More from March 2005

This day started off quietly, almost nobody else around, a blue jay here and there,

a couple of titmice,

And then I came to a space with birds in the trees, loads of birds. At first I didn't know what I was seeing until my brain turned on. Cedar waxwings, oodles of them all gorging on seed pods.  I stood and watched for hours, leaning against a tree for support.  No fear of my presence. They wanted the food. I never moved, just stood and observed. No talking. No flash. Me and a horde of waxwings. Magic time.

The only time I stopped was when I felt a tug at my pocket. A squirrel had come around the back of the tree I was leaning on and was picking peanuts out of my pocket.  Gutsy little thing.
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Nine years ago today

If someone shows up with food the gulls are going to arrive. Great chance to practice flight pictures.

Landings involve a bit of skating and skidding.

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Warm yet?

As long as it stays cold I'll keep digging into the files. I'm glad the redbelly woodpecker enjoys crisp air.

Squirrel flirt

Somebody dropped a pear

I can't believe I ate the whole thing.

"Political stand":   There are some pseudo birders in the park, fairly new to the activity who have the most atrocious manners. Birding should be a joy, the wonder of it all. It is impolite to step in front of someone who's obviously trying to see a bird.  It's rude and obnoxious.  The birds are there for all to enjoy and learn from.  Having a camera does not give anyone the right to shove someone aside.   There are also a couple of camera users employing excessive flash.  If asked to desist there's a reason for it. I'll take the stand that flash is not necessary. I've seen birds flinch.  The flash can also cause over-exposure of other people's pictures.  The use of a strobe is fine if you're in a private controlled environment,  but it is disturbing in a public space. With today's digital cameras it's possible to increase the ISO to make shooting in low light possible.  The higher ISO also helps to freeze action.  And anyone using flash when the subject is more than 15 yards away ought to read the camera/flash manual.
Above all nature lovers must do no harm, NEVER move too close. It is not a God given right to do whatever you want to do.  If an experienced birder suggests moving back there's a reason for it.  Too close is not good.  Nature first. The birds are our guests.  Observers second with proper etiquette!
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Tripping backwards

February 6, 2005.  At that time I didn't know hawks' names, Pale Male? Lola? Anyone else.  I knew red tail, immature. That was good enough for me. I named them all Beautiful. Youth is time for exploring, learning, putting on a good show even in cold weather.

I swear it was a cold day!

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March 1, 2005

I must have been nuts!  It was cold, frigid... but I still went slogging around.  Nine years ago. Generations ago camera. Dinky lens. But it sure was fun.  The images speak for themselves.

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