Located in Sugar Hill, New Hampshire, the Hilltop Inn was the base of operations for our last three days in New England. We were delighted by the innkeepers hospitality and the very relaxed atmosphere of the inn. The Herns (innkeepers) created a warm and comfortable environment and made sure our every need was met while we visited. They advised on local attractions afforded by the close-by Franconia Notch state park. They provided excellent information about local restaurants, even making dinner reservations for us and other guests. For information about the Hilltop Inn, check out their web site. www.hilltopinn.com In addition to being great hosts, they are also provide abundant habitat and feeders to attract many birds. So accustomed to humans are the birds that frequent their feeders, many visitors would enjoy the bounty of the feeders not more than five yards from guests sitting on the deck. As a result, I was able to take extremely fine pictures of many of the "regulars" and snapped a few shots of some of the less bold, but interesting birds as well. Besides the feeders, you will note in the image of the inn the thorough landscaping with flowers of all kinds. Of course, this adds extra attraction to the many birds.

I was very pleased, being from Memphis in the southwest part of Tennessee to note in my field guide that I would have the chance to see several birds not found in my area. I set out to do just that.

However, I my first few minutes on the deck watching the birds turned up some of the "regulars" from my own feeders. First to the feeder was this male American Goldfinch. In fact, the Goldfinch were very abundant and very busy any time I was looking at the feeders.

List of birds photographed at Hilltop Inn: Blackbird, Rusty Dove, Mourning Dove, Rock Finch, Purple Goldfinch, American Grosbeaks, Evening Grosbeak, Rose-breasted Hummingbird, Ruby Throated Jay, Blue Nuthatch, Red-breasted Nuthatch, White-breasted Titmouse, Tufted Woodpecker, Downy List of birds Identified at Hilltop Inn, but not photographed: Blackbird, Red-winged Cardinal, Northern Sparrow, House Robin, American

But, when this Blue Jay landed on the feeder, not more than fifteen feet away, I was surprised! The jays in my yard are very "skittish" and do not come close at all if I am sitting out side. I wish I could have used the full size, uncompressed image of this bird. I did not want visitors to endure the huge download of a 1024 X 768 uncompressed image so I used it this way instead.

The next bird that came along was the Black-capped Chickadee. I was excited to see this bird because I was never 100% sure that the bird I called a Black-capped Chickadee in my yard was, in fact, that and not a Carolina. Since New Hampshire is outside the Carolina range, the ID on this was easy! The feeding habit of the Chickadee makes getting a good picture tough, but these were acceptable.

The first "new" bird that showed up for its photo sitting was the Evening Grosbeak. Not at all shy, these birds would sit and eat from the feeders allowing me to come within feet of them to take the pictures. The female (top photo) seemed even less fearful than the males.

This female Rose-breasted Grosbeak sat at a distance. She and her mate enjoyed the feeders, but would not stick around when I was present with the camera.

This was the first Red-breasted Nuthatch ever for me. I regret such a poor image, but the stripe across the eye shows up anyway!

I asked our host about this bird and she said it was a "blackbird." Later, I tried to figure out which blackbird it was. My conclusion was Rusty Blackbird. Another new bird for me!

I must admit, I was fairly pleased with these Purple Finch photos. First, they are new birds for me. Although the similar House Finch is very common in my yard, I have yet to see any Purple Finch. Also, the image of the male, at 1024 X 768 was breath taking! When I opened the image file on my monitor I literally gasped. Even is this smaller rendering, it stands out as a fine example of the bird.

Other birds were also frequently making use of the feeders. Take a look at some of these! Downy Woodpecker Ruby-throated Humming Bird in the garden Even the Mourning Doves took advantage of the Hilltop Inn feeders. Meanwhile, the Rock Doves (Pigeons) waited on the wire for a time when no one was looking for a quick raid! Tufted Titmouse at a safe distance from the camera! This is a White-breasted Nuthatch. You may just have to take my word for it!

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