It is when I sit with the birds
that I get to know them,
and they get to know me.
that I get to know them,
and they get to know me.
The Red-winged Blackbird was shy at first.
He was all alone.
After an hour of watching me
he came in for a few portrait photographs.
"Hello, welcome to the backyard bird family!"
33 comments:
Ha...great shots...Do you manipulate them at all? i love how the branches are so soft and white against the dark bird..
Interesting to get to know one of these birds up close. I see so many in the countryside - but the personality doesn't come through well at a distance.
How splendid!
Dear Dawn,
I also love the soft background. I cropped some of the Dogwood since the photos are rather small here on Corner.
One of the joys of photography, for me, is teaching the camera to see what I see. Here I used an iso of 800 with a zoom of 450x automatic speed and aperture. The light is dim today, so I worked with iso...
I had to exhale before I squeezed the shutter so I had very little body vibration. I was pleased with these photographs!
It is fun!
Sherry
Dear Chris,
I am so excited to have a Red-winged in the backyard! He is beautiful too. Not aggressive with the other birds either. I only see the one male. I read they usully are in a flock.
It is cold and snowy so maybe he somehow was seperated from his group.
Sherry
The pink and the pastels are beautiful in the background.
Dear Tina,
Thanks. I am excited!
I wonder who else will come to the feeders this year!?
Hope I will be out to greet them!
Sherry
I love your photo of the Red-winged Blackbird. I have never had a camera near when I saw one on flight. We do not see them often. Your photos bring joy to mt life. Thank you. I too Look forward to 2009 and sharing this walk in beauty with you.
Namaste,
Grammy
Those are very special pics. That little guy is looking right at you! I think he wants to see what's happening in your house! Or he's trying to figure out that camera-thing. LOL!
Dear Natural Moments,
The dogwood looks pink sometimes. I think it is the light. Today it was cloudy and all my backgrounds look soft. I like that too.
You have some fantastic bird photgraphs on your blog!
I am looking forward to spending some more time looking and being inspired by your wild places in Washington State. I spent a delightful time at Lake Quinault!
Sherry
Dear Grammy,
It a joy for me to share the photographs. I love the birds and the bugs so very much and hope others will see how beautiful they are...not how beautiful my deck or backyard is...just the beauty of nature...
We will enjoy 2009.
Many blessings,
Sherry
Dear Wendy,
He was looking right at me for a very long time. I think the camera was a new to him experience. All the other birds are use to it.
I am so pleased he came for a visit.
Sherry
I love your pics and commentary!
Sherry, 150-200 birds is a lot! Lucky you! Your bird photos are amazing! LOVE your blackbird photos!
Have a good weekend! And thank you for visiting me!
oh my these are perfect images. the reach and out and grab you kind. so lovely to see this redwing so close up and those eyes and head shot, beautiful! i love them.
Dear Sue,
Thank you! I am looking forward to getting to know you too!
I do not get around as often as I would like to. Maybe I can have a visiting day!
Sherry
Dear Kanak,
When we have a weather event, like snow or freezing rain, the birds flock to the feeders and the seed trays. I saw a flock of Robins today. I had put out a few bowls of raisins. I also saw Mockingbird. He has been absent for a long time. He also likes raisins and suet. Everyone likes suet!
I cannot supply enough nesting sites for all the birds but I can provide food and water.
I do enjoy taking the photographs, glad you also enjoy seeing them.
It was fun visiting you and will pop over for more catching up.
Namaste,
Sherry
Dear Marmee,
It is a pleasure to be with the birds. I forget every Autumn just how much I enjoy the Winter birds.
Hope you are staying warm.
It is a busy time of year for many.
Thank you for coming by.
Namaste,
Sherry
Beautiful Red-winged Blackbird photos. I'm glad he decided to pose for you.
I hope you and "your birds" are doing well now that the weather has turned bitterly cold again.
Dear Marvin,
Thank you.
I was very pleased!
Hope you and Jo have a Merry Christmas.
Stay warm.
Sherry
Hi Q (Sherry),
I discovered you from your post on Lilacs and Roses. Your post touched me for you described exactly how I feel about animals and nature etc. Your photos are so exquisite!
I am an artist (pen and ink and watercolor) and also have my camera with me at all times...for I love to capture the birds, nature, scenery...actually everything around me and I often work from my photos.
I'm so happy to have found your blogs and will be a regular visitor.
Hope you can visit me at Shells and Roses and Furry and Feathered Friends.
with best wishes,
Nan
Red ringed blackbird is very handsome, I wish he lived near me!
Dear Nan,
Thank you for coming over. I am a lover of life, all of life....We are all one. I am very fond of bees and butterflies and birds. The four legged are wonderful too.
I also love the the plant kingdom...the trees are my friends. I would love to see more paper goods made from bamboo or other fiber plants and leave the trees for growing!
One of the sadest stories I ever heard was about a Red Wood that was ancient. It had survived all sorts of natural events. It was felled to make tooth picks...tooth picks!!! for humans...I still cry when I think of it.
So happy to have met you. I am looking forward to visiting your blogs and getting to know you. It is a gift to be able to draw and do the kinds of art you do.
I also am an artist. I do fiber art. I am new to it! I am felting and sculpting with fiber. I love it. I also am making hats. Oh to be a Milliner!...I am learning.
Happy Christmas.
Looking forward to 2009. So much life to love and live.
Sherry
Dear Saucy,
I think Mr. Red Winged is elegant.
May you and yours have a very Merry Christmas.
Looking forward to 2009.
Hugs,
Sherry
Oh that bird is handsome but I am partial to the blackbirds, as you know. :-)
Sherry-Oh it is so darn cold. With all the four legged action going on in my backyard, I never really see any birds but yesterday I looked out my window and saw several pairs of cardinals eating on the deck AND one giant Northern flicker (I haven't seen one of them in years).I wish I could take the time to build relationships with them but if I'm out there for five minutes, I get those cat guests.
Love the vicarious visits I get with the birds through your blog. :-)
Brrr. You aren't out there now, are you??
Lovin' those Red-Winged Blackbirds. Will you believe I had flocks of 50 visit in Delaware? Yes, they did.
Those photos are just sooo special! You never cease to give me joy, when I see your wonderful pics. Thankyou so much for sharing your particular joy!
Dear Maria,
I am outside for a wee bit of time. I cannot stay out very long. I get too cold even with my blankets. I come in warm up and go back out! Oh the cats....they cause all sorts of trouble for the birds.
I am so excited you have Northern Flickers. I have not seen them for a couple of months. Knowing they are about is great. I will keep an eye out. What are you feeding them?
Do stay warm. It is so very cold. I have hope...I had a flock of Robins today.
Sherry
Dear Mary,
Oh my goodness! That would be a big flock of birds to have in the backyard. They are kindof large birds. Too big for the feeders.
I have seen them in the country in large flocks.
Sherry
Dear Meggie,
I really like these photographs too. I love the background.
Always delightful to share!
Sherry
Hello Q!
Tryin to catch up on all of your beautiful post! What gorgeous captures as always of your beautiful beatiful bird friends..LOVE that last shot~stunning!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS Q!
Hugs
Cat
Dear Cat,
Thank you!
Happy Holidays to you too.
Whenever we have a weather event the birds come from miles around. I do love the wings.
Looking forward to 2009.
I also have catching up to do with you!
Namaste,
Sherry
Hmmmmm....what do I serve my Northern Flicker guest? ........Buttercream frosted cookies. Ha ha ha. But there's a sidedish out there of sunflower chips and niger seeds I got at Planter's for them too.
I'm having a hard enough time keeping up with all the four leggeds visiting the backyard. Good thing I live in a neighborhood where so many people DO put out birdseed for the birds and catfood for the strays and....buttercream frosted cookies for one little raccoon. :-)
I know it's 30ish out there, or is pretending to be, but BRRRRRRR it's cold.
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