[jacamar]

Interesting. I only see them during the Spring migration, and they are usually at ground level, or a few feet up from there looking for food. If ever you have the chance, you need to see their blue color just as the sun is going down. It really stands out.

We saw a couple on our Lake Erie trip last week but hey seemed very skittish - couldn't get anywhere near close enough for a good image.

[aslyfox]

this is part of a series of photos of this bird I took at the Cheyenne Bottoms near Great Bend Kansas

I have posted other photos from the same day

first one is SOOC, no crop, no pp

second crop and pp

from the front passenger seat of the vehicle, hand held

[r0ckstarr]

We saw a couple on our Lake Erie trip last week but hey seemed very skittish - couldn't get anywhere near close enough for a good image.

It's a different story here. Probably because I am on the coast, catching them as their coming in during migration, and they're more concerned with food and rest than humans. That's my guess at least. Last year, we had a large group of Hooded Warblers come in, and they were so tired that they were sitting down on the ground right at our feet.

[r0ckstarr]

from the front seat of the vehicle, hand held

That's the only way I can get close to Scissor-Tailed Flycatchers. If I am on foot, they see me from a distance, and just move a little further away, keeping a pretty big gap between us.

[WPRESTO]

Interesting. I only see them during the Spring migration, and they are usually at ground level, or a few feet up from there looking for food. If ever you have the chance, you need to see their blue color just as the sun is going down. It really stands out.

Indigo bunting, in their nesting range, are what are called "edge species." They preferentially nest in stands of tall trees but very near a clearing. They go out in the clearing to forage, and the males go there to sing/display. The primary area I've seen them here is where a high power line with very tall pylons cuts through a forest/woodland. The males come out of the trees and perch on the power lines to sing, way up there against a bright blue sky. This habit and habitat is as good a way to identify them as seeing the color with binoculars.

[Basie]

Some shots with DA*300 F4 and K5 of elephants taking a drink

This one at dusk ISO 800 1/30 sec f5.6 on a beanbag, which can replace a tripod most of the times in my opinion






This one late afternoon at different place. 1/180 ISO 200 Enthusiastically cropped

[r0ckstarr]

Indigo bunting, in their nesting range, are what are called "edge species." They preferentially nest in stands of tall trees but very near a clearing. They go out in the clearing to forage, and the males go there to sing/display. The primary area I've seen them here is where a high power line with very tall pylons cuts through a forest/woodland. The males come out of the trees and perch on the power lines to sing, way up there against a bright blue sky. This habit and habitat is as good a way to identify them as seeing the color with binoculars.

If you told me that and asked me which bird it was, I would never know. They act so differently here. I've seen them perched 3 feet off of the ground singing away.

Different shot of the same bird I posted previously:

[zzeitg]

DFA 150-450

[normhead]

K-3 and Tamron 300 2.8 with the F 1.7x AF adapter (510mm, ƒ4.5)
ISO 200, ƒ5.6, AV mode


We did get spot of sun today. I wore myself out with the chain saw then sat in the blind for a bit.

First the new guys.

Male American Goldfinch


Chipping sparrow


I counted over 70 purple finches at the feeder at one time today.


When there are that many you don't have to settle for feeder images, you cn go for something that looks more natural.


One of the regulars.

[r0ckstarr]

Male American Goldfinch

From Feb thru April, they were here in non-breeding plumage. I've not yet to see one in breeding plumage.

[r0ckstarr]

K3 150-450

Gray Catbird after a bath.





He's totally checking me out.

[aslyfox]

Yellow-headed Black Bird

on a foggy morning

American White Pelican surrounded by Double-Crested Cormorants

all in the Cherokee Bottoms near Great Bend Kansas

K 3 II + HD PENTAX-D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6 ED DC AW

[riseform]

A series from yesterday at a small collection of snow melt (pond) that will dry up by mid summer. Great spot to sit and await various species coming in for a drink with a mirror like reflection.
K3ii and DA 560

Red crossbill after a bath


Western tanager


White-headed woodpecker

[jacamar]

This Sandhill Crane didn't want us on its turf (or reedbed), even though we never strayed from the public footpath.

[StephenHampshire]

I always enjoy the DA*300 for flower shots, also gives me an excuse to dig out the K3