Joy of Birding
I’m what I would consider a late-comer to birding and photography. It’s an activity or hobby that can be enjoyed on a daily basis or on special occasions like vacations. For me, no matter where I am, I am watching and listening for birds. Having become more and more interested in birding and nature photography, I find that wherever I am for whatever purpose, my senses are unintentionally activated into search or recognition mode. When I go walking, I am always listening for bird calls and the photographer in me is keenly looking for a good “angle” or framing opportunity. Sometimes, the most interesting photo can be determined by what the subject is next to or what the camera’s eye looks through to capture it. I offer in this section of my blog, tips from me about my experience but even more important professional instruction for the Pros Who Now…Audubon, Cornell Lab of Ornithology and others. So come back to visit often and enjoy God’s gift of...
Read MoreInvasion of the American Robin
Who doesn’t love the American Robin? To me, the bird has always signified motherhood, family and all those sentimental memories that make us feel warm and fuzzy. I even named one of my daughters Robin, for heaven’s sake! One of the treasures in my backyard that many birds frequent is the Holly Tree! Nuthatches, chickadees, cardinals, mockingbirds, blue jays, house finches, sparrows, and my beloved Tufted Titmouse use it as shelter, a resting place and dine on the berries. Yesterday, as my coffee was brewing, I was enjoying a look out the kitchen window. All of a sudden, I felt like I was standing on the USS Nimitz watching a fly-over. There had to be at least 20 robins flying in, out and around the holly tree. Some would perch for a bit while others fluttered their wings and took flight again. This continued for a few minutes so I got my camera to capture a few photos. The robins were devouring the holly berries. I captured on video a robin eating SIX berries one right after the other. It was, at times, comical to watch the big birds, not really known that much for perching, flapping their wings to balance themselves as they leaned over to grab a berry or two. I saw more than a couple quickly fly away without much grace at all having lost their balance. The next thing I observed was that I didn’t see any nuthatches or chickadees or cardinals…guess they decided to take cover elsewhere. Smart little birds I thought. After the congregation of robins left, my “regulars” recognized the coast was clear and returned to their usual carrying on. I do know that even the American Robin migrates when temperatures get really cold flying south until they arrive in an area warm enough for the winter. Some that are very hardy will winter-over in colder areas knowing what their food and shelter sources are. They are known to arrive in flock, just as “mine” did, and holly berries are what they’re after. My tree is pretty big and I have always felt that if I am away for an extended vacation, my birds always have the holly on which to dine. Well, there’s less holly now because the dive-bombing robins are back today! The top of the holly tree is already somewhat barren looking today. So, I’m deep into a visualization therapy today…I’m seeing a warm spring day where I have noticed a sweet robin’s nest with pretty blue eggs ready to hatch and the mother robin is on the ground checking for a worm. I already feel...
Read MoreAh…A Moment for Myself!
Most of us require some amount of alone time or privacy. Some of us could easily become a bit like hermits cherishing those alone and quiet, undisturbed moments. Quiet time is quite valuable in my world of contemplation, prayer and writing. Blessed peace. In bird watching, we learn quickly that we humans must exercise caution in moving about too rapidly and take care not to talk openly scaring away the birds. Our “subjects” are much like us in that they know there is safety in being inconspicuous and not drawing attention to themselves. I enjoy capturing a photo of a bird that appears to have retreated a bit and has achieved some quiet time out of the lime light, such as this photo of my resident mockingbird. He’s more often perched up high on the holly reigning over his self-claimed kingdom watching and, sometimes controlling,...
Read MoreAcorn Woodpeckers
Acorn Woodpeckers I just LOVE this short video of the Acorn Woodpecker and how they live. The very social birds that they are, they provide quite an amusement to those who watch. Thanks to the Cornell Lab or Ornithology and Marie Read for this offering.
Read MoreWhat's Your Passion?
National Audubon Society
Help support the efforts of our National Audubon Society in conservation of natural bird habitats. Visit: www.birds.audubon.org