I went for a very long walk today, camera in hand, through the woods and fields of the Kalamazoo Nature Center hoping to find something interesting to photograph—perhaps a hawk or an eagle or a pileated woodpecker. Nuthin’! That’s not to say it wasn’t a beautiful and relaxing walk… but I might have enjoyed it a tad bit more had I gotten something more exciting than a sparrow and a woodpecker!
I must confess, though, that before even leaving the house, I had taken well over a hundred pictures just from our back deck—chickadees, finches, cardinals, woodpeckers, mourning doves, nuthatches, juncos, and blue jays.
And, even though these birds are just garden-variety-backyard-birds, I enjoyed the task immensely—because they were all near at hand and this allowed for some really nice close-ups. Once I got my fill of stationary shots, I tried my hand at ‘birds in flight’. Not surprisingly, that skill is going to need a lot more work! Those little songbirds are mega-fast, while I, on the other hand, am not!! (It’s not at all like following the leisurely flight patterns of a hawk!)
My next project (besides birds in flight) will be backyard birds in a snow storm! (If it ever stops raining!)
I am a 76 year old retired teacher with an avid interest in hiking and photography. I am not a professional photographer, but spend almost every day exploring the natural world, taking pictures and honing my skills. When I review the pictures I have taken, I love researching information about the things I have found-- and then sharing my results with others. The time I have spent walking in the woods (including 4 months on the Appalachian Trail at 68) has always been somewhat therapeutic. When I added photography to the mix a few years ago, it quadrupled the therapeutic effect! Opening pictures on my computer at the end of the day is like opening presents. There are always surprises! It allows me to see so many details that were not visible to my naked eye! I have learned so many new things about birds and bugs, reptiles and mammals that I never knew before--and I have also found, that when I share with others, I invariably learn something new!
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4 thoughts on “Backyard Birds”
Seeing your lovely bird photos can’t help but make me smile, I do look forward to seeing all your photos. I have to admit the ‘bag of heads’ was certainly a surprise.
Seeing your lovely bird photos can’t help but make me smile, I do look forward to seeing all your photos. I have to admit the ‘bag of heads’ was certainly a surprise.
Thanks, Lynette. I’m glad you enjoy them, and thanks for your feedback!
For me from New Zealand, your “garden-variety-backyard-birds” are very special! – Liz
Thank you! I would feel the same way about seeing birds from New Zealand! Glad you enjoyed them.