Tag: backyard birds

Eastern Phoebe

by Michael

This morning I was got out to see the birds in the morning sun. It was a beautiful sunrise and I saw many wonderful things. I saw a pileated woodpecker, which landed in the tree directly above me at an angle so extreme it made a photo unrealistic (but I saw it). I saw a deer that jumped into the woods just as I got a shot of the grass where it had been (timing is everything). I saw many other birds, but only this little phoebe sat still long enough for a shot in the morning light.

ol20150117085640

I’ll try again later and see who else will sit still for me.

Canon 7DmII, Canon 600 f/4IS + 2xTC
1/1000 @ f/8, iso1600

American Kestrel

by Michael

Had just a few minutes of sunshine after work today and was able to capture this beautiful American Kestrel in one of my trees. I’ve seen it in the yard the past few days so I’m hoping it is going to stick around.

Fun fact: The American Kestrel is the North America’s smallest of falcon and one of the most colorful raptors. (source: All About Birds)

ol20150116171143

 

Canon 7DmII, Canon 600f/4 + 2xTC, 1/1000 @f/8, iso 1600

Be Prepared!

by Michael

As the Boy Scouts are fond of saying, “Be prepared!”

When I got home today I was going through my usual routine.  Come in the house, give Zorro his kitty treats, and then check the back yard for birds.  When I checked the back yard, I was shocked at what I saw.  Instead of a yard full of birds under the feeders, or the stray kitty that has been hanging around lately, I found this!

Not only was the first time I have seen a Cooper’s Hawk around here, it looks like it was feeding on one of my birds to boot!

First, I’m in shock, but then I think, at least get the binoculars and get a closer look.  So I run to the bedroom, get the binoculars, and then run back to the kitchen door.  Still there!  Great.  Now I’m thinking, “what are you doing?  Where’s the camera??”

So, back to the bedroom, no time to pull out the 600 and tripod, but my 5d has the 100-400 still attached from my previous outing so I grab it and head to the back door.  I’m in luck, it’s still there, munching away.

As I look closer through the camera, I believe that the bird it is eating is the red-winged blackbird that has been hanging around lately, acting like it was hurt or sick.  Wouldn’t fly off unless you walked right up to it.  Well, I guess it doesn’t have to worry about that anymore!

 Ah yes, the circle of life right in my back yard!  It doesn’t get much better than this!  Unless of course, you’re the blackbird.  🙂
Photos taken with the Canon 5dMii and the Canon 100-400L IS lens