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| Downy Woodpecker |
I
am tired of waiting for the overdue hints of spring. It is time to take
matters in my own hands and post pictures of the birds that are flocking to my
bird feeder. They have been coming all winter, but they have become more enthusiastic.
I suspect they are storing up for important spring “activities”.
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| House Finch Pairing |
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| Titmouse Glance |
Along
with a suet container, my feeder dangles just off our deck and within easy
range of the sunroom. It is still cold, but I can manage to settle in
with the window cracked to get some unobstructed views of my many visitors.
From my location the 400mm lens brings me close, and with good light and
an ISO of 800 I can get some great hand-held shots, holding the shutter at
1/500 to 1/1250 the of a second.
These
nervous little birds tend to flit in and out quickly, but I can often hold my
focus long enough to get what I want.
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| Feeders, Spofford |
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| Junco Lair |
In
a few short sittings, I have been able to capture Tufted Titmice, Gold Finches,
House Finches, Purple Finch, Juncos, Downy Woodpeckers, Northern Cardinals and,
of course, endless numbers of little Chickadees.
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Sparrow Bokeh
|
This
year my feeding station is not as rich and elaborate as previously. Given
the devastation of previous bear attacks, I have simplified with one small
feeder which proved effective in blocking the frequent squirrel assaults.
The reduced capacity required more frequent refilling, but it is less
susceptible to damage.
Northern Cardinal
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| Gold Finch Snack |
Bird
feeder photography is simple, especially when compared to the usual
birding techniques. There is not lying for hours on the cold damp ground
waiting for something to happen. I sit in a comfortable chair with my
coffee at my side, confident that the birds will be attracted to my bait.
The birds do not appear natural when they are perched on my feeder, but I
have added a branch next to the dispenser. Very often the birds land
there, waiting their turn on the feeder.
As
close as I am with my 400mm lens, the background always has a nice soft Bokeh,
even with f stops from 11 to 22.
Purple Finch |
| Downy Bite |
I
have never been able to detect when a bird will glance in the right direction
or suddenly leap from the branch. My action shots have all been a matter
of luck and persistence. I always feel fortunate if I get two or three
“keepers’ from the hundreds of images I bring back to the computer, but, HEY
this is Digital, and I can spare millions of trash pixels for every great shot.
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| Chickadee Stare |
As
spring finally arrives, I’ll keep watching the greedy winged creatures.
The weather will get warm, but as the window becomes less chilly, it will
be the black flies that will chase me from my spot. All-in-all, I think I
prefer the cold. Soon it will be the threat of marauding bears that may
force an end to my bird feeder season.
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| Chickadee, Reach for Flight |
Jeffrey
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