I continued my photographic bird adventure today, and it was better. I switched to an old 60 mm lens I traded for a month ago, and it has no difficulty shooting through the glass. I had to sit still for an hour to get these photos, but I liked them. They had a soft, broody feel, and the birds had more personality than I expected. I love their faces and their color.
I’m not identifying the birds yet; it is too soon for my Dyslexia. The garden people were kind enough to give me the flower names until I could remember them. The bird people are just as kind, thank you. Sitting still for an hour is good for me; it is calming and necessary for this new kind of photography. Just as I didn’t want to take conventional flower photos, I like to put my stamp on these bird/nature photos.
A unique lens will be coming in the next two weeks; I traded lenses for it, and I’ll make a small profit and be able to experiment with the birds.
I can do this all year, not just around the feeder. I don’t want to get stuck on the feeder; it’s suitable for learning, but I see that the birds have unique colors, faces, and postures. This is an excellent second start, but I have a good way to go. I’ll share the experience so people can see my progress or stumbles.
I was pleased with today; I’m beginning to see what a Jon Katz bird photo might be like. My nature lens is a week or two away.
I’ll try again in a day or so. I did like sitting out there and waiting. I need to learn how to do that. On another gloomy day, Maria is off to her belly dancing class.
(Above a big puffed-up cardinal)
Blue Jay
Another cardinal (or maybe the same one)
Looks like a nuthatch
Woodpecker of one kind or another.
I’m so envious of the red cardinal. We don’t have them in Northern California. With the birds you have gorgeous color year round. I’m really excited for you. I’ve been an avid bird admirer and watcher since childhood. There is always more to learn and appreciate. Right now I’m into Raptors. With the winter background the color really pops. Great photos!
Thanks Janet, miss you…
Like Janet, I am envious of your Cardinal! We don’t have them here either (also in Calif)…… only Cardinals I ever saw was while visiting my dear friend Sandy Proudfoot in Canada! And I have to say, Jon…….even before you glean your new lens/lenses …..your photos are already becoming more *refined*……(totally subjective) to my eye, at least. Keep ’em coming!
Susan M
Thanks Susan the best is yet to come.
Wow…these are great and it’s fun watching your progress!! Thanks!
Thank you
That last wee woodpecker looks like a downy.
Ypu say you can’t identify the birds yet, and then you ID every one! You’re better than you know 🙂
Maria was standing behind me 🙂
The woodpecker could be a Downy- smaller than a Hairy woodpecker. Since they look very much alike and unless side-by side size can be difficult to determine in the beginning, if you can see the white tail feather on either side of the tail, Downy has black dots on those tail feathers. Downy has dots! Many gardeners are also birders- some of our gardens are for the birds.
I love the first one. Great composition.