Jim Pottkotter

I was surprised to see this Chipping Sparrow just hanging around while I was watching the Ospreys. No bird seed. No other birds. Just me hanging out at a picnic table. He didn't leave until I took his photo. Camera shy I guess.pic.twitter.com/qRSQ6hRmEY

They don't call this bird "Butter Butt" without reason. The Yellow-rumped Warbler is modest looking until you see it from the back and the brightest yellow you have ever seen is staring you in the face. It's one of those rare cases where the butt shot is the best shot.pic.twitter.com/EQ4bWL6dFg

I've been as guilty as the next photographer in posting mostly male birds. The males are decidedly more color and popular. However, I think this closeup of the female House Finch shows she is beautiful in her own right. And if it were not for the females, there would be no males.pic.twitter.com/gzJbNxGOhS

I'm amazed at how the light can subtly change the color on the House Finch. Their diet can also affect their color as well. Don't be surprised to see them around bird feeders. They're vegetarian, so that's their favorite food. #birdphotography #birding #photooftheday #wildlifepic.twitter.com/Q7WJukxuls

I'm sure it happens, but I've never seen an Eastern Bluebird without his mate nearby. Even though they often stay together for multiple seasons, if not for life, they may also mate with others while paired. #birdphotography #photooftheday #birds #nature #birding #NaturePhotopic.twitter.com/OIWgAN5bSK

The Carolina Wren is naturally curious. While observing other birds don't be surprised to see one peeking around a tree like this one. They like to see what's going on and will often crash the party. #birdphotography #photooftheday #birds #nature #birding #wildlifepic.twitter.com/CURO2F31tz

This handsome male Eastern Towhee is exhibiting courting behavior. There was a female nearby. The female collects materials and builds the nest. However, the male will bring material to the female as part of the courting ritual. #birds #birding #nature #wildlifepic.twitter.com/nvhXZ8G7lW

Here's a photo of an Osprey on the popular raptor perch I pointed out a couple of days ago. Unfortunately, it looks like this guy has lost one of his claws. It didn't keep him from getting lunch though. #raptor #birdphotography #photooftheday #birds #birding #nature #wildlifepic.twitter.com/TNlSIX5Hkr

Here is the male Osprey returning to the nest to check on Mrs. Osprey. It was challenging to shoot through all the limbs and get both ospreys in the shot, but I love the story this photo tells. #raptor #birdphotography #photooftheday #birds #birding #nature #wildlifephotographypic.twitter.com/zEns7psKP4

This seemed to be a favorite perch for raptors. I saw both this Kestrel there and an Osprey I will share soon. They have amazing vision, and even though it was a long way off it sure looks like he is staring at me. #raptor #kestrel #birdphotography #photooftheday #birds #birdingpic.twitter.com/jM8i1XnBLr

I'm not in favor of giving birds drugs, but the Ruby-Crowned Kinglet might need to be on tranquilizers. They flit from branch to branch incredibly fast. By the time I lifted my camera to take a photo he was usually gone. #birdphotography #photooftheday #birds #nature #birdingpic.twitter.com/PQFHdVG9uT

Right before I saw this male Pine Warbler I had seen a male American Goldfinch who had started to molt to his summer plumage. Initially, I was confused until I realized this was a totally different species. Then I was very excited indeed! #birdphotography #birds #photoofthedaypic.twitter.com/9yQqvUk7Ie

This Lark Sparrow is the first and only one I've seen. He probably wondered why I was staring, but the distinctive facial markings made him a real standout. #birdphotography #photooftheday #birds #nature #birding #wildlifepic.twitter.com/q6wQE4bOJP

The chubby little Hermit Thrush is a true "snowbird." He spends summers breeding in the west and far north, but he flys south for the winter. No doubt he was surprised by our recent little snow. #wildlife #birdphotography #photooftheday #birds #nature #birding #wildlifepic.twitter.com/oo9c35myZk

I was so excited to see the bright yellow splash of the Meadowlark in the snow. He was all fluffed up to stay warm. I was too. #wildlife #birdphotography #photooftheday #birds #nature #birding #wildlifepic.twitter.com/DLga3MfMsZ

The Northern Harrier Hawk is so majestic in flight it is easy to forget there is a poor vole about to have a very bad day. #wildlife #birdphotography #photooftheday #birds #nature #birding #wildlifepic.twitter.com/7hKlD7ooW7

The Red-breasted #Nuthatch is another winter visitor. They look like aerodynamic acrobats when they hang on the side of a tree like this and extend their whole bodies into thin air. #wildlife #birdphotography #photooftheday #birds #nature #birding #wildlife #wildlifephotographypic.twitter.com/gEglTNgQlh

Say's Phoebe is a slender bird of the desert southwest. Its buff, cinnamon and brown colors blend perfectly with the rocks of that region. Even though it is a year-round inhabitant of the southwest, it breeds as far north as Alaska in summer. #photooftheday #birds #nature #photopic.twitter.com/6mLLoSljgy

This Stiff Aster reminds me how close I am to nature when I am capturing its beauty. #nature #flower #flowers #photooftheday #naturephotography #cantwaituntilspring #beauty #SundayFunday #SundayMotivation #SundayMorningpic.twitter.com/5qcEHjoCxJ

I must have had a #badhairday because as soon as she saw me she flew away. I think she is a Western Bluebird, but would welcome other opinions. The photo was taken in May in Zion #NationalPark. #wildlife #photooftheday #birds #nature #SaturdayMorning #SaturdayMotivationpic.twitter.com/hTtcFKg7cH