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November 2, 2007

Friday Feathers

Friday Feathers on Monday, thanks in part to a 28.8 connection and my present remote location.

A photographer friend recently asked me, "Why birds?" -- meaning, why do I always photograph birds. In case you're new 'round these parts, the reason isn't riveting. I simply moved from photographing deer (though I still photograph them whenever I can) to birds; one day the deer didn't show up and I was yearning for something, anything to photograph. Then a bird flew past and that was that. A new challenge was born.

I am currently spending time in the woods, surrounded by trees shedding their summer greens in favor of yellow, orange and red attire, soon to be brown and eventually naked. I've got daily visitors -- deer that sit patiently nearby waiting for a bit of corn and birds that watch for the feeders to be hung each morning. Though I've referred to this place as BF Egypt (as mentioned 'round this time last year,) it not only offers peace and quiet away from city life but also the chance to don my hiking boots and traipse around the woods with my camera. To date, each day has brought a feathered surprise of one kind or another.

I'll start with this one (photo below.) I strained my eyes one morning to see what type of bird was on the side of a tree. Just when I thought it was a bird I'd seen before, I realized it was a new one. Though too far from me to see with my own eyes, I quickly lifted the camera to my eye, zoomed in and took a shot. Distance proved a disadvantage, but the lens was powerful enough to help me make out what type of bird it was -- a Northern Flicker, the first I'd ever seen and as of this writing, it hasn't returned. Bummer. Though it's a new addition to the list of woodpeckers I've seen, I can't yet include it in my photographic collection. I'll need a better shot before I do that.

Last year the Red-bellied Woodpecker appeared on a regular basis. This year, it seems highly skittish and actively avoids the suet I put out for it. I've seen it lurking around but only in the trees and on some branches. The photo that follows shows just how close I got -- NOT. *sigh*

It's been a while since I last saw a Blue Jay 'round here, but this alarm of the forest let me know it was nearby. I keep missing it when it perches on the pumpkin outside but one of these days I hope I'll be sneaky enough to catch it.

One afternoon I was sitting outside basking in the warmth of the sun when suddenly I heard a loud *THUD* I turned around just in time to watch as a Black-capped Chickadee began the first of five consecutive tumbles, wings flailing as it attempted to right itself. After expunging some black matter from its little body mid-roll it finally stopped and lay on its side taking deep breaths. I ran to get a pair of gloves and waited to see if the bird would stand up and take off but it didn't make any attempt to move. I put the gloves on and picked up the tiny bird and it just sat there clinging to the glove while trying to shake off its rollercoaster tumbles. After 5 minutes of trying to calm it down, I thought I'd slip the glove-and-bird off my hand, put it down on the deck and go get my camera (of course.) I took 3 shots and put the camera down and put the glove back on, and a few minutes later the chickadee flew off. Yay me, Doctor Feather -- or something. :-)

Last but not least, an old friend came to visit. When I heard its unmistakable call, which sounds more like a wicked laugh than anything else, I knew I had to grab the camera and follow that sound. I spotted the Pileated Woodpecker on a nearby tree so I hurried/walked carefully, hoping the crunching of the leaves under my boots wouldn't scare it away. The woodpecker was almost statue-like in its perch, and I soon realized that a hawk must be nearby because the woodpecker was in freeze mode. When hawks are around, all birds freeze up and play statue until the hawk flies off.

I suppose I should thank that hawk for stopping by, as it provided me with ample opportunity to photograph my favorite feathered one.

Cindy

Comments

Brain matter deposited by: Ted on November 6, 2007 11:33 AM