I woke up to a very foggy morning in late February. A perfect day to head out to the backyard and spend some time with my feathered friends!

The star of the morning was my little Ruby-throated Hummingbird Zippy. He came by several times to nectar on my purple salvia bush. The light was really low, so I cranked up the ISO in order to freeze his wings. I love the green and yellow tones of the flowers in the background.

I put out a pretty perch near where my Painted Buntings like to stage their flights to my millet feeder. None of the buntings took the bait. But Zippy flew by and decided that the powerpuff bloom was there just for him!

This Orange-crowned Warbler popped out on a salvia stalk to say hi to Wally. The warbler likes to bite at the base of the flowers. I think he’s extracting nectar. Too bad he didn’t show me his orange crown!

The American Goldfinches have finally found our backyard! I started seeing a few of them on my niger feeder in mid-February. I finally got my first photo on this gloomy morning. He’s starting to get his yellow feathers. I love his cheerful little calls!

A quick ray of sunshine gleamed through the fog, just as this Pine Warbler grabbed his breakfast from the peanut feeder. I love the backlight around him as he chews with his mouth open!

Zippy is growing up! He perched on top of a coral porterweed stalk and flashed his growing red gorget at me. Now he has three red feathers! Here he seems to wave at the camera.

As always, it was hard to pack up my camera and head back inside. I love spending these quiet mornings with my backyard buddies! It’s so quiet and peaceful, and there’s always something interesting to notice.

Zippy told me to come back soon!