Backyard Birding Paparazzi Style

I haven't had a whole lot of time to play with my new camera. I have had it for over a month now but I have been busy with work. This weekend I managed to get time to do some birding. And I got to use my telescopic lens, 70-300mm. I wish I could afford one that went up to 500 but it isn't in my price range at the moment.

This impromptu birding adventure was all due to a cold mixed with my allergies believe it or not. I was so miserable I had the hardest time sleeping Friday night. I had even slathered myself in Vick's. Finally, I gave up on sleeping at about 6:00 am Saturday morning. Now anyone who knows me in real life will tell you that it is a rare occasion when I am up that early, let alone of my own volition. So by time 7:30 am rolls around I am ready for work and I don't have to be in to work until 10 am. What's a girl supposed to do with all this extra time? Well if you're this girl, you go fetch your camera and start stalking your backyard denizens. Yes, I am the wildlife paparazzi.

This has got to be my favorite bird photo I have ever taken. I love how this male house sparrow cocked his head as the shutter went off.


Peekaboo, I see you! Female House Sparrow


"Aww man! right when I had my mouth full!"


American Robin in neighbor's vineyard.


Another American Robin on fence post.


European Starlings, the one is being shy. Can you see her?


"Hey I am not a bird! Go back to stalking the feathered friends."


I know this isn't a bird (or squirrel) and they weren't off in the distance like all the rest of the featured celebrities were. However, I couldn't resist these tulips. Using the telescopic lens on a close by object gives it the rosy glow of the morning sun without me be right next to it and casting any shadow or light variation. I was very pleased with this particular experiment.



~Jessica~