Positively Photographing Birds ( in Winter)

 by Mauverneen

I love watching my birds and I love photographing them. And in winter, it's a good pastime to help pass time. That said, I have to add - they are a challenge. They're quick. And unpredictable. And uncooperative. And infuriating. So often by the time I get my camera focused on them, they are gone. Lots of blurry shots. Delete, delete, delete. Digital was invented for times like these. So, I set my camera up on the tripod and pick a spot. 

I decide to focus on the feeder they have been swarming. They all decide to land on the branch and take a look first. Make sure it's safe. Ok. So I focus on the branch where about 50 of them have just taken turns sitting. They all decide to bypass the branch and go directly to the feeder. Ok, back to focusing on the branch. They all decide to bypass the branch and go directly...  

And so it goes. Somehow they know. Somehow, they know.

But I still love them so I will be back tomorrow, or later today, or just stay here for another hour and keep trying. They have issued the challenge.  

As I pour myself another cup of coffee I can see out the window. A bird. A beautiful bird. Sitting perfectly still right where my camera is focused. Of course.  But am I there, hand on the trigger? Of course not. I took 15 seconds to go pour myself some coffee.

Sometimes I get lucky. Luck, along with doses of patience and perseverance. And maybe a little sympathy on the part of the bird. After all, they know. I know that they know.

There is one species however that will sit and pose happily as long as there is seed available. The Gray Long-tailed Wannabe! 

As always, words and photos are my own, and require permission to reprint.

However, feel free to share the blog in it's entirety. In fact, I encourage it!

Interested in photo prints? Contact me! maureenblevins@yahoo.com

See more photos at http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/1-mauverneen-blevins.html

and visit my website:  mauveonthemove.com

Positively February

 by Mauverneen

Happy February!

My backyard. Notice the birds on the table off the deck. 

 The shortest month of the year. That means just a little bit less winter. We just had our big snowfall of the year - about 9". Typical for a "big" winter storm in these parts. Some people had a lot more, but 9" is enough. Believe me. 

Locals may well remember this store. It's a sturdy yardstick!

My wonderful neighbor and his two young sons have been keeping my driveway cleared. It's about 90 feet long. Which means they do theirs and then they do mine. They are awesome neighbors. I had to say thank you somehow, so I baked them an apple pie. I hope they like apple pie.

February brings Valentine's Day - the 14th, and Mardi Gras - the 16th. I've had my Mardi Gras wreath on my door since I took took the Christmas one down. 

Mardi Gras! I love the colors! And the sparkle! 

I keep the birds fed - a little more seed in the feeders this time of year. It's so cold. And the feeders are swarmed with birds of all kinds. I have my camera set up in a window, hoping to take some good photos. I've taken a lot of photos. 

Well, there's still feed in the feeder, and I know I'm missing something so I will go pour my self another cup of coffee and stand watch at that window. Oh, and I have apple pie. You don't think I wouldn't make one for myself while I was at it do you? 

As always, words and photos are my own, and require permission to reprint.
However, feel free to share the blog in it's entirety. In fact, I encourage it!
Interested in photo prints? Contact me! maureenblevins@yahoo.com
See more photos at http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/1-mauverneen-blevins.html
and visit my website:  mauveonthemove.com