Santa was kind to me this year. I got a new camera! Not as fancy as I wanted, but it is surely a step above what I had. I loaded the software this morning and I'm getting familiar with it as fast as I can. It will take weeks for me to know it, after all, I didn't learn how to use the digital zoom in addition to the 12x zoom for a half a day! Anyone who knows me, even a little, understands that I like outdoors and have been watching the birds around my pond for years. Now, I can quietly and very gently invade their privacy and capture the beauties!
Before finding the digital zoom, I ventured out there, a little nervous about it, too. Thinking, what if this camera sucks? Or, what if I suck at photographing them? I have a lot to learn, no doubt.
My first photo is of this lovely female northern Cardinal and if you look closely to the upper right, there is a little Chickadee! It was quite windy and chilly today and the birds weren't frolicking as usual. I felt lucky to see them here.
Later, I found the digital zoom. Here's some Mourning Dove action at the feeder. I was standing on my back deck, probably 15 yards away. Not bad.
This one is pissed off after that little confrontation. I don't think I remembered to use the digital zoom on this one. Doves make me laugh. They love to bathe on the waterfall and I like how they squeak with every flap of the wings.
I crept a little closer. Sneaking. Kept the dogs inside. Isn't he a handsome guy? I ran inside to look at my Bird Watching for Dummies, by Bill Thompson III and Editor of the Bird Watcher's Digest to be certain I labeled this bird as a guy.
A very shy female. I whispered, "Oh, come on. Turn around! I just want to see your pretty face." See the Chickadee - top right?
She gave in. Sweet.
I need to work on my getting closer techniques. Can't wait for a little nature walk. And you can bet your sweet bippy I'll be visiting the Wild Bird Marketplace this week.
Geez. I hope I passed my first ID test. If I am wrong, shout out! I can take it.
10 comments:
Beautiful picutures! I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure that the bird to the right and above the female cardinal was a junco.
Stasia - you are probably right. There were several out there that looked similar. I need to STUDY UP and get more photos... Thanks for stopping by :)
Congratulations on your new camera! Your photos are beautiful! What fun!
Nice bird pics Mary! Glad Santa was so good to you!
Whoot! A new camera!
Stasia is right...that's a junco.
You know that all us bird-know-it-alls will help you with ID's.
You took some very very nice photos. Can't wait to see more!
Great job! I don't know nothing 'bout no birds, but I like your pics. Good for you, and congrats on the new camera! You did good!
Keep taking your pictures, Mary! It is so much easier to see the birds when the leaves are gone. We will not get leaves again until the first week of May, so I am hoping to get better at bird ID's before then.
What did you get, camerawise? Your pics are tack-sharp and wonderful. Isn't it a blast, shooting birds in your own backyard? We're all happy about Mary's new camera!
Thanks, everyone. That IS a junco but I have Carolina chickadees, too. I'll need to get closer.
Julie - it's a Kodak EasyShare Z612, 6.1 Megapixels, 12x zoom plus 4x digital. Very lightweight and small but doesn't fit in my pocket like the other did. This camera is a nice step up for someone inexperienced like me. Has a fast trigger, too.
Mary your pictures are TERRIFIC! I'm happy for you and your new camera. Bring on the pictures!
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