Western Bluebirds Hate Canons!!!

[saurora]

I don't get much opportunity to shoot wildlife, but I unexpectedly ran into a Western Bluebird this week during my lunch hour (Hint: tough lighting conditions - dappled shade, bright sun!)

The first time I saw him I only had my 200mm, plus the 1.4 converter with me. Now I know some birders can wreck havoc with the 200, but not me! Birds in California don't like to get too close either.

http://saurora.smugmug.com/photos/158555890-L-1.jpg

Yes, this is the backside of a bluebird...how else are you going to see all of those pretty markings??? Besides, my bokeh was killer and worth sharing.

http://saurora.smugmug.com/photos/158022115-L-3.jpg

Feeling lucky (which is unusual for me) I went back to the same spot (same tree no less) the next day and brought my biggest gun, er lens, with me....my 300 f/4. These are still large crops. Same bird, same tree, same branch....different bokeh!

http://saurora.smugmug.com/photos/158309626-L-2.jpg

He then hopped down on the ground (in the bright sunlight) just about 4 feet from my car where I was hiding ( :hide ) I started clicking off some shots slowly and carefully....you know how noisey the Canon shutter is on the 20D. He definitely heard it...

http://saurora.smugmug.com/photos/158301691-L-3.jpg

Then I swear, he looked right at me with the most ....."disgusted" look before taking off!!! Hope you enjoyed! :rofl

http://saurora.smugmug.com/photos/158301648-L-3.jpg

[WildWally]

You are right , killer bokeh on the first images .
But .... the last 1 does it for me !!!
Nice image !!!!!!:D

[Seefutlung]

Very nice S ... the grass could use some cutting though.

Gary

[riddim_maker]

You're lucky! We don't get to see these guys around here too often, much less get to photograph them.
BTW, couldn't you just asked him to stay put while you setup a diffuser and a reflector :scratch ...:rofl
You did great under the circumstances.

[Thusie]

Nice shots Susan! :D

[ivar]

Great story and shots, Susan. I love that last one :lol3

[Harryb]

Outstanding shots Susan, excellent color. :clap

[bfjr]

Brilliant looking birdie :D

[LCD]

Wonderful bunch. They just kept getting better. The dof in the last one is perfect, as well as the color and pose.

Just in case you're wondering, the Eastern Blue Birds are not Canon fans either! I live in NJ and I actually have more Western Blue Birds than Eastern :dunno

[Maestro]

Amazing detail and sharpness! Wow!

[Ric Grupe]

Well done, Susan. :thumb

Those little blue buggers are difficult. If I had 800mm, I might get one.:cry

I've got shots from the car that would never happen otherwise....expensive blind!

[saurora]

http://saurora.smugmug.com/photos/158301648-L-3.jpg


Thanks Wally, Gary and Ivar. The last shot was the favorite for me, too. He just made me laugh! Gary, I don't think the grass was too long, just the bird was way too short!!!

[saurora]

You're lucky! We don't get to see these guys around here too often, much less get to photograph them.
BTW, couldn't you just asked him to stay put while you setup a diffuser and a reflector :scratch ...:rofl
You did great under the circumstances.
Thanks Russ! Maybe next time he will be more cooperative and give me more than 2 seconds to get my act together! Any time I shoot birds I am in awe of all of you who do so on a regular basis....it's tough!!! :huh

[dbaker1221]

great captures!!

[saurora]

Thanks Thusie and Harry! I appreciate your comments!!!:D

[saurora]

Brilliant looking birdie :D

Thanks Ben...he was certainly colorful. We get pretty boring looking birds around here for the most part. I was rather amazed to find this little jewel. :D