Despite the chaos of school children (again), I managed to spot half a dozen indigo buntings. Sure wish I could see the painted bunting this year. One was netted and banded on Easter Sunday. It's there! And it's high up on my wish list.
For these shots I sat inside a bird blind which is placed right next to a feeder. Getting close to the birds makes a huge difference, even if you have a long lens. The only adjustments I made was to size for the blog, crop, and a slight sharpen.
Oh, by the way, I returned the Canon SX50. Like my sweet friend, Linda, the viewfinder became a deal breaker in the end. It's pretty much useless, which is a shame. Besides, the quality of the images aren't even close to a DSLR. Although some people manage quite well with the SX50, I am not one of those able to deal with its limitations. Maybe I just need to enjoy kayaking without taking photos.
Sharing with Wild Bird Wednesday. Thank you, Stewart!
wow Gail you sure got it right; what an amazingly fantastic bird in your sights; well done
ReplyDeleteOh how beautiful; you have such a talent!
ReplyDeleteWOW! I'm jealous!
ReplyDeleteOver on this side of the south, I can say I've ever seen one of these beauties. Dang dab it.
ReplyDeleteGreat shots.
Beautiful deep color. I have a camera club buddy with an SX50 and he got a shade so he could see in sunlight. The only shot I've been able to get of a bunting was far away and he was molting. But I will try, try again.
ReplyDeleteThese photos are fantastic...some of the best I've ever seen of this bird. Good job!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry the SX50 didn't work out for you. I agree that the image quality isn't equal to that of a DSLR, but it's still very good. And the reach of the zoom is amazing. But I totally understand about that useless viewfinder. I hope Canon can solve that problem on the next generation of that camera.
These are such pretty little birds. We had one at our feeders two days ago but he was in and out in a heartbeat. I hope he returns.
ReplyDeleteSorry the camera disappointed you. Maybe a waterproof housing for BB would be something to consider.
ReplyDeleteThese shots are awesome, as usual!
Hi Gail,
ReplyDeleteWow, what a beautiful bird.
The color is really great.
Picture 1 and 3 are my favorite.
Greetings Irma
Breathtaking shots of this lovely! I am still on the hunt for the Indigo. I heard about an area near me where they are nesting. Just have to talk Hubbers into taking me there.
ReplyDeleteyes, it was linda i was thinking of when you mentioned the trouble with the viewfinder! sorry it didn't work out for you.
ReplyDeletethese are probably the best photos of an indigo i've ever seen! wow, gail!!!
(and i am SO not a salon or spa girl. been there; done that; but don't ever really want to waste my time again.) a swamp sounds much better. :)
ReplyDeleteI would also prefer spending time at a swamp (or almost anywhere) than at a spa.
ReplyDeleteThese are gorgeous shots. The bird's color is amazing.
Dearest Gail;
ReplyDeleteHow lovely "indigo bunting" is♡♡♡ Your photographs are fantastic. Technical thing about viewfinder is beyond me, haha; I even cannot be bold enough to buy SLR p;)
Thankfully my retired bank clerk husband deals with these formalities. I smiled how you treated yourself♪
Sending you Lots of Love and Hugs from Japan, xoxo Miyako*
Dat is wel heel mooi z,on hele blauwe vogel.
ReplyDeleteWouldn't it be awesome to enjoy "anything" without photographing it??
ReplyDeleteYour images are just gorgeous!
I so love the vibrant blues of these birds! The only "blue" bird here is the Western Bluebird, which is out in the country and not seen very often! (I guess the Blue Heron is blue...but you know me and my luck with getting close enough to one of those!) Sorry about the camera.
ReplyDeleteWow, you get so many birds there. I have only seen this bird once, back when we were living in Michigan. Continue to enjoy your relaxation time out in the wild, and keep posting these wonderful photos for us to enjoy!
ReplyDeleteI'm so with you, I would much rather be out in nature, and let's face it I'm going to get my hands dirty anyway! ;)
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous bird!!
Gail, awesome shots of the Indigo Bunting! I am not the salon or spa type of girl! I would much rather spend my time outdoors and enjoying nature! Have a happy day!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletewow! These are stunning shot of this blue bird.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful bird, lovely blue!
ReplyDeleteFantastic brilliant blue! I've never seen these guys here.
ReplyDeleteSorry the camera didn't work out. It could be disappointing after using a DSLR for so long.
Beautiful Gail!!
ReplyDeleteHave never see this bird. Sorry we don't have it - our weather is very much the same!!
Yes!! go paddling. I know how you feel thought not being able to your camera to share all the wonderful sites you see!!
Great shots!!
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis are outstanding, Gail! You've inspired me to take trip over to the river - I know we have buntings there! I'll get a painted bunting at the feeder occasionally, but never the indigos.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry the camera didn't work out for you. I really love mine! But then I was moving up, not down from a DSLR!!
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteOh my these are fabulous. The color of this bird is just amazing and the detail in your shots is awesome. Loved them all.
ReplyDeleteThis blue... Absolutely amazing and fantastic photos of this beautiful bird!
ReplyDeleteThe blue coloring on this particular bird is magnificent. I admire your patience in waiting for these perfect shots... I'm guessing that in no time you will conquer using your camera while kayaking....You've got it in you and I can't wait to see all the sweet photos you'll soon be posting...
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous bird and so beautiful color !
ReplyDeleteGreetings
Oh wowzer!! What beautiful birds and what stunning images!!
ReplyDeleteThese pictures are stunning. I agree with you that the viewfinder on the SX50 is useless and nothing quite compares to a DSLR.I also agree with you,I would rather spend a day chasing birds that sitting in a spa.LOL
ReplyDeleteWow Gail , I love this series of shots of this beautiful guy . I sure wish we had more colorful birds in our neck of the woods.
ReplyDeleteI'venever see one. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteA spa and this beautiful bird, I know which one I would pick :) Not one for spa's either, give me the wide open spaces any day and a chance to commune with our feathered friends :) Fantastic shots Gail!
ReplyDeleteWhat a perfectly gorgeous bird. The colour is amazing.. as is your detail. Beautiful shots. Too bad about the camera.. but no doubt the right one will come along.
ReplyDeleteWe have had three indigo buntings visit us 3 times this spring. No opportunity to capture images but I sure am enjoying the beauty of yours, I have seen one painted in my lifetime. It was with indigo buntings in our back yard more than 30 years ago. That was also the only time I have seen indigo buntings in our yard until the recent sightings this year.
ReplyDeleteJust tried to post a comment and I must have clicked the wrong thing and its gone. Of course it was brilliant, almost as brilliant as the blues of those feathers. Anyway, great camera work.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous pictures! What great blues!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous birds! I love the blue colour. I have a few days off and I sat by a pond watching frogs for a while yesterday. My older daughter told me to get a life!?!?
ReplyDeleteWhat great shots of a beautiful bird, and how wonderful that there are blinds that you can use. What a difference they must make. I get the returning of the camera. The quality is not the same. Probably if you weren't already used to DSLR quality ...
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh I love these shots so much. We spotted indigo buntings last weekend but all but one flew almost as soon as I got my camera to my eye. Lovely to see them anyway.
ReplyDeleteSigh .......... if only the blue color of the bird is beautiful to behold. Abroad, many beautiful colored birds.
ReplyDeleteI have only seen an indigo bunting once...these photos are just beautiful! Love the clarity!
ReplyDeleteWOW!! Such a beautiful bird. Awesome photos my friend.
ReplyDeleteHugs~