All posts by nmckown

Photographing a Tussle over A Fish

March 5, 2015Cormorant, Osprey, Pelicans, Sea Gullsnmckown

Photographing Fast and Furious Action

Let these photos tell a story of 4 species of birds tussling over one fish. I was able to photograph a rough and vigorous struggle between a Cormorant, an Osprey, two Pelicans, and an opportunistic Sea Gull. The Sea Gull mostly stayed on the sidelines, but was close enough and thus ready to pounce, given the opportunity. This scuffle over a fish occurred on Mission Bay, in San Diego, California.

“If Only” Moments in Photography

As with most bird photography, there are always those “if only” moments. If only I had a longer lens attached to my camera…. If only the shutter speed was set higher to sharpen the fast action….If only that Seagull didn’t block the shot. Suffice to say, though this tussle lasted only minutes and the photos could have been better, I was pleased to be in the right place at the right time.

I took more than 50 shots. The 7D Mark II lived up to its specs by providing continuous full resolution shooting of 10 frames per second. I’ve included 9 shots to tell the tale. There’s a lot of splashing action, so be sure to click on each of the photos so you can see the larger image and more detail.

Despite the Sea Gull in flight and blocking the shot and quite a lot of splashing water, you can still see the Cormorant’s beak and the Osprey’s Talons tugging at a rather large fish.

More tugging between the Cormorant and Osprey, with the Sea Gull’s white wing moving away from the center of the action.

Looks like the Osprey might have the advantage as he attempts to take the fish with him and fly off. The Cormorant holds tight.

The Osprey is suddenly pulled down into the water on top of the Cormorant, who is not about to release the fish.

The Osprey releases the fish and tries to lift himself out of the water. The Cormorant, holding on to the fish, tries to fly away.

The Osprey flies off without the fish, leaving a jubilant Cormorant alone with his prize.

Enter Pelican #1 who appears to take the Cormorant under water.

Seconds later, a 2nd Pelican lands on top of the first. Exit right the Cormorant, without his fish.

And exit one very wet and pissed off Osprey.

A New Photography Adventure and an Unexpected Accident

February 26, 2015Kingbirdsnmckown

Finding New Birds to Photograph

February is a great time to get out of Southwest Michigan. We decided to head to southern California for some sun and warmth – and possibly new birds to photograph. I packed my Canon 7D Mark II DSLR, 300mm 2.8 L 2 lens, 1.4 extender, 2.0 extender, and 135mm lens. I was careful and bought a padded super telephoto lens back pack case long enough to carry my DSLR camera attached to a 2x extender and long lens. The 135 mm lens and 1.4 extender were placed in a smaller padded camera case.

Fragile Camera Equipment

I carried my backpack onto the plane like it was a baby and gingerly placed it in the overhead bin. All went well until we retrieved the backpack to transfer planes. When we deplaned, my husband let the backpack slide off his back a little too fast and it hit the ground with a sickening thud.

I thought the back pack’s padding would absorb the hit; but no. When it comes to camera equipment, gravity is not your friend. My heart sank when I unzipped the pack and saw the damage.

Damage Assessment

The DSLR camera’s female lens mount was twisted, barely holding on to the connected male mount on the 2x extender.
The male 2x extender mount, connected to the twisted DSLR mount, was itself skewed.
The other end of the 2x extender had 3 screws yanked out and could no longer hold tightly to the 300mm lens.
The 300 mm lens mount had been torn away.

A bayonet lens mount does more than physically attached a DSLR camera to a matching lens and or connector. A tight fitting is required for all mechanical and electrical systems to properly communicate. The slightest damage within these connectors and malfunctions will almost certainly happen.

Canon Authorized Repair Center to the Rescue

The closest authorized Canon Repair Center was only 8 miles away. The service man inspected the damage and concluded that all mounts had to be replaced. In addition, the autofocus mechanism on the 300mm lens was damaged, so it had to be taken apart, repaired and reassembled.

Two weeks and $700.00 later, all of my damaged equipment was again operational. NOTE: I carry full insurance on all of my photo equipment. See this post regarding protecting your investment.

Photographing Southern California Birds

In the time I was without my camera equipment, I no doubt missed out on some excellent photo adventures. But in sunny California, the opportunities to photograph birds are endless. I am very happy with the west coast birds I was able to photograph after my camera was repaired.

My next 6-8 blog postings will spotlight my photographic experiences with birds I almost never encounter at home. I hope you enjoy this break away from photographing southwest Michigan birds. I sure did. 😎

Photo of Cassin's Kingbird — The Cassin’s Kingbird wintering in Southern California.
Not so different from the Eastern Kingbird commonly Found in Southwest Michigan.
ISO250; f/6; 1/2000 Second

To see photos of the Eastern Kingbird, see this post.

Photographing the Eastern Kingbird and Playing with Focusing Range

February 19, 2015Kingbirdsnmckown

The Magic of Autofocus

Imagine bird photography using only manual focus. How is it even possible to nail the focus of a bird zig-zagging in flight without the magic of autofocus? My rate of achieving sharp photos would be minuscule if I had to manually focus a heavy lens while tracking a bird and then pressing the shutter just right.

Photo of Eastern Kingbird — Eastern Kingbird Moving About From Branch to Branch.
ISO 1250; f/8; 1/1600 Second

Continuous Autofocus

When the birds are relatively still, I use one-shot auto focus. (I usually keep my camera set on one-shot auto focus.) However, in windy conditions, it’s fun to experiment with the speed and precision of continuous autofocus – especially when photographing erratic bird movement.

With continuous focus, as long as I can keep at least one of the AF points on my target bird, I know that the photos will be in-focus. The camera’s processor works overtime to constantly predict and calculate what might happen next, not once, but hundreds of times. All I have to do is make sure the shutter is set fast enough to capture the action.

Photograph of Eastern Kingbird — Eastern Kingbird
ISO1250; f/8; 1/1600 Second

Hunting for a Focus Lock in Windy Conditions

It’s easier to use continuous autofocus on a large bird, but I decided to try it on a windy day when I came across the relatively small and active Eastern Kingbird. This individual was on the move in and out of the thorny branches while a 10-15 mph wind blew branches, grass, and my long lens about. The focusing mechanism was noisily hunting in and out, trying to achieve focus.

Focusing Range

The Canon 500 mm 4.0L II IS USM telephoto lens has 3 specific options from which to choose a working distance or focusing range. A focus limiter switch on the lens barrel allows you to choose from 3 distance ranges: 4.5m to 10m, 10m to infinity, or 4.5m to infinity. If the bird is within range and you set the lens to the shorter focusing distance, you cut back on the distance (and thus the time) that the lens has to search to achieve a focus lock on the target.

I must admit that I always keep both my 300mm and my 500mm lenses set to the largest available focusing distance: distance to infinity. This is because most of the time, bird sightings are unpredictable – I want to be ready for any distance eventuality. If there is time to adjust the distance settings on the lens, all the better.

This time I took my chances and set the 500 mm lens to 4.5m to 10m. The shorter hunt distance would allow a faster fix on focus and hopefully a clear shot of the Eastern Kingbird as he bobbed about.

It worked. Looking at the photos, you might assume it was a calm bird on a calm day. The Kingbird’s feathers look a little blown back, but the continuous focus, shorter distance range and relatively high shutter speed came together to achieve these 2 sharp images.

I’m going to use the shorter focusing range option more often.

For more information on the trials and tribulations of focusing…..

See this post on manual focusing.

See this post on Fast Focusing Technology.

Photographing Mourning Doves – Always Around

February 12, 2015Dovesnmckown

Photographing Mourning Doves

Photo of Mourning Dove — Mourning Dove Eating Seeds.
ISO 500; f/2.8; 1/800 Second

I just got back from the dentist – and imbibing a dose of Nitrous oxide that had me relaxed and somewhat free to roam from reality.

For the brief time that I was in this mild dreamy state, I could hear the instructions directed to me by the dentist, and obey her, but that interchange came to the forefront of my consciousness reluctantly. A melancholy but alluring song was calling, and I wanted to follow. It was the low, mournful song of Mourning Doves.

Listening to the laments of Mourning Doves in my mind while on the edge of perceived reality seems to me a euphoric experience, and I know why. I associate their songs with the long and lazy summer days of my youth. Hearing Mourning Doves coo is very comforting.

Voracious Eaters at the Feeder

It’s easy to overlook the subtle beauty of Mourning Doves because they are so common. Named for the males’ forlorn sounding courtship calls, these large, plump birds can be found almost anywhere –at feeders, in fields, on the power lines, city sidewalks and parking lots. Mourning Doves are one of the most voracious eaters at the feeder, stock piling one seed after another, without removing the seed casings, until they are full. Digestion comes later when they are resting.

Stray Light May Impact Exposure

On a very sunny and frigid day, with the sun low in the western sky, I set up my camera, tripod and remote on the porch. I wanted to test the impact of stray light coming in through the viewfinder on exposure.

Most cameras come with a rubber mask to place over the viewfinder. I find that the little rubber mask eyecup gets in the way of fine tuning the viewfinder diopter adjustment knob- which I use often to compensate for my very poor vision when not wearing glasses. So I remove the eyecup – and try to be more cautious of the light entering through the back of the camera.

Do Not Remove the Rubber Mask Eyecup

Well, it’s a bad idea to remove the rubber eyecup. When the camera is set to the creative modes (for Canon cameras, Aperture Preferred or Shutter preferred) or any of the automatic modes, and the photographer’s eye is not covering the viewfinder, stray light from behind the camera most certainly will find its way in. This scattered light may influence the light meter into calculating more light than is actually there for exposure. This happens especially during slow shutter exposures. (Manual exposure is not affected by stray light because the photographer sets all 3 exposure indicators.)

I put the little rubber view finder mask back on my camera. I will just have to fuss a bit more when adjusting the viewfinder diopter. (NOTE: Thinking of upgrading to a more comfortable, effective, not in the way eyecup- something that would extend the viewfinder and thus sit more comfortable against my eye and do a better overall job of eliminating stray light.)

To read about overriding your (Canon) camera’s sensor readings, press this link.

To read about the impact of lens flare on your photographs, press this link.

Photographing Killdeer in Performance Mode

February 5, 2015Ploversnmckown

Photographing Killdeer

When I was growing up, the first thing I learned about Killdeer was that they were one of the most flamboyant actors in the bird world.

Photo of Killdeer — Killdeer Acting Display where he Plops Down, Calls Loudly and Hopes to
Draw the Intruder Away From the Nest.
ISO 500; f/9; 1/1000 Second

Distraction Display of Killdeer

Killdeer fake injury to protect their ground nests, with actions so elaborate and persistent as to be extreme. I would often see them up close, struggling with a wing dragging pitifully low, calling loudly with a distress call as they attempt to lead you away. They stop, flop on the dirt, and splay conspicuous tawny orange rump feathers as if they were broken, all the while keeping a red circled eye on you. These distraction displays are so common that predators learn to ignore them. When I see this activity, I get out my camera and start looking in the brush for Killdeer babies.

Killdeer are part of the Plover family, but unlike most of their kin, they live and nest away from the shoreline. They can be found on the back roads, parking lots, golf courses, and fields running on the ground foraging for insects. Like most plovers, Killdeer have 3 toes with webbing in between…good for running on land, but not perching on branches.

Plenty of Time for Camera Setup

I found this family of Killdeer on a quiet backroad in the Allegan Forest. Before they started with their ostentatious behavior, they weren’t noticeable, blending in well with the gravel on the roadside. Apparently I wandered too close with my camera, and the antics began in earnest. Easy pickins’ for a bird photographer. The adults flew in close and began their displays, giving me plenty of time to set up the tripod and camera.

Photo of Killdeer Baby Chick — Protecting Baby By Drawing the Danger Away. Killdeer Chicks Are More
Developed After they Hatch,(precocial) allowing them to Run Around Almost Immediately.
Killdeer parents do not bring food to the babies in the nest.
ISO 500; f/9; 1/1000 Second

Baby Killdeer are “precocial”, meaning they are ready to run after hatching (like chickens and ducks). They are not your typical blind, helpless baby bird.

Apparently I wandered too close to their young chick because these Killdeer parents became frantic and initiated Plan B: dive-bombing my head. Having no wish to be pecked on the head, I retreated to the safety of my car.

Photographing Snowy Owls – Sleepy, Heavily Insulated and Blending

January 29, 2015Owlsnmckown

Mid-Winter Photography Excursion

The sun had returned, if only for a day. At sunrise, I packed my camera gear, bundled up and headed for the Allegan State Game Area. 14 degrees. I passed by the corn fields twinkling with hoarfrost and spotted dozens of geese decoys positioned by hopeful hunters.

I parked off the main road near a corn field with a few Horned Larks foraging in the low lying vegetation. In previous years, I had seen Lapland Longspurs flocking with the Larks in this location. It wouldn’t be long before the Longspurs began their migration back to their nesting grounds in the arctic tundra, so I hoped I would be lucky enough to photograph them today.

I opened the car window to acclimate my camera lens to the cold. The windchill made me shiver.

Despite the frigid air and numb fingers, it felt good to be out with my camera watching and waiting for birds. Not much happening, but I had high hopes and propped the camera and lens on the car door window. After 15 minutes or so, I moved the car to a new spot nearer to protective brush, repositioned the camera, and let my mind wander while I waited. No luck.

DNR Tip

Later that morning, a bearded DNR officer accompanied by his brown labrador pulled his heavy duty pickup next to the passenger side window of my car. Allegan County DNR employees have always been helpful, friendly and willing to share their insights about the comings and goings of the migrating and local wildlife. After the usual introductory preliminaries, he gave me the directions to a close-by dirt track road where he had just seen a Snowy Owl roosting in the corn fields. I couldn’t believe my luck. A Snowy Owl nearby, and I was prepared. I was trembling as I drove to the back woods location.

Despite the fact that my vehicle is not adept on slippery, rough and tumble back roads, I followed his instructions and scanned the landscape for the Snowy. Nothing. Just clumps of snow with grass peaking through. Then one of the clumps moved.

Photograph of Snowy Owl — Snowy Owl Blending into the Landscape.
ISO250; f/10 1/800 Second

Photo of Snowy Owl — Adult Male Snowy Owl, Mostly Sleeping, But Occasionally Watching Me.
ISO640; f/10; 1/2000 Second

Photographing Sleeping Snowy Owls

This stoic individual wanted nothing more than to close his eyes and sleep beneath his heavily insulated plumage. Despite the bumping and grinding racket my car was making, he did not flinch. Only a few times did he open his yellow eyes to look at me. Since owl eyes do not move within their sockets, they have to swivel their heads (up to 270 degrees) to look around.

Photo of Sleepy Snowy Owl — Sleepy Snowy Owl.
ISO 320; f/9; 1/1250 Second

Rest in Peace

Snowy Owls are highly nomadic raptors that nest in the arctic tundra and travel very long distances in search of food. It was clear this individual needed to rest and reserve his strength. After taking 50+ photographs showing very little activity, I turned my car around and left him in peace.

For more information about my last encounter with Lapland Longspurs, please press this link.

Photographing the American Gold Finch

January 22, 2015Finchesnmckown

Weary of Winter

As I watch the forbidding gelatinous swells push up to the shores of Lake Michigan, I wait with my camera for birds to brighten my day. Nothing. No doubt the few that remain on the beach are freezing and huddled in the lee of some fox free dune.

My heavy coat and equipment bundles weigh me down as I climb the steep flight of stairs and head for home. Winter’s dreariness excites within me yearnings for the new landscape that comes with Spring. Come back my feathered friends, and bring the light!

Photo of American Gold Finch — American Gold Finch caught by the photographer
displaying a rather jaunty pose.
ISO 1600; f/6.3; 1/1250 Second.

Photographing the American Gold Finch

American Gold Finches in drab winter plumage have visited our feeders in January, but so far, not this winter. These birds are unpredictably nomadic and generally forage in noisy flocks. Come Spring, these small sociable songbirds will be plentiful around the feeder, especially if fresh thistle seed is offered. The males are a perky lemon yellow with a pink/orange beak, black cap, white rump, orange legs and dark eyes. They flash their vibrant colors as they float to and from the feeder in wavelike flight.

Here are a few bright photos from last Spring that help me remember that winter will pass and a new beginning is not far off.

My camera was set up on the porch one early April morning and aimed at a thick, broken branch that I positioned and secured on top of the platform feeder. Michigan Aprils are usually very cold, but in the excitement of photographing these lovelies, I don’t remember noticing.

0U6A0328 — Gold Finch, waiting for his turn at the feeder
and rather patchy from molting.

0U6A2378 — American Gold Finch Staring Back at the Photographer
ISO 1600;; f/6.3; 1/1250 Second

Spring Colors Bring Photo Opportunities

Many different shades can be seen on the male American Gold Finch as the year progresses. To view slideshow (produced by Sibley Guides) showing their plumage cycle, press this link.

Press this link if you are interested in reading more about Photography Outdoor Studio Setups.

Photographing Field Sparrows and Thoughts About A Backup Camera

January 15, 2015Sparrows and Finchesnmckown

Photographing the Grassland Field Sparrow

This gray faced grassland Field Sparrow, with a reddish crown, white eye ring, unstreaked buff breast and distinctive pinky/orange beak is an easy sparrow to identify. It’s one of my favorite birds to photograph because this species doesn’t always hide when spooked. Curiosity gets the better of them, so much so that they are likely to come out into the open when there’s a ruckus.

Photo of Field Sparrow — Field Sparrow; ISO 1000; f/8; 1/2500 Second

Field Sparrow Watching Me

For this shoot, I hauled my camera, bags and tripod deep into a grassy, wet field (also, bug spray, bug nets, smart phone, hat, shades, etc). My equipment setup and preparation (not to mention my soaking wet pant legs) must have been just interesting enough for this field sparrow to come in close and in front of the camera to watch me. The early morning light was good, and he chose excellent perches on which to pose. He stayed so long that I was able to move my tripod about and swap out lenses and extenders to experiment with focal length. At the end of the shoot, I thanked him for his cooperation.

This is the type of care-free photography session that gets me thinking about purchasing even more photographic stuff to haul out in the field. This time, my thoughts were on a back-up DSLR camera.

A Digital Camera’s Perceived “Lifetime”

My camera is 2 years old and has 48770 shutter counts. A camera’s “lifetime” is based on its shutter count. The official life expectancy on the shutter on my Canon 5D Mark III DSLR is rated at 150,000 shutter actuations. According to Canon, after I reach 150,000 shots, I can expect shutter wear and tear, slow down and eventual breakdown. I will then have to replace the shutter mechanism, or buy a new camera.

Hypothetically, with only 48770 shutter actuations, there is plenty of life left in my camera. However the “lifetime” shutter count estimates that Canon assigns are only estimates. This camera could out-live me, or crash tomorrow. There is no predicting when the shutter (or mirror, or sensor or other electronics) will fail on my camera.

NOTE: Apps are widely available to determine your camera’s shutter count. I purchased a program called “Shutter Count” for $2.99, available at this link.

Missed Photos

Currently, I have one camera and two fixed long telephoto lenses (300mm and 500mm). If the bird is perched at a distance that is too far or too close, I have to swap out lenses. That takes time and there’s a strong possibility that the bird will fly off before I am operational again. In addition, changing lenses on the fly can often lead to dust accumulation on the camera’s sensor. Having two DSLR cameras, each attached to a lens with a different focal length, would address these problems.

The wrong lens was attached to my camera when I spotted a Bald Eagle on the Lake MI dune. See this link for more information.

Camera #2 – Canon 7D Mark II

I’ve been thinking about purchasing the Canon 7D Mark II camera with a crop 1.6 sensor (22.4 x 15.0 mm). The new technology incorporated into this camera make it a professional’s tool. The reviews on this camera have been excellent.

I have a full sized sensor (36 x 24 mm) on my Canon 5d Mark III DSLR camera. When I attach a 500 mm lens on my Canon 5d Mark III, the focal length remains 500mm. A smaller sized sensor would crop some of the image coming in from the lens. Consequently a camera with a 1.6 sensor attached to a 500mm lens will make the image appear closer, and provide a reach equivalent to 811mm. Extended telephoto reach is very advantageous for a bird photographer.

Better Prepared with Two DSLR Cameras

Many other breakdowns and accidents besides shutter failure can leave a photographer without a working camera; and breakdowns and accidents always seem to happen at the worst possible times. Having a second camera to use in parallel with my main camera would help me to be more prepared to go out in the field and photograph birds.

Well, not surprisingly, I’ve talked myself into another expenditure. Fun! 😎

Photographing House Wrens and Discovering Bird Personalities

January 8, 2015Wrensnmckown

Photographing House Wrens

Early Spring brings with it joyful bird song in the air. One of the first vocalizations I hear are the cheerful, jaunty tunes of the male and female House Wrens. It’s such a joy to listen to their effervescent voices. (NOTE: To hear songs of the House Wren, press this link.)

Each April, I observe and photograph the House Wrens busy with their spring preparations, and I try to determine if this year’s residents are the same individuals as last year. Since these birds (male and female) are so similar physically, I try to match behaviors and personalities that I remember from the previous year. It’s not as hard as you think.

Photo of House Wren — House Wren, an Aggressive and Hard Working Tiny Bird. ISO 150; f/9; 1/640 Second

Personality of Birds

Most species of birds are categorized by an assortment of characteristics. These include not only physical characteristics, but a description of the behaviors attributed to the male and/or female. House Wrens have these commonly known attributes:

Physical description – (small brown songbird, long curved bill, long tail often cocked skyward, male and female similar)
Nest Habits – (cavity nesters)
Migration information – (winters in southern U.S. and Mexico)
Species songs and calls – (130 different and complex songs and calls; notable for loud and insistent singing)
Behavior/personality description – (cheerful and energetic, hard working, constantly chattering, highly competitive, angry, nervous, agitated when nest is threatened)

Distinct and Varied Personalities Within A Species

Personality norms for species of birds are highly observable. For instance, I know (from personal experience and documentation in my bird books), that when I approach the box nest of a pair of house wrens with my camera, I will be aggressively assaulted and scolded.

This particular wren behavior is highly predictable, but when I scratch the surface of the common behavioral attributes of the House Wren, can I find individual personality differences that exist within this species…individually distinct personality differences that, over time, defy prediction?

Questions Researchers Ponder

Since the word “personality” evokes all sorts of human thoughts, feelings and behaviors, Ornithologists (and other researchers) use the terms “behavior syndrome” or ” inter-individual variation” when studying and documenting bird behavior. These terms are less anthropomorphic and lend themselves to a more scientific way of observing and reporting different dispositions.

Questions to Ponder. Are different birds within a species….

Distinctly intelligent, clever, mean, exploratory, assertive, adventurous, aggressive, shy, secretive, excitable, agreeable, curious, goofy?
Are some of these behavioral traits demonstrated consistently by a few, but not all, of the birds in a species?
Does natural selection play a role? Do some of these behaviors lead to more success in breeding and parenting?
Are these differences a consequence of nature or nurture; or both?
Do the songs of individual birds indicate personality?
Do some individual birds attempt to communicate with humans, and do those interactions indicate a distinct personality?
Do individual personalities cause birds to look for mates that are “compatible”?

Photographing Individuality

Learning more about the study of inter-individual variation in birds is fascinating. I think the most compelling photographs of birds somehow capture the mystery of individuality. Searching out individuality helps us make connections, and that makes bird photography all the more compelling and challenging.

To read more about the research on distinct personalities within a bird species, visit this National Wildlife link.

Photographing A Sharp-shinned Hawk

December 30, 2014Raptorsnmckown

A Heartwarming Christmas Surprise

It’s been a dreary and snowless Christmas here in southwest Michigan, with very little bird activity. I was busy trying to compensate by decorating the house in cheerful adornment when I spotted a tiny hawk perched on our platform feeder. My tripod and camera were set up and ready to go in the library (rather optimistically, I might add, considering the miles and miles of heavy clouds over head). Hoping the hawk would not notice me, I gingerly ducked and tiptoed toward the camera.

He most certainly did notice me and flew from the platform to a tree branch close by. I positioned the lens, adjusted the shutter speed as low as I dared to offset the poor lighting, focused, and started photographing the hawk through the window glass.

Sharp-shinned Hawk

A Sharp-shinned Hawk was not a bird I had photographed before. He was tiny, as woodland hawks go, with a smallish head, dark gray back, copper breast, bright red eyes, wide shoulders, short wings and a very long tail. These hawks are easily confused with Cooper’s hawks, both Accipiters known for maneuvering fast in forested habitats and feeding at bird feeders. “Sharpies” winter and breed in Southwest Michigan.

Through the Window Photography

I was photographing this hawk through the window glass because I was operating under the assumption that no bird would tolerate the creaky noise of a non-compliant window opening, let alone a person standing so near.

But the clarity and color of the photographs would be so much better with that window out of the way, especially on such a gray day. I took a dozen or so more photos through the window glass and then slowly began the rather loud procedure of unlocking and cranking open the window.

Song Bird Reaction to Hawk

For some reason, I expected it to be deathly still outside when I opened the window. Instead I heard a cacophony of complaining titmice, chickadees and juncos, warning other birds about the intruding hawk and miffed about the interruption in their feeding activity.

Photo of Adult Sharpie — Sharp Shinned Hawk, Watching
the Feeder Activity.
ISO 3200; f/4.5; 1/320 Second

Through the Open Window Photography

Amazingly, the Sharpie did not fly off, despite the racket I made opening the library window. He stayed perched on that branch with his back facing the camera for a good 40 minutes. He flinched every time the windblown metal squirrel guard banged against the post, but other than that, he acted unperturbed and vigilant.

Most of the song birds stayed hidden from this angel of death. Eventually a few dare devils did some quick feeder in-and-out maneuvers. The hawk just watched. No attacks.

Don’t Leave Before the Bird Does

I rarely leave a photo opportunity before the bird does. My furnace kicked on shortly after I opened the window, and it stayed on. I was shivering and stiff, but I was not prepared to walk away from my camera for fear I would miss some exciting behavior.

I watched and photographed him preening, stretching, and almost fully rotating his head in both directions. I was hoping that he would reposition himself on his perch so I could photograph a frontal view, but no luck. In the end, he flew off quickly, away from the camera and toward the woods.

Enjoy the Birds This Holiday Season

Photographing this Sharp-shinned Hawk was a very unexpected and heartwarming Christmas surprise. I hope you all were able to take some time and enjoy the birds this holiday season.

(See this Post about a Cooper’s Hawk hunting at the Feeder.)

(See this Post about “Through the Glass Photography”.)