| Author | Content |
2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 8, 2011 12:49 PM Post #8881756
| This is my favorite season in Virginia (not counting Spring, of course, when the bluebirds are busy getting ready to nest, and Summer, when they are so active, laying eggs, feeding nestlings and fledging, and Winter, when they are so almost desperate for food that they literally spend their days perched on our deck, waiting for me to come outside.)
But seriously, this IS a beautiful time. The humidity is low, the afternoon temperatures are about 70 degrees and best of all, the trees are simply gorgeous! You can tell one of my pictures was taken in Autumn if the background is a blur of red or orange or yellow. I will start with some I took a few minutes ago and work backward in time, since its been a while since I have posted. Hope you see something you like.
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 8, 2011 12:52 PM Post #8881761
| Sometimes the background is darker, if the sun slips behind a cloud 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 8, 2011 12:56 PM Post #8881768
| As you know, bluebirds are drop feeders. They have keen eyesight and often drop from a fence post, or a limb maybe 20 feet up, to pick off a grasshopper or a caterpillar in the grass. It is very hard to catch them with the camera as they drop. Today I was just lucky. 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 8, 2011 12:58 PM Post #8881771
| I love it when they spin around on the perch. 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 8, 2011 1:00 PM Post #8881775
| The adult male in a classic bluebird pose. I must have thousands like this one 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 8, 2011 1:04 PM Post #8881781
| This was yesterday. My wife asks why I keep shooting when I already have so many that look alike. I don't have an answer.
She DOES: "You're obsessed!"
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 8, 2011 1:07 PM Post #8881786
| I rarely shoot them straight on. Don't know why, bluebirds are attractive from almost any angle. 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 8, 2011 1:11 PM Post #8881792
| I also shoot the males more often than the females. That is partly because that female is a bit more shy. With the male I sometimes have to step away to shoot because I am too close. 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 8, 2011 1:15 PM Post #8881796
| Two days ago 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 8, 2011 1:20 PM Post #8881801
| Earlier this week --and a little visitor 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 8, 2011 1:22 PM Post #8881803
| And another 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 8, 2011 1:27 PM Post #8881811
| OK we are back to Nov first. The bird was in the shade but the sun was still shining on the trees, which are about 500 feet distant. 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 8, 2011 1:28 PM Post #8881813
| We had visitors that day as well. 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 8, 2011 1:33 PM Post #8881822
| OK, I am going to stop and let this thing cool down a bit. (Actually, I am going out to feed the birds).
This one was taken on Halloween. 
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pelletory
Marlton, NJ
November 8, 2011 2:13 PM Post #8881860
| Beautiful shots Dave! Fall is a great time of year. |
catzgalore
Burleson, TX (Zone 8a)
November 8, 2011 2:36 PM Post #8881900
| What's the cute little grey one with the cone head? |
2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 8, 2011 2:40 PM Post #8881909
| catzgalore wrote:What's the cute little grey one with the cone head?
It is a tufted titmouse. Normally a rather skittish bird but I have a pair that visit almost every day and in Summer when they are nesting they are up here constantly. |
catzgalore
Burleson, TX (Zone 8a)
November 8, 2011 2:56 PM Post #8881932
| Thank you. Very cute :) |
ducbucln
Kelseyville, CA (Zone 8b)
November 8, 2011 4:42 PM Post #8882103
| I'm so glad to see this thread Dave. I've missed your bluebirds-awesome photos of them and their friends.
It's still hard to believe your camera will get such clear photos with that high ISO. Have you put in your order for the new Canpon IDX yet? |
2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 8, 2011 6:53 PM Post #8882269
| ducbucln wrote: Have you put in your order for the new Canon 1DX yet?
Not yet duc. But it won't be out until March, if then. Canon are famous for tantilizing with release dates, then delaying the release, often for a year or longer. It does look interesting though but with that hefty price tag the waiting list won't be that long. Problem with getting on a list is that you have to pay msrp, if not even a little more. So the part of me that has to have the latest model fights with the part of me that loves a discount. (I suspect by February I will be on a list.)
But I did buy another new 7D a couple of weeks ago, So now I have two. I really like that model. |
2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 8, 2011 7:26 PM Post #8882327
| Here is another shot of the titmouse while I look for a few more bluebirds. 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 8, 2011 7:27 PM Post #8882331
| Another male. I need to find some nice females (bluebirds). 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 8, 2011 7:30 PM Post #8882336
| Another visitor. This is one from last year. 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 8, 2011 7:35 PM Post #8882341
| Had to go back to last November to get this one 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 8, 2011 7:39 PM Post #8882343
| This was taken on my mother in law's patio in Baltimore. The red background is the brick wall of the next unit, not Autumn leaves 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 8, 2011 7:43 PM Post #8882347
| Here's a more recent female. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 8, 2011 7:50 PM Post #8882360
| This one goes back 3 years 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 8, 2011 7:52 PM Post #8882362
| A male, taken the same day. 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 8, 2011 7:57 PM Post #8882364
| This one goes all the way back to Nov 2007. Some of these pictures I have not looked at until now. Hard to imagine. I need some snow days so I can catch up. 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 8, 2011 8:02 PM Post #8882369
| Last one for now. 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 9, 2011 6:56 AM Post #8882802
| Male bluebird atop the pear tree, about half an hour ago 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 9, 2011 6:59 AM Post #8882803
| From there he moved to the shepherd's hook, still waiting for me to put out some meal worms. 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 9, 2011 7:01 AM Post #8882804
| The female often waits before joining him. 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 9, 2011 7:04 AM Post #8882805
| But she finally does. 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 9, 2011 7:10 AM Post #8882811
| At which point the male leaves. Don't know if he was finished, or if he was watching out for her. 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 9, 2011 7:15 AM Post #8882825
| Apparently he was not finished. 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 9, 2011 7:20 AM Post #8882833
| Here he finally is finished. I started using a concrete bowl after the wind blew the lighter weighted ones into the neighbor's yard. 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 9, 2011 7:24 AM Post #8882840
| The titmice have been here all morning. They usually eat bird seed, but as you can see, they do love meal worms. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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ducbucln
Kelseyville, CA (Zone 8b)
November 9, 2011 8:00 AM Post #8882877
| So many beautiful captures! Each one is just so sharp and clear. I especially liked the one with the female "but she finally does".
Funny thing happened here yesterday while I was looking at your first pictures as you posted them. A female bluebird landed on a branch attached to our deck. Of course I had to run to the camera but was just able to get my picture through the window before she took off for the garden.
Two 7D's??? Now you really are addicted to cameras! I'd be willing to bet you have a room in your home just to house all your cameras and equipment.lol
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Burd_Fotos
Sandusky, OH
November 9, 2011 9:46 AM Post #8882998
| Great shots Dave!! |
2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 9, 2011 2:25 PM Post #8883346
| Thanks duc and thanks Burd
ducbucln wrote: I'd be willing to bet you have a room in your home just to house all your cameras and equipment.lol
Lol, yes I do but as my wife is quick to point out, I don't keep them there. In her words, 'They are scattered all over the house.'
Here is next shot immediately after the one of the female you liked, duc.
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 9, 2011 2:28 PM Post #8883349
| And here is another shot of the female as she approached 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 9, 2011 2:35 PM Post #8883360
| I have to break away to do a project for a friend whose birthday will be on Friday, but first I wanted to share this shot I took almost 5 years ago, using a 1D Mark 2N. It is about as sharp as any I have seen for a while. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
November 9, 2011 10:20 PM Post #8884211
| 2dCousinDave wrote:This was yesterday. My wife asks why I keep shooting when I already have so many that look alike. I don't have an answer.
She DOES: "You're obsessed!"
No you're not. That's perfectly normal behaviour.
Wonderful shots, as always, Dave. I particularly like the colour on post #8881811. |
Ladi_Burd
Norwalk, OH (Zone 5a)
November 10, 2011 5:27 AM Post #8884365
| Awesome photos Dave. I love the Bluebirds!!!!
Thank you so much for sharing!!!! |
ducbucln
Kelseyville, CA (Zone 8b)
November 10, 2011 10:14 AM Post #8884735
| That last older photo is perfection! That approach shot is a winner too-wow! |
reddirtretiree
Norman, OK
November 10, 2011 10:57 AM Post #8884796
| Great shots, Dave. I always enjoy seeing bluebirds. I haven't been taking any pics of mine lately. |
2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 12, 2011 3:40 AM Post #8886731
| Thanks, everyone. Frosty morning here and I just came in from shooting the full moon (5:45 am). Looking through the shots already on the camera card, here is one from three days ago. 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 12, 2011 3:51 AM Post #8886736
| From yesterday 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 12, 2011 3:54 AM Post #8886739
| Another 
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ducbucln
Kelseyville, CA (Zone 8b)
November 12, 2011 6:46 AM Post #8886867
| Wow on all three The trees sure make perfect background colors. |
2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 12, 2011 7:35 AM Post #8886906
| Thanks duc. My neighbor's red maple is finally showing the bright colors that give it its name The birds must have been pretty hungry: they let me move to where I had the tree in the background. Here are a couple. 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 12, 2011 7:35 AM Post #8886911
| One more 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 12, 2011 7:40 AM Post #8886919
| Heavy frost this morning, so the birds looked fluffy. Here is one I shot a little after 7 am, when the light was still harsh. (I know the exif information says 8 am. I need to reset that camera's clock for standard time). 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 12, 2011 7:42 AM Post #8886923
| A female jumping from one branch to another. 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 12, 2011 7:43 AM Post #8886926
| Here she is on the other branch. 
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Ladi_Burd
Norwalk, OH (Zone 5a)
November 13, 2011 8:07 PM Post #8889143
| Love your pics Dave! Hope to see more! |
2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 13, 2011 9:44 PM Post #8889294
| All you had to do was ask... I have a ton of 'em. 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 13, 2011 9:45 PM Post #8889296
| Another from today 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 13, 2011 9:48 PM Post #8889298
| Well, I'm having my usual problem with the server not letting me post more than two in a row.. |
2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 13, 2011 9:49 PM Post #8889299
| Let's see if that helped 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 13, 2011 9:52 PM Post #8889302
| One more? 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 13, 2011 9:56 PM Post #8889305
| A wee bit wet. 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 13, 2011 10:01 PM Post #8889307
| Well, it let me post three, but that's it. |
2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 13, 2011 10:02 PM Post #8889309
| Second try on this one 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 13, 2011 11:07 PM Post #8889325
| Last one for tonight 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 13, 2011 11:24 PM Post #8889329
| Oh well, maybe just one more... 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 13, 2011 11:37 PM Post #8889340
| or two 
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pelletory
Marlton, NJ
November 14, 2011 4:57 AM Post #8889456
| Beautiful shots Dave. That male is gorgeous! |
ducbucln
Kelseyville, CA (Zone 8b)
November 15, 2011 9:14 AM Post #8891208
| As always, they're each so beautiful, but these last two are amazing. Love the pose on that "maybe just one more". |
Ladi_Burd
Norwalk, OH (Zone 5a)
November 15, 2011 6:24 PM Post #8891956
| They are all wonderful!!! |
2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 15, 2011 9:37 PM Post #8892184
| Thank you. Thank you... 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 15, 2011 9:41 PM Post #8892191
| ... 
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ducbucln
Kelseyville, CA (Zone 8b)
November 16, 2011 9:14 AM Post #8892721
| So pretty and the background just sets each one off so well. |
2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 16, 2011 10:26 AM Post #8892798
| Thanks duc 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 16, 2011 10:46 AM Post #8892824
| Small Dispute 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 16, 2011 10:56 AM Post #8892852
| I like this one for some reason 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 16, 2011 11:22 AM Post #8892888
| Here's a female 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 16, 2011 11:26 AM Post #8892896
| Watching a hawk overhead. 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 16, 2011 11:31 AM Post #8892906
| Nearly a good shot. 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 16, 2011 11:34 AM Post #8892909
| Another dispute 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 16, 2011 11:37 AM Post #8892915
| Nothing special 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 16, 2011 11:57 AM Post #8892963
| Top of our pear tree 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 16, 2011 1:06 PM Post #8893044
| I have one more but I have apparently exceeded my quota. Sometimes if I post a message with no image, it will then allow me to upload one in the following post
Let's see...
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irisMA
South Hamilton, MA
November 16, 2011 6:33 PM Post #8893450
| We love them all, Dave. |
2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 16, 2011 7:16 PM Post #8893495
| Nice to see you again, Iris. And thanks. 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 16, 2011 7:18 PM Post #8893497
| One more
This message was edited Nov 16, 2011 10:19 PM
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 16, 2011 7:24 PM Post #8893502
| ... 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 16, 2011 7:32 PM Post #8893510
| Not the best shot, but I like it because it's unusual 
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pelletory
Marlton, NJ
November 17, 2011 11:08 AM Post #8894269
| Great shots Dave! Such a handsome male! |
2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 17, 2011 8:37 PM Post #8895054
| Made our weekly trip to Baltimore today. The weather was lousy for pictures but two things were good. First, my mother in law's Japanese maple has shed most of its leaves, and second, one of the tufted titmice (which are normally very skittish) perched there with a sunflower seed in its beak for what seemed like 5 minutes. I got more than 50 good shots. Here is one of them. 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 17, 2011 8:50 PM Post #8895076
| One more, looking a little more tufted. 
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MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
November 17, 2011 8:54 PM Post #8895081
| How sweet. |
2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 17, 2011 9:02 PM Post #8895100
| Thanks Margaret. Also got a few good shots of this finch -- or at least I take it to be a finch. Not certain which variety. ID Help please. 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 17, 2011 9:04 PM Post #8895103
| One more, same bird. 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 17, 2011 9:27 PM Post #8895121
| Love these shots where it is raining 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 17, 2011 9:29 PM Post #8895122
| Also these where he tries to wipe the rain off his head 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
November 18, 2011 5:28 AM Post #8895291
| xxx 
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Ladi_Burd
Norwalk, OH (Zone 5a)
November 18, 2011 6:27 AM Post #8895339
| All the pics are GREAT!
Love the pic where he's wiping the rain from his head |
irisMA
South Hamilton, MA
November 18, 2011 6:34 AM Post #8895347
| Great pictures of all. |
pelletory
Marlton, NJ
November 18, 2011 11:43 AM Post #8895717
| Great pics Dave!
BTW that is a Purple Finch (male).
Love the shot of the Bluebird wiping his head. |
thebestmissy
Fort Worth, TX (Zone 8a)
January 20, 2012 8:03 AM Post #8975309
| I know there are others on this forum that are a lot more knowledgeable about bluebirds than me, so I wanted to get your opinions on a behavior. I live in SE Fort Worth, TX, we have been having a mild winter and it was about 50 degrees this morning, warming to 70 this afternoon. We have had a nesting pair of Eastern Bluebirds for a couple of years, and I saw a mature male checking ou the nestbox this morning early and he was chattering. Do you think that he is just thinking ahead? Surely, they will not start nest building until after the risk of freeze? That won't be until late March at the earliest.
Thanks, Missy |
2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
January 21, 2012 3:28 PM Post #8976908
| Not to worry, Missy. They are just thinking ahead. On warm days I often see my pair checking out my nest boxes; sometimes even with a few pieces of straw in their beaks, but nothing serious.
Real estate is a big consideration for them. Fewer and fewer natural cavities are available anymore so there is fierce competition for the available sites. I have seen them frantically looking for nesting sites in the Spring and even invading nest boxes occupied by other Bluebirds, driving off females already nesting there.
They seem always to be on the lookout and when they do locate a nest box, it is not at all uncommon for them to visit it regularly throughout the winter. Maybe they are reassuring themselves, maybe they are sending a message to other birds that may seem interested in that location. It is much easier to defend a nest site than to evict birds already nesting there. This is especially true with house sparrows.
This picture was taken late yesterday, before it started snowing.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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thebestmissy
Fort Worth, TX (Zone 8a)
January 21, 2012 5:02 PM Post #8976987
| Thanks for the insight! I have read that you need to have nestboxes at least 300 feet apart, but i see them at state parks that are much closer. What is your experience? |
2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
January 21, 2012 9:20 PM Post #8977201
| I do not monitor a trail but know and talk to many people who do. I understand that when boxes are placed that close (and are also within sight of each other) the boxes are rarely all occupied by bluebirds. Some boxes may go unoccupied or perhaps be occupied by other cavity nesters, such as tree swallows or chickadees or even (God forbid) HOSP. I have three boxes, two about 50 feet apart and within sight of each other and a third on the other side of our house. I have a single pair of bluebirds that alternate in nesting between the two that are within sight and they will not allow any other birds to nest in the unoccupied box. The box that is out of their sight has had chickadees and tree swallows nest in it.
However, I know that for whatever reason, some bluebirds are more tolerant than others. For example, one year I had a pair that allowed all their offspring from all three clutches to remain near the nest box during the entire nesting season and over the following Winter. Several juveniles from the first or second clutches even assisted in the feeding of the nestlings of the third clutch. The pair I have now is quite the opposite; chasing the juveniles away as soon as the female lays the first egg in her new nest.
I would also mention that I provide them meal worms and that the adult bluebirds also try to control the feeder, at least when it comes to other bluebirds. I also have titmice, chickadees, nuthatches, downy woodpeckers, song sparrows and Carolina wrens that help keep the meal worm feeder empty and the bluebirds seem moderately tolerant of the other species.
Here is one of the Carolina wrens waiting for meal worms in the freezing rain this afternoon.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Ladi_Burd
Norwalk, OH (Zone 5a)
January 24, 2012 5:04 AM Post #8980176
| Love your photos and all the information Dave. ThankYou! |
BostonArea_6A
East Bridgewater, MA
January 28, 2012 11:41 PM Post #8986199
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Great photo, with the branches draped in ice, and the holly berries.
Carolina wrens are a personal favorite! |
2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
January 29, 2012 3:47 AM Post #8986234
| I must've stood out by the holly for nearly an hour on the 25th before I finally got this shot. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
January 29, 2012 4:00 AM Post #8986248
| Sorry, I had forgotten I already posted that last shot on the Daily pictures thread. Here;s one for you, Boston. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
January 29, 2012 4:04 AM Post #8986250
| He and his mate were here yesterday, as was this big guy. I got about 300 shots. Here he is leaving. 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
January 29, 2012 4:07 AM Post #8986253
| Here's another frequent visitor 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
January 29, 2012 4:08 AM Post #8986256
| And this pair of flickers 
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
January 29, 2012 4:25 AM Post #8986265
| I know, this was supposed to be a bluebird thread. I'll post a couple of bluebirds for these last few.
My male bluebird, for whatever reason, was really singing up a storm yesterday morning. When artists paint bluebirds that are supposedly singing, they often show their beaks wide open. Actually, they only open their beaks a tiny crack as you can see in this shot. Notice also that his throat is bulged out a little. If it matters, this is how they really look.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
January 29, 2012 4:27 AM Post #8986269
| Here is another shot of him, taken at the same time. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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BostonArea_6A
East Bridgewater, MA
January 29, 2012 9:47 AM Post #8986565
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Thanks for your terrific shots; you really understand the "eye of the camera."
You help those of us who are tech-limited to get up close and personal to our flying buddies, who are a joy (mosquitoes are not).
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pelletory
Marlton, NJ
January 29, 2012 5:54 PM Post #8987191
| Great shots Dave!
Love the one of the Bluebird singing! |
BostonArea_6A
East Bridgewater, MA
January 30, 2012 7:31 AM Post #8987840
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Dave, your photography is constantly amazing! |
2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
February 14, 2012 5:25 AM Post #9006060
| Got another lens. It arrived after dark yesterday, and like a kid at Christmas, I couldn't wait for the morning light so I could try it out. And wouldn't you know it, the sky is VERY overcast. Nonetheless, here is my first shot.
I'll be watching the sky all day, hoping for it to clear so I can see what this baby can really do. Probably switch to the Mark 4 too.
400mm f/2.8 ISO 2000 1/1000 sec, using a Canon 1DMk3.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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BostonArea_6A
East Bridgewater, MA
February 14, 2012 8:29 AM Post #9006312
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Is that a frozen tree branch ???
In any case, it's an exquisite photo.
Well played !!!
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
February 14, 2012 10:17 AM Post #9006424
| Well, for a moment the sun came out (sorta) but the only birds that were around were the Carolina wrens. I will keep looking for the bluebirds but so far I am pleased with the lens. BTW Boston, the perch is sun bleached and in some shots it does look like it is frozen. And on some mornings it is totally white with the frost. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
February 14, 2012 4:54 PM Post #9006934
| Oh Dave, I really have lens envy. I love the 400mm focal length and to have one that's fast as well, ahhhhhh, heaven. Is it heavier than the f5.6? I imagine it would be. Were these shots hand held?
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BostonArea_6A
East Bridgewater, MA
February 14, 2012 10:21 PM Post #9007218
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The Carolina wrens are my guilty pleasure. They have a very perky posture and movement, which I enjoy year-round, but especially now, as a harbinger of Springtime.
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2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
February 15, 2012 4:54 AM Post #9007305
| Margaret, it is too long and too heavy for me to hand hold and it requires a strong tripod as well.. It is a tiny bit shorter but I think it actually weighs more than the 600 f/4 and it is definitely heavier than the 500 f/4. I also like the 400mm focal length and I use the 400 f/4 DO as what you might call my "walk about" lens and it is the lightest lens I own.
I can hand hold the 200mm f/1.8, the 300mm f/2.8 and for a minute or so, the 500mm f/4.
Boston, I love the Carolina wrens as well. I love how they sing! They, along with the titmice and the chickadees, are my favorites -- all after the bluebirds, of course. |
MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
February 15, 2012 5:14 AM Post #9007325
| Well, thanks for that, Dave. That's one very heavy lens, but it has wonderful reviews. |
ducbucln
Kelseyville, CA (Zone 8b)
February 15, 2012 7:55 AM Post #9007509
| Dave, your camera and lens collection is extraordinary and something all of us dream about. Congrats on the new lens-the photos have always been spectacular. It's wonderful that you have such a perfectly suited hobby. |
Lily_love
Central, AL (Zone 7b)
February 15, 2012 9:33 AM Post #9007649
| ducbucln wrote:Dave, your camera and lens collection is extraordinary and something all of us dream about. Congrats on the new lens-the photos have always been spectacular. It's wonderful that you have such a perfectly suited hobby.
I found myself echoe'ing your sentiment axactly Vicki. And may I add, Dave has the eye for the finer things in the art of living. |
2dCousinDave
Stafford County, VA
February 22, 2012 8:49 PM Post #9016648
| From time to time I get requests from artists or illustrators, wanting to use my pictures of bluebirds as models for some drawing or illustration they are working on. I almost always give them permission, and rarely ever hear anything from them again. A few months ago I got such a request from Sue Shanahan, a Chicago-based artist who specializes in children's portraits and illustrations for children's books. Many of her drawings feature fairies and flowers.
She wanted to see a bluebird in flight and I told her she could browse through my SmugMug site. I never knew which of my pictures she ultimately used.
Several weeks ago she sent me a copy of the finished drawing and I thought you might like to see it. It took me until today to find the picture she used as a model.
Incidentally, you can see more of her work at http://www.sueshanahan.com
This message was edited Feb 22, 2012 11:51 PM
Click an image for an enlarged view.
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MargaretK
PERTH
Australia
February 23, 2012 1:14 AM Post #9016720
| Absolutely enchanting, Dave. And how nice to receive some feedback. |
BostonArea_6A
East Bridgewater, MA
February 23, 2012 4:07 AM Post #9016767
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Both images are lovely, the "real" photo, and the illustration.
Nice that she got back to you.
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dellrose
The Ozarks, MO (Zone 5b)
February 24, 2012 5:59 AM Post #9018067
| It's a beautiful shot Dave and she is a very talented artist. How nice you got feedback! |
