I was finally able to get some halfway decent shots of the Rufous at Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center, my go-to place at the moment for lots of bird activity. There are a few dedicated volunteer birders at Bluebonnet that have graciously helped me find the hot spots, and for that I am very grateful.
 |
| Being coy perhaps? |
 |
| Not the clearest shot, but I liked the colors in his gorget. |
 |
| Still not as sharp as I'd like, but look at those little feet! |
Meet Brenda, the resident barred owl. These were taken January 23, 2013. I so wish the light had been better and that she was sitting on a lower branch, but wildlife is wildly uncooperative. I saw both Barry and Brenda today and had several opportunities for good photos, however, the light was again uncooperative. If I had brought my tripod I probably could have done better. Laziness never pays off.
The titmice are super cute and super fast. Look at that faux hawk, big brown eyes, and tiny beak. Precious, right? They are also stealthy experts at getting seed from the feeder in 2 seconds flat. Thank goodness for high-speed continuous shooting mode.
 |
| Above my head I heard persistant clacking noises as though from a woodpecker. Imagine my surprise seeing this industrious titmouse jackhammering away at some sort of seed. |
Wishing everyone a pleasant, fun-filled weekend! I am going to a bird watching expedition at 7:00 a.m. tomorrow. That's seven A.M. people! Hope I can hang, for I am NOT a morning person. I'll do it for bird shots, though.
Oh I love Brenda the owl - she is precious :)
ReplyDeleteHave fun tomorrow on your bird watching expedition. Enjoy the early morning and drink lots of coffee :)
Big hugs to you,
Stephanie
He actually looks kinda PO'd in the first couple of shots! haha! Love the owls! I noticed a leg band on the Titmouse.
ReplyDeleteThe Rufous is beautiful! And the background in your photos just complements his coloring so well. The owl and the tufted titmice are just as spectacular as the Rufous. It's just that I've never seen a Rufous so up close and personal.
ReplyDeletecongrats on the rufous! have never seen one in person. and i love me some barred owls. :)
ReplyDeleteOh Gail these are beautiful. I have to say Brenda is my favourite:) Have fun it will be worth getting up for. B
ReplyDeleteThe birders and birds always volunteer themselves.
ReplyDeleteThat is why we see so many of the later.
What lovely photos! Birds are so much fun.
ReplyDeleteGreat group of birds. Love the sweet hummer and the Barred Owl. Beautiful photos. Have a happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteGreat group of birds. Love the sweet hummer and the Barred Owl. Beautiful photos. Have a happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteYou've changed your layout, haven't you? Love the larger images! I'm viewing these on my old laptop, so I'm not seeing the full beauty of your shots, but I'm still lovin' them!! Can't wait to see what you got on your early morning excursion!
ReplyDeleteAnd, I know what you mean about the speed of those titmice(?)...they're speed demons!
Wonderful set of photos! The little Rufous Hummingbird is adorable.
ReplyDeleteThese are awesome! I identify w/laziness, as I've moved on from the tripod-to my detriment.
ReplyDeleteHope today was fun. Can't wait to see what you saw!
Looks like a wonderful place to go to see birds! I love it when someone points me to the hotspots - otherwise your hunt could have been quite frustrating.
ReplyDeleteYou're always striving for more, Gail. That's why I admire your work so much. Now me, I'd be thrilled at some of your shots that you claim aren't the best. I was out on Jan. 22nd on a little road trip through northern East Texas and I'll tell you, that sky was pure soup! Awful lighting. My pics of a white Victorian house are nothing but shades of gray!
ReplyDeleteI'm so amazed at your Rufous hummingbird! We had one at our place and it was an extremely rare occurrence - but I have the photo to prove it. Great bird shots - all of them!
ReplyDeleteBrenda is a real looker! And a real treat for me, as owls are rare in my neck of the woods. Hope birding was productive today, and looking forward to the next post!
ReplyDeleteevery time i visit..i feel like i'm seeing photos that should be in National Geographic or the Audubon society!! gorgeous!!!
ReplyDeleteSo close and yet so far away.
ReplyDeleteToo see them close is pure joy.
They are all ooh la la.
How fun... a Bird watching expedition. I would love to go with you. If only I lived closer. I am loving your photos here. What amazing Humming bird shot. You are pretty darn good with that camera girly..
ReplyDeleteHugs~
WOW I think those are the most amazing hummingbird shots that I've ever seen.
ReplyDeleteThat's dedication for you (from another non-morning person):) you got some amazing shots here, very well done!
ReplyDeleteI can't see much wrong with those owl shots Gail, despite your protestations. The hummer shots are spot on too. Now when I get up to go ringing in the summer it has to be 3 or 4am, that's what I call early. Good luck with the alarm call.
ReplyDeleteGreat shots, Gail - I miss our hummingbirds, but we should start seeing them again in March or so...
ReplyDeleteThe stunning little Rufous posed quite nicely. Love the Owl and T T as well. Great captures, Gail
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteyou are so lucky to see all of these wonderful birds and you have photographed them beautifully. Sadly I don't see any birds in london except pidgeons!
ReplyDeleteOhhh my goodness - how beautiful is Brenda!! I have a feeling you disturebed her from her nap!! The way she eyed you :-}}
ReplyDeleteAnd how did you ever see the little Humming bird sitting on the limb? Looks like he's molting a bit! Nice job without a tripod!! Such steady hands you have!!
My goodness, that owl is gorgeous, Gail, and how fortunate you were to be able to capture it. Love that little titmouse too. They are the cutest little things.
ReplyDeleteHappy Sunday to you!
Oh the hummers are just fantastic Gail....
ReplyDeleteand you know, if I could get a picture of an owl that was that good I'd think I died and went to photographer's heaven. To take pictures as good as what you say are so-so pictures is pretty much my goal in life these days ;>)....
Oh...I love the owl. Absolutely gorgeous. I have never seen a owl, but my husband sees them all the time at the farm. Guess I need to start following him around.
ReplyDeletethank you for your many prayers...
Shug
I love your birdie shots, Gail. I happened up a barred owl in late January, also.. very similar shots, yours and mine, as you noted on my blog. They sure are a treat, aren't they?
ReplyDeleteTop shots from your new hot spot!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely stunning! My faves are of the owl. I have never been that close to one before.
ReplyDelete