Monday, July 14, 2014

Museum in the Mulberry Tree

Back in April we had a museum of Cedar Waxwings at Bluebonnet Swamp. Yes, a group of waxwings are collectively known as a "museum" or an "ear-full." This group was particularly fond of the mulberry tree. I thought I'd never post these because the light was so bad and I didn't think the photos came out that great. Also this was right around the time I discovered shooting from a tent blind (here and here), so nothing else I photographed could compare to those images. I guess I'm over that now, so here we are! A little lightening and sharpening in Photoshop, and voila!










Notice the mulberry stains on his belly.



Peek-a-boo!

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45 comments:

Author R. Mac Wheeler said...

Photoshop is to die for...ain't it.

Waxwings are so gorgeous. Hard to believe a museum of designers weren't engaged in making them.

Thank you, Mother Nature!

Breathtaking said...

With a little Photoshop tweaking, these shots turned out brilliantly and show the Waxwing to perfection. Also loved your blue birds,which I saw when I clicked on your tent blind.Just wonderful shots!

Roan said...

One of my favorite birds! I saw some on Bro O's mulberry tree, but none would show themselves enough for me to get even one of my bad shots. These are wonderful!

EG CameraGirl said...

Yep, cedar waxwings sure do love mulberries, don't they? :)

TexWisGirl said...

my goodness, that portrait shot is stunning! thanks for the 'museum' education!

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

You have outdone yourself with these absolutely amazing shots!

nookworm said...

My jaw dropped to my feet when I saw how wonderfully well you've depicted the cedar waxwing. Your photos are REALLY superb!

Irma said...

Beautiful series of photos of the waxwing, Gail.
Good detail and sharpness.

Michelle said...

These shots are just perfection. You are very talented!

LC said...

I would be proud of these images that capture the elegant appearance of the waxwings. Even the just-beginning to ripen fruit next to the waxwing glistens.

And I am ridiculously excited that a collection of these birds is a museum or ear-full. I can understand the origin of the ear-full as I had an "ear-full" visit those invasive Chinese privit shrubs along our western fence-line. But I wonder how Museum" came about. Guess I'll have to google!

Sally said...

Absolutely stunning photos, Gail. Love them. :)

DeniseinVA said...

Fantastic Gail, your photos of the wax-wings are a real treat. A museum or an "ear-full? Love learning this stuff.

Kerry said...

A museum of waxwings! I will remember that. And I can't believe you ever thought these were inferior shots. Holy cow.

Hilary said...

I so understand your thinking and I'm glad you're "over that now." :) We sell ourselves short on many of our images, I think.. just because the don't live up to others we take. That's just silly, eh? They all have much to offer many. These are beauties, Gail. I love the waxwings and miss seeing them up here. Thanks for sharing your lovelies.

Anonymous said...

Not as perfect as those from the blind, but very nice for those of us not out in the boondocks with you. Thanks. And thanks for the info about the Waxwing group name. At least they are not a Murder of Crows.

Brian King said...

These are gorgeous! Really, really nice!

Anonymous said...

Wonderful shots! And I had no idea a flock of waxwings was a museum!

Pantherka said...


Fantastic, beautiful images with your edits in Photoshop.

Donna said...

Your museum pics are gorgeous compared to mine....I have had a museum here too and some pairs continuing to visit the pond...no mulberry here though.

Anvilcloud said...

These are pretty doggone good.

Shug said...

This little fella has found himself a food haven. Nothing is gonna shew him away from all of these delicious treats. I think the lighting is good! Only a pro like yourself would be able to tell the difference...
Great pics Gail..
shug

eileeninmd said...

I love the gorgeous waxwings. Gail, your photos are awesome.. Have a happy week!

Melissa said...

I once saw a list of all the group names for animals. Very diverse list, with strange names like museums. Pretty waxwing(s), and the mulberries look so yummy! Blackberries are just getting ripe here, so I do my part.

orchid0324 said...

Wow, you've made a waxwing quite a photogenic; how beautiful the bird is♡♡♡
Berries must be very delicious meal for them; they look SO cute in your shots having them, Gail. I always think the timing for the best shots are evasive for me p;)

Sending you lots of love and hugs to my dear Japanese friend in America, xoxo Miyako*

Buttons Thoughts said...

My very favourite bird.I love coming here. Hug B

Debbie said...

I have only seen this bird once in my yard but it was an extremely exciting sighting!!

Your images are so impressive....I never edit my images and have no idea how to use photoshop!!

Great stuff!!

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Oh my gosh, these are great ... and really my favorite bird (until the next one comes along). But really, years ago my youngest son and I spent a whole Sat afternoon watching them feed each other holly berries (in our backyard, we watched through the glass patio doors). Really one of the first birds that started by interest in them, so a true favorite. Love these pictures.

Laura Delegal - Leroy Photography said...

The last time I saw any was a couple of winters ago. A "museum" was in a tall oak behind our house. They were so high up I couldn't get any good photos, but they were very vocal.

Anonymous said...

Wow, what sharp detailed images... simply wonderful!

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

I learn something new every day, Gail, and now know what to call a group of cedar waxwings. I redentky visited a museum, the building, but no waxwings there😏. I have heard that these virds are secretive and a bit hard to spot, but your tent blind was a good hideaway and the resulting shots worth the effort.

Kenneth Cole Schneider said...

I just love the elegance of the waxwings. Very beautiful photos! Thanks for visiting my blog while I was away!

Carole M. said...

a stunning bird to see and photographs well with the summery lime green of the mulberry; fun photography Gail

Anonymous said...

Stunning shots. These birds are so beautiful.

Suzan said...

Such an interesting little bird with that mask on him. those Male mulberry trees sure are messy if it hangs over a sidewalk or patio, but the birds love them!!

Jenny said...

Girl there is nothing whatsoever wrong with those pictures! Just wow. What a gorgeous bird. Thanks for sharing your beautiful work.

Stephanie said...

Hello sweet friend! I had a wonderful looking at the many posts and photos that I have missed recently. First of all, this bird is lovely and I enjoyed how you were able to capture the cutie with berries :)

The chihuahua with blue eyes is just too cute! I don't think I have ever see one with such outstanding eyes.

And that angel food cake trifle. . .YUM! I would love some right now :)

Enjoy your evening. Hugs to you!

Slamdunk said...

Nice shot with the evidence--the smears on the birds chest. I bet the dry cleaner will have a time getting that stain out. :)

Indrani said...

Wow! Great series!
Such action captures are very rare.

Joke (Joke's Camera) said...

The pictures are stunning, Gail (who cares the little help of photoshop?). Sometimes we have the waxwing in the Netherlands. All bird photographers travel then to that particular place. I have never done it, because hundreds of them are there and most of the time it's miles away. Gorgeous bird. Greetings, Joke

Anni said...

I'm slowly getting back on track and getting around to visit my blogging buddies!!!

Your waxwing images are absolutely spectacular!!! Great colors, shadows, and beautiful setting!!!

Thanks for linking this week.

barbara l. hale said...

That is one of my favorite birds. They are so perfect they almost don't look real. Fantastic series of pics!

Barbara said...

I never knew it was called a "museum"!! These are wonderful captures, Gail.

Unknown said...

These are great shots. I'm so happy you shared them. I love waxwings.

Kathy said...

Fancy that! I just posted that comment about the cedar waxwing being my favorite bird. Mystical things do happen!

beth said...

one of my MOST favorite birds ever!!!