
He is good!
Reblogged this on necltr and commented:
How what God created surpasses our works!
Could not possibly say it better. Thank you! <3 <3
Great finds! Are you on safari?
We have a common household phoebe and family that have adopted us. She loves dipping in the pool and has the sweetest voice!
The Africa photos were from last May. This phoebe has done the exact same thing! She sleeps under our side porch every night where the Great Horned Owls are afraid to go, and she hangs out on the chiminea during the day. When we hike over to get the mail, she follows us, which is where I took this photo. You need to know I believe you that wild phoebe’s will adopt you, because we have adopted a phoebe too!!! How cool is this!! 🙂 <3
Very cool!♡♡♡
Beautiful shots,clean and crisp,the macros are great !
Your work,Cindy, is so wonderful
I love it all
Congratulations !!!
Awwww, so lovely of you to say and so encouraging and motivating too. Thank you~ <3
What amazing photos! It seems each one is more beautiful!
Birdies in close up have such personalities. They are natural coquettes and so very cute. It is wonderful to really SEE them. I am glad you like them too~
Well the colors are crazy
Cindy! Just amazing
<3 <3
When I got to that ostrich I cracked a huge smile!
I framed him in the dining room. It either will, or will not, assist in guests digestion! 😉
hahaha! That is so cute. 🙂
😉 🙂
These birds are so cute, Cindy.
They are, every one! Thank you Ranu and be well my friend~
I think I shall call the first one Clarice 😀
I love it and it fits. There were two of them though. My husband named them Heckyl & Jeckyl and we made friends with them!
Hannibal Lecter loved the name too 😀
you have amazing coloured birds
One of the seed feeders is right by my computer desk, so I watch their antics as I blog. They are my blogging assistants and give me constant inspiration!
You make me interested in birds, Cindy, and that’s not easy to do! Gorgeous, vibrant photography as always.
Ahhh, such a lovely thought Carrie. Thank you & be well my friend~
As a bird lover I must say these r supreme!!! The glossy starling has won my heart tho!!! Do u have any crow and Raven pics?? They’re my animal totem and my fav bird!!
I am very partial to ravens. They are so intelligent and adaptable. Check out these photos:
http://cindyknoke.com/tag/the-raven/
Looooove it…they r so intelligent..if I spread my arms like wings and fake fly in circles on the ground they fly in circles above me until I’m exhausted..they know I’m appreciating and communicating with them
Beautiful creatures, Cindy. The ostrich is lovely in his own way too. Ha ha 🙂
The ostrichs just blew me away. I was like whoa, what is that, what I first saw them!! I wasn’t expecting them. There were a flock of females and later a group of males. I was just thrilled to see them in the wild!
Always great to see the birds in the hollow!
There are so many of them here, it is practically unbelieveable. The rarer ones stay down in the oak groves and I got posion ivy recently taking their pics. But up at the feeders there are just so many. I am waiting, eagerly for the arrival of the orioles!
I adore birds. This is a beautiful collection, Cindy. Thanks for posting.
Anyone who adores birds is a friend of mine! <3
Fabulous set of your bird images, Cindy. Terrific clarity and color. Birds are so fascinating and difficult to photograph effectively. Nice work.
Thank you. I am honored!
I love wildlife. Thank you for bringing some to us some great photos of birds I have never seen except for the ostrich
Thank you for loving wildlife. The ostrich definitely makes a BIG impression! 😉
🙂
What a fabulous place to live!
It is definitely for the birds! 😉
;-)))
Great captures of these beautiful, special birds, Cindy! The details are incredible. I so enjoy this collection. 🙂
If you enjoy them my friend, I am happy I posted! Cheers to you Amy~
Thanks to you, Cindy! 🙂
<3
Your photos are always so incredible Cindy!
That is so incredibly nice! Thank you Lynn~ <3
WOW!! I don’t think there is anything else I can say but WOW!! These are so amazing!!! <3
Awwww, you are so kind. <3 <3
The birds are stunning and full of personality. thanks for sharing them with us.
I am not surprised you see the personality Linda, but I am very glad that you do! Thank you~
thank you for promoting your adoration for all of our natural world.
Gorgeous shots Cindy! Such beautiful babies! 😍
Aren’t they the most amazing creatures, they have such presence!
The variety in nature is almost overwhelming – especially when it is captured in beautiful photos kike these. Kudos …again Cindy.
I know how much you love all creatures great and small Dor and it makes me love you. Hope your foot is getting better~
Beauty, elegance, determination – what a grand mix 😀
One has to posess these traits themself in order to recogize it in others, especially in wild creatures. You have all three and more my friend. Thank you for seeing it in the wild ones~
I have to share this with my birder son! He knows all the North American birds but probably not all the African ones. And your photos are always spectacular! 💕
Your birder son sounds like my kind of friend. I hope he enjoys them~
They really are amazing Cindy! What a great share 💛
It just makes me happy to know that people can really see the wonder of these creatures. Thank you Val~
I love watching birds. These are fabulous photos of some I know, and some I don’t.
Birds seem to posess within them the secrets of the world. I love to watch them too!
Oh my gosh Cindy. I can NOT pick a favorite this time! Each has a distinct way of being adorable and magnificent. I just love how there’s so much diversity among birds!
Speaking of avian diversity, I just purchased a book that became available in Nov 2015 called “Parrots of the Wild” by Catherine A. Toft. I’d been searching for a good source on the evolutionary history of all the various parrot species and was unsuccessful at locating one until now. I’ll send you a message/link to it via Goodreads too!
<3 Lynn
I’m on it. Thanks for the heads up. I will read it. I am still cogitating the parrot issue and what you and I might do. Check this out in the meantime. I need to go back out there when I get back from my next trip:
http://cindyknoke.com/2013/11/21/anza-avian-refuge/
Be well Lynn & let’s keep thinking…..
Yes, thanks for reminding me of that post! I’ll keep the wheels in my head turning on this issue as well! Take care! 🙂
Of course you knew it. I should have known.
If the wheels in your head are turning, there is no end to what we might accomplish. I am aware of this.
Stunning pictures Cindy.I love all things bird, yes, even the ostrich.
xxx Massive Hugs xxx
Back 2UX2 my dear friend David~
Your captures are just the best 🙂
So touched, really, thank you.
<3 <3
One of my favorite series of yours Cindy -your stunning close-ups shows details that few can capture. Wonderful ~
If I pleased you Mary, with you artistic soul, then I am pleased too~ <3
Very cool!
Mille grazie~
What a feast! They all have such independent expressions. Most of theses birds are new to me, the Black Phoebe is quite special.
I am pretty much in love with the phoebe and she knows it. She sleeps under our porch roof and hangs out on our chiminea and follows us when we go on hikes. Plus she has the sweetest song and eats flies! She’s perfect~ <3
Reblogged this on Art, animals, and the earth.
Your tireless advocacy on behalf of all creatures is so impressive Sharon. Thank you~
Vos photos sont toujours remarquables !
Bonne journée 🙂
Merci beaucoup mon ami! <3
wowww Thank you for your sharing. Good job
Thank you more for the thoughtful appreciation!
You take the most amazing photos and these are no exception. I feel as if I could reach out and touch those feathers.
What a delightful and generous comment Jean. Thank you & be well my friend~
I love them all. They are beautiful pictures Cindy! Thank you so much for sharing these with us.
Thank you more for caring about the wild ones Maiko & cheers to you my friend~ <3
I love seeing birds:from around the world. 😀 The snow geese stopped at our lake yesterday on their migration north. They usually only stay a day but I’m hoping they are lazy this year and stick around longer.
They are so beautiful aren’t they. Such a bright white and when hundreds of them take off at the same time? Nirvana. Enjoy!
alles Gute zum Frauentag, beste Grüße von mir
Haben eine wunderbare Woche mein Freund~
Beautiful bird pictures, one better than the next. I couldn’t pick a favorite – even though I tried.
Awwww, so sweet! Thank you~
Hiya Cindy > Did you take all of those? If so how did you get them s clear? Really nice. My fave is the sparrow. Love the eye black eye liner ha ha:)
My husband loves the sparrows too. I love their caps and eyeliner. I did take the photos and my sony deserves the credit for the clarity. Take good care Andy~
Nicely done. Ostriches always make me laugh (so happily daft). 🙂
And so BIG, you dares’nt laugh in their presence! 😉
One has to keep ones pecker up. 😀
Holler is a Bird’s Heaven, isn’t it.
Yes, it truly is. They run the place!
I see it
<3
Cindy, these are truly amazing. So very beautiful. Thank you so much. 🙂
Awwww, thank you for being a lovely friend~ <3
Oh Cindy!!! They know and love you! Simply spectacular and joyous. I do love following your blog! Hugs
Visa versa 2UX2 Rebecca! <3
Beautiful images Cindy.
Thank you! Love yours too~
Glorious birds, gorgeous photos.
Alison <3
Thank you Alison and cheers to you in gorgeous San Miguel~
Fantastic bird pics… Love the ostrich’s face…
She is quite arresting isn’t she? She nearly arrested my heart when I first saw her! 😉
The purple finch, my favorite. But no bird can beat the ostrich for funny! –Curt
The finches are adorable aren’t they and they to pick on the sparrows, but the ostrich, well she is one BIG BIRD! 😉
Your amazing photos bring these birdies up close and personal, Cindy — thank you!
It is only a fair exchange considering all your wonderful photos!
Well, Cindy, I have Sparrows, Grackles, Pigeons & Seagulls in my yard. Occasionally (like today) I had Canada Geese. Love the birds!!!
Birds definitely rule and you have the swans too, lucky you!
True! Swans still come to Lake Ontario.
Would love to see some clicks of them if you are so inclined~
Your photos are so amazing, Cindy. Gorgeous detail!
Awww, the subjects themselves provide all the incredible detail and I know you love them as I do Eliza. Be well my friend~
Gorgeous! We saw two Bataleur Eagles in Boise, ID at the World Center for Birds of Prey a couple of years ago. They were imprinted on people as chicks and cannot be released. They are the most beautiful birds! How neat to see them in their natural habitat!
I have two photos of this eagle. I have no idea why I separated the photos. They belong together, but I made that decision in Africa trying to limit the number of photos I post. The eagle landed (no pun intended) on the dirt road in front of us. It was absolutely incredible. He stalked around on the ground a bit and then flew off. I scrambled out of the car, and peeled off two pics. Africa is simply amazing. It hasn’t been a year since we went for the second time and I am already talking to my husband about going back.
Cindy, what beautiful bird pictures. Truly enjoyed them. Thank you! Hugs! Veraiconice
These birds are feathered messengers, angels on our doorsteps.
Your photography skills are soaring….⊹⋛⋋(◐⊝◑)⋌⋚⊹
You are a lovely friend to say so!! Hugs to you~ ⊹⋛⋋(◐⊝◑)⋌⋚⊹ <3
ღゝ◡╹)ノ♡
Awesome shots as always, Cindy. You really are a great nature photographer.
You really are very kind and most encouraging. Thank you Jane~
schönen Mittwoch für dich, liebe Cindy
Danke mein lieber Freund und glucklich Mittwoch zu Ihnen!
Wonderful photos, Cindy. The Ostrich looks so happy. 🙂
It’s like she knows she is the biggest bird in Africa!!! 😉
😀
These are gorgeous up and close shots Cindy. Wow.
So pleased you enjoyed them & cheers to you Jacqueline~
Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
Cindy Knoke is back with some birds from the holler.. beautiful alongside their African cousins.. the magic of feathers.
No wonder women have historically worn feathers, we are competing with birds. Personally I prefer feathers on their rightful owners! Thank you Sally you sweetheart~ <3 <3
Pleasure Cindy.. and yes but they did slip a bit when they wore carrot fronds in their hats.. not sure what they were thinking with that one! hugs XX
Amazing series of feathery images, Cindy. I’m a real fan of the ostrich also. Excellent capture of the beauty of bird moments.
Birds are natural beauties and I am so happy you see this too! Thank you & cheers to you~
You are a wonderful photographer, Cindy. Cheers!
You are the bird lady extraordinaire Cindy…
I will accept that title with honor! 😉
You deserve it… 🙂
These are glam birds. All dress up in their finery. Such bright colors. Wow.They’re gorgeous. 😀 😀 <3
Birds just have it going on in terms of natural glam, which is the best sort of glam~ 😉
I know. They are magnificent. <3 Thank you for sharing, Cindy.
<3 <3
Wonderful, Cindy. These photos are amazing.
So pleased you like them Amy & cheers to you~
Lovely! I am eagerly awaiting migration when us folks in Chicago get to see some of the beauties passing through on their way north.
How incredible that must be!
So lovely, Cindy! Beautiful selection of characters 🙂
They are indeed characters aren’t they!
Your photographs are some of the best on the web. Outstanding!
I am honored and touched. Thank you!
So many beautiful birds I’d never heard of prior! Thank you for sharing 🙂
-IV
Thank you more for appreciating them~
So many beautiful birds I have never heard of prior! Thank you for sharing 🙂
-IV
<3 <3
Beautiful portraits of these birds, brimming with color and personality! I like the ostrich. I can see all the details in the fine feathers on the head, as well as a good view down the beak! 🙂
I framed this photo and put it in my dining room. Laughing, not sure if that was such a good idea! 😉 😉
Brilliant pics. What beauties they are!!
They have such subtle and detailed beauty. So pleased you see it too~
Hi Cindy! No one captures our feathered friends like you do. Beautiful! 😀 xx
Awwww, makes my morning! Thank you Vashti & cheers to you~
It’s the truth. 🙂
<3 <3
What beautiful photographs!
Mille grazie!
Beautiful photographs!
Thank you Kendall & cheers my friend~
You are welcome and cheers back at you! Have a great weekend!
<3
The closeups display the beauty. Well done, Cindy!
The beauty is is the details isn’t it! Thank you for noticing & cheers~
Just beautiful – they really come in amazing variations don’t they?!
They do and there is an endless amount of species to photograph, thankfully! <3
Ultra brilliant images Cindy.
Awww, I am honored!
Loved that ostrich smile, Cuz. It even brought a smile to my face ! 🙂
Oh course it did, you have a great sense of fun cuz~
where or where did you take these pictures?! That blue iridescent starling is gorgeous. And who wouldn’t grin seeing that ostrich face Cindy?? great post!
So pleased you enjoyed Rhonda and happy Friday my friend~ <3
Hi Cindy! I am always in awe of your photos! I almost felt I could reach out and tickle that ostrich because of the photo’s clarity (although I hear those crazy birds can be a tad bit temperamental)! Cher xo
Yes indeed, ostrichs are best viewed from a bit of a distance!! They can be cranky and they are BIG BIRDS!! 😉 😉
*LOL* Yes, good idea, Cindy!! My father-in-law is a veterinary neuro-pathologist and has told me some interesting stories about these cranky birdies!! hehehehe Cher xo
He must have worked in a zoo! Now people have ostrich as pets. A fellow Hollerite does. I keep expecting the ostrich to show up on our property some morning. His goat always does, but the ostrich would make for a far better photo op!
You could make a beautiful calendar out of these photos Cindy, stunning.
A year in birds! That would be fun. It would need to have a cardinal for Christmas and white dove for the New Year. I would love to do this. Cheers to you Charlotte & thank you too~
Yes themed to the season would be fab, in the UK we have the robin red breast for Christmas, a white dove would be perfect for New Year 😊
mache es gut
Vielen dank mein lieber Freund!
danke, wünsche einen schönen Sonntag
As wonderful as ever, Cindy! If I want true beauty, I go to you. Love them all, but the serenity of the kingfisher is great.
People like you Leya, are why I blog! <3
Breathtaking! But I’ve come to expect nothing less from you…
And I from you Nick. You are shining light showing us the way. <3
You’re too kind!
Nope actually I am not, I am honest. And you are Nick Verron. Adjectives fail, you define the genre. This is God’s honest truth.
Your bird photos here are absolutely gorgeous Cindy. A wonderful salute to the feathered friends of both continents. 🙂
Any friend of the birds is a friend of mine and I know you love the birdies Jet!
What great pictures! Lovely birds.
They are our birdie buddies! Be well dear Brenda~
You, too! Battling the flu right now, three kids down. I’m going to go slice an orange now that I’m done basking in your praise. 😉
Eeeeeks, no fun at all. Sending healing hopes your families way~ <3
Reblogged this on Random Ramblings; Myriad Musings and commented:
Beautiful feathers and plumage here, and across the Atlantic! Time to soar…
🙂
You are such a rockin friend. Thank you for supporting the birdies & cheers to you~
Beautiful birds and lovely photos as always
Thank you as always for your support of the creatures & cheers to you~
Oh come here and see if the birds in our woodland will let you capture them! Your photos are as stunning as ever.
Deal! When should I come? 😉 😉
Give us a little bit of notice. Not quite finished the house yet but it’s liveable and warm in winter.
Oh heavens, I would never drop in on you, that would be so rude! Still I would love to meet you and your birdies~
I love birds and these are such unique and interesting ones, from the Holler all the way to Africa. I am impressed with the pretty colors and soft feathered details in the ones closer to your home. They stand out, Cindy! 🙂 We may not be “birds of a feather,” but I feel we stick together. <3
We do indeed stick together Robin and God bless all of us for it. We are an incredible community, and I am lucky to have you as a friend. <3 <3
For the African red winged starling, I didnt found the beak niverted-up, in your picture I see it as inverted-up, why is that?