Western Bluebirds Hate Canons!!!

saurorasaurora Registered Users Posts: 4,320 Major grins
edited June 4, 2007 in Wildlife
I don't get much opportunity to shoot wildlife, but I unexpectedly ran into a Western Bluebird this week during my lunch hour (Hint: tough lighting conditions - dappled shade, bright sun!)

The first time I saw him I only had my 200mm, plus the 1.4 converter with me. Now I know some birders can wreck havoc with the 200, but not me! Birds in California don't like to get too close either.

158555890-L-1.jpg

Yes, this is the backside of a bluebird...how else are you going to see all of those pretty markings??? Besides, my bokeh was killer and worth sharing.

158022115-L-3.jpg

Feeling lucky (which is unusual for me) I went back to the same spot (same tree no less) the next day and brought my biggest gun, er lens, with me....my 300 f/4. These are still large crops. Same bird, same tree, same branch....different bokeh!

158309626-L-2.jpg

He then hopped down on the ground (in the bright sunlight) just about 4 feet from my car where I was hiding ( :hide ) I started clicking off some shots slowly and carefully....you know how noisey the Canon shutter is on the 20D. He definitely heard it...

158301691-L-3.jpg

Then I swear, he looked right at me with the most ....."disgusted" look before taking off!!! Hope you enjoyed! :rofl

158301648-L-3.jpg

Comments

  • WildWallyWildWally Registered Users Posts: 494 Major grins
    edited June 1, 2007
    You are right , killer bokeh on the first images .
    But .... the last 1 does it for me !!!
    Nice image !!!!!!:D
    "Walt":stud
    http://wildwally.smugmug.com/
  • SeefutlungSeefutlung Registered Users Posts: 2,781 Major grins
    edited June 1, 2007
    Very nice S ... the grass could use some cutting though.

    Gary
    My snaps can be found here:
    Unsharp at any Speed
  • riddim_makerriddim_maker Registered Users Posts: 1,835 Major grins
    edited June 2, 2007
    You're lucky! We don't get to see these guys around here too often, much less get to photograph them.
    BTW, couldn't you just asked him to stay put while you setup a diffuser and a reflector headscratch.gif ...rolleyes1.gif
    You did great under the circumstances.
    Russ
  • ThusieThusie Registered Users Posts: 1,818 Major grins
    edited June 2, 2007
    Nice shots Susan! :D
  • ivarivar Registered Users Posts: 8,395 Major grins
    edited June 2, 2007
    Great story and shots, Susan. I love that last one lol3.gif
    Ivar
    www.ivarborst.nl & smugmug
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited June 2, 2007
    Outstanding shots Susan, excellent color. clap.gif
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • bfjrbfjr Registered Users Posts: 10,980 Major grins
    edited June 2, 2007
    Brilliant looking birdie :D
    Benjamin
    My Galleries
    Flicker
    G+
  • LCDLCD Registered Users Posts: 494 Major grins
    edited June 2, 2007
    Wonderful bunch. They just kept getting better. The dof in the last one is perfect, as well as the color and pose.

    Just in case you're wondering, the Eastern Blue Birds are not Canon fans either! I live in NJ and I actually have more Western Blue Birds than Eastern ne_nau.gif
  • MaestroMaestro Registered Users Posts: 5,395 Major grins
    edited June 2, 2007
    Amazing detail and sharpness! Wow!
    Stephen
    www.capture-the-pixel.com

  • Ric GrupeRic Grupe Registered Users Posts: 9,522 Major grins
    edited June 2, 2007
    Well done, Susan. thumb.gif

    Those little blue buggers are difficult. If I had 800mm, I might get one.:cry

    I've got shots from the car that would never happen otherwise....expensive blind!
  • saurorasaurora Registered Users Posts: 4,320 Major grins
    edited June 2, 2007
    158301648-L-3.jpg


    Thanks Wally, Gary and Ivar. The last shot was the favorite for me, too. He just made me laugh! Gary, I don't think the grass was too long, just the bird was way too short!!!
  • saurorasaurora Registered Users Posts: 4,320 Major grins
    edited June 2, 2007
    riddim_maker wrote:
    You're lucky! We don't get to see these guys around here too often, much less get to photograph them.
    BTW, couldn't you just asked him to stay put while you setup a diffuser and a reflector headscratch.gif ...rolleyes1.gif
    You did great under the circumstances.
    Thanks Russ! Maybe next time he will be more cooperative and give me more than 2 seconds to get my act together! Any time I shoot birds I am in awe of all of you who do so on a regular basis....it's tough!!! eek7.gif
  • dbaker1221dbaker1221 Registered Users Posts: 4,482 Major grins
    edited June 2, 2007
    great captures!!
    **If I keep shooting, I'm bound to hit something**
    Dave
  • saurorasaurora Registered Users Posts: 4,320 Major grins
    edited June 4, 2007
    Thanks Thusie and Harry! I appreciate your comments!!!:D
  • saurorasaurora Registered Users Posts: 4,320 Major grins
    edited June 4, 2007
    bfjr wrote:
    Brilliant looking birdie :D

    Thanks Ben...he was certainly colorful. We get pretty boring looking birds around here for the most part. I was rather amazed to find this little jewel. :D
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