~Avian Photography~ Post your bird pix!

[linrose]

I was out on the field paths today and a big bird crossed my path. I quickly found its landing spot - a barred owl! I crept toward the tree and snapped a few photos. It was interested in me but unmoved to fly away which was good for me as I could take a bunch of pictures. It closed one eye from time to time as if trying to take a nap but ever watchful for prey or danger. I sat on the ground below the tree for a good long time to see what it would do but it seemed like it wasn't going anywhere for the duration. I think it was bored of me and just wanted a good mid-afternoon nap so I moved on. When it was preening I got a good look at those awesome talons which it used to hold onto a twig for balance.

[EllenW]

The first one is my favorite. I enjoyed all of them though. What beautiful feathers. Do you see Barred Owls on your property very often linrose?

[will-o-wisp]

Those are fabulous photos linrose!
The last one with the talons is beyond wonderful.
The 2 with the sleepy eyes also have lots of character.

The very funny thing about the last photo of yours is the similarity it bares to an altered drawing I recently completed for a BookArts collaborative called Rara Aves, meaning rare birds or unusual people. I changed newspaper photos of people to birds and there is a very spooky one about a graphic artist that reminds me of your owl.
When I complete the series and scan it in I will post some of the images and you can judge for yourself.
As a result of this series I have been looking at, researching and drawing birds for weeks now.
I feel like I could wake up one day and be a bird after this.

One of the photographers in an art group I was a member of pays a hefty fee a few times a year to photograph owls at the local Raptor Trust.
It is one of the ways they make money to support the injured birds.

[linrose]

Oh my gosh will-o I'd love to see your drawings, what an inspired idea! Studying birds, drawing them and immersing yourself in them, I see how you could become a kindred spirit and so create these bird-people, how great! Just don't go all black swan on us now OK?

Those dark owl eyes just look so warm and expressive to me, it's easy to put a human face on that owl right? Are eyes the window to the soul, I don't know but it's easy to read into those eyes.

[dapjwy]

Originally Posted by gymell

We've had a family of 4 pileated woodpeckers at the feeders. It's fun watching their behavior and learning their way around. Here's the juvenile female, who has figured out the feeder. The male still depends on mom to feed him (seen here in the tree.)

Very cool!

Last fall, I had one adult come to the dogwood out front...I'd love to see a family of them.

Over the years, I've added about a dozen more dogwoods, so hopefully I'll have plenty berries to attract them. With two acres, I could add another coupe dozen--and I hope to in the coming years.

You are lucky to have a family of them.

[dapjwy]

Originally Posted by linrose

I was out on the field paths today and a big bird crossed my path. I quickly found its landing spot - a barred owl! I crept toward the tree and snapped a few photos. It was interested in me but unmoved to fly away which was good for me as I could take a bunch of pictures. It closed one eye from time to time as if trying to take a nap but ever watchful for prey or danger. I sat on the ground below the tree for a good long time to see what it would do but it seemed like it wasn't going anywhere for the duration. I think it was bored of me and just wanted a good mid-afternoon nap so I moved on. When it was preening I got a good look at those awesome talons which it used to hold onto a twig for balance.

Nice to see the whole series, but I agree that the first one--the one you entered in the POM contest--is my favorite.

Cool to see the talon.

[turttle]

Here is an unknown for you. It is easier to id if its head wasn't behind its back!

[turttle]

Not a single response? No wild guesses? I am disappointed in y'all.

It is a juvenile northern cardinal, preening. Here is the same bird, looking at the camera a minute later.

[EllenW]

hhmmm I thought I responded. That was a very cool picture turttle.

[havalotta]

Originally Posted by turttle

Not a single response? No wild guesses? I am disappointed in y'all.

It is a juvenile northern cardinal, preening. Here is the same bird, looking at the camera a minute later.

So so sorry for disappointing you. If Ida been here that's what I certainly woulda benaguessin. An immature cardinal.