The Blues - Part 1

Blue Grosbeak, male

Indigo Bunting, male

Blue Grosbeak

I went out this morning to get in a little digiscoping practice time.  The EVF for the GX-1 had arrived and I wanted to give it a try and see if it helped.  While the resolution is definitely not good enough to use for focusing, it was a big help in framing the shot while in bright sunlight.  The LCD screen was useless when in full sunlight.

I came across a male Blue Grosbeak and he was more than cooperative about standing still.  Rare to get such a great practice opportunity.  He occasionally flew to another tree but never far.  I finally realized the reason when female popped out from some of the underbrush along with a couple of young birds.

He was keeping look out as they were hunting.   A couple of times when she came out, he would fly to her.  I kept watching hoping to get them together then all of a sudden there they were.  I only got one shot though and was holding my breath it would come out okay.

I am beginning to get more comfortable with the digiscoping however a different tripod head is going to be a must.  I am missing too many shots as the current one takes too long to adjust.  I  probably still need to use some reading glasses for focusing as that seems to remain an issue.

Breakfast for the Blue Grosbeak

Catching Up

The last week has been a whirlwind of craziness.  For some unknown reason, walking became almost impossible for several days last week.  Tests came back undetermined and almost as quickly as the problem came on, it left.  I got out for a bit this afternoon however walking is still a bit stiff but I figure the best thing is to keep moving.

The birds are really coming in now which makes for great fun.  One of my favorites, the Great Crested Flycatcher has been hanging around the yard over the last week.  It is very receptive to responding to imitations of its call.

The Blue Grosbeaks are in adding another blue to the landscape.  Good to have them back.















Nest building is in high gear.  This female Common Yellowthroat brought in many a piece of small grass building her nest.  The Cowbirds are busy too scoping out and watching who is building what.











As I was quietly walking down the path, a fox walked out of the wooded area.  We both stopped looking at each other.  Always a thrill to have a close encounter.