More from the yard! (after the rain)

WOW... After weeks , maybe months of dry weather, we finally got a decent amount of rain last nite,  The crunchy dry grass almost looked green this morning .
Plenty of bird life this afternoon ... mainly the usual suspects. 
 I set up a blind in the back yard to  try and approach the Brown Creeper and get a decent photo.   The little creature presented in this 1st  image waited patiently for me as I set up my blind about 20 feet from him.... hauled over my camera and seat , but I got nervous and fired off 1/2 doz clicks freehand because I though it was too good to be true.(him sitting in that 1 spot)   Sure enough as soon as I brought in the tripod .. gone.   I did soon afterward  have a close encounter with a Pileated male ... At  one point so close I could only get about 1/2 of him in the frame @ 420 mm  (see bottom.. feet photo) 
Then the Stellers Jays came along .. and I clicked a couple photos.. then they moved almost on top of my blind ... so close I couldn't get a photo!!!  Thats where a second camera with a shorter lens would have helped!!!  Ohh well next time!   Tomorrow promises more rain!!!   fingers crossed for it..... Have a great weekend.... Terry :)

Brown Creeper

Pileated Woodpecker ... foot detail