About a week ago I got up extremely early and drove up to Capulin Spring.  I think this was the earliest I had ever gotten there – practically still dark as I pulled into the parking area.  But the early rising from bed paid off big time! Plus I was excited to use my new camera.  I upgraded from a Nikon 1 V1 to a V3.  It’s a much better camera with lots more features.  It didn’t disappoint in it’s performance in the low light of dawn!

On the drive up the crest road there were lots of mule deer grazing right on the side of the road.  I drove very slowly and creeped up to them.  They didn’t spook and I was able to get some nice closeups of both the male and female.

There were so many birds coming in first thing.  I didn’t know where to look as they were EVERYWHERE! A real dilemma for a birder!

I have noticed there at the spring that birds tend to come in by species.  You will see mostly one species at a time.  First thing I saw that day was lots of Ruby-Crowned Kinglets.  There were several and they all wanted a bath.  One got completely soaked and sat in front of me grooming for at least 5 minutes.

Soon after the kinglets were done bathing the Townsend’s Warblers came in.  A real treat as they are so beautiful! One got in a spat with a Yellow-Rumped Warbler and won – surprising because they are quite a bit smaller.

I usually see lots of Juncos when I’m there but not so many this day.  Mostly the really pretty birds came in – to my delight.

Next came the crossbills.  I’m always fascinated by their bills.  I can see how they are very useful in prying open the pinecones but wonder how difficult it must be to drink and groom.

While all this activity was happening at the spring, there were about 5 Band-Tailed Pigeons wanting to come in for a drink and a Sharp-Shinned Hawk way up in a dead tree.  He never got the nerve up while I was there.  I kept as still as I could and was finally rewarded with the pigeons coming in for a drink.  They are so nervous.

After they left lots of song birds started coming in and the spring got very busy.  It was so wonderful to just sit and enjoy seeing all the beautiful birds flying about and getting baths.  My jaw hurt from the constant smiling.

I’m always entertained by the little chipmunks running around the area.  They are always so busy.  While I was there one crawled into my camera bag.  Probably smelled the lingering scent of a protein bar I had carried in it.  I was especially entertained by a young one.  I got a great pic of him enjoying some little morsel he had found.

There was a Steller’s Jay squawking in the canopy for a while.  He didn’t like me there.  But my patience was finally rewarded when he came down for a drink.  They are my favorite jays.  For some reason the white markings on their face make me think of Spy vs Spy (hmmmm…showing my age LOL!)

I got to see a Brown Creeper as well.  I’ve gone several years with only seeing one briefly.  But this summer I’ve seen several and am always thrilled when I do.  This particular creeper flew to the spring but was so nervous he immediately flew back into the trees.  I managed to get one decent photo of him in the deep shadows.

There was one bird I photographed that I just can’t figure out what it is.  I’m hoping someone seeing this blog can let me know what they think.  My first guess was a juvenile Hermit Thrush but I’m not so sure after studying the photo.

As the morning passed I was so thankful to have seen so many variety of birds.  I will miss this place once winter comes.  But for a little while longer I can enjoy it’s bounty.

I sat there for about 4 hours.  My behind was numb! Next time I need to bring a cushion!

On the way out I noticed the sunflowers in bloom.  There were lots of interesting bees on them.  I couldn’t resist photographing a couple of them.

I hated to leave but work was waiting for me.  I will have to return again soon before all the birds fly away for the winter.