In May, the sounds of a variety of birds hidden in the tall, dense grass along the Mississippi levee fill the air. Seemingly out of nowhere, a bird will flutter through the air and alight on top of a tall weed stalk. It is interesting to slowly ride along the levee road, occasionally stopping to watch in silence, to see what different types of birds can be spotted.
male Bobolink
male Indigo bunting
male Dickcissel
immature male Orchard Oriole
Eastern Kingbird
male and female Red-winged blackbirds
“In order to see birds it is necessary to become part of the silence.” ~Robert Lynd
walking on a country road 
Wow. What a beautiful variety of birds. Excellent photos.
Oh, the indigo bunting is stunning! I have never seen one.
When they fly by, they are a flash of the most beautiful blue. I’m always thrilled to see them.
God looks after the birds and helps them survive and thrive. You were truly blessed to get a glimpse of them.
For sure! 🙂
These are fabulous sightings!
This is quite a collection of bird photos – I’ve seen Baltimore Orioles but only the adults and Red-Winged Blackbirds, but other than that these are all new to me.
I have to admit to having to look some of them up myself. None of them are common to my backyard. Several of them breed in the grasslands around the river and then move on.
I am on Facebook and follow the Audubon Society and there are so many birds I’ve never heard of, let alone seen them. A fellow blogger lives in Iowa and photographs white pelicans which I think you featured on your blog too. I had no idea white pelicans existed, just brown ones.
I’ll have to check their Facebook site out. I hadn’t thought of that. 🙂
I follow Detroit Audubon Society on Facebook too. They often have birder walks their members go on and post pics afterward. They also have started virtual birder walks lately that you can watch live.
Wonderful captures, Rebecca! I envy your hearing all that lovely bird song. I’m looking forward to seeing the bobolinks again – what a song they have.
I usually only see them along the levee during April and May. I always look forward to seeing their unique colors and lovely song.
you have a great variety of birds Rebecca! I’ve never seen one of these birds up here.
Some of them breed here and then move on. Several you only see for a very short time, mainly in April and May.