Sunday, January 24, 2010

Bird Watching!

The last few days I have been trying to improve my photography skills by taking some shots of the birds in our garden. I find taking photos of these little guys hard to do as they move so quickly if they see any movement etc. and I am not used to using my zoom lens yet so practice,practice and more practice!

The bluejays are so pretty and fun to watch. Last year my bird photos were blurry so I am pleased to see that these are better. I read some good tips on Robins Nesting Place and enjoyed seeing the beautiful bird photos that she took.

A few days ago there were dozens of robins here in our garden. That has never happened here before in January. We count it as the first sign of spring here when we see the robins bopping around the garden! What would a bird feeder be without a squirrel?

This is my favorite bluejay shot!

It is Mosaic Monday so there will be lots to see at Mary's Little Red House again.
Thank you for visiting!

Have a good day,
Carolyn

41 comments:

Christine said...

Oh. My. Goodness. These are great!!! Love the blue jay shots, so clear & perfect. Beautiful mosaics! Happy MM!

ellen b. said...

Carolyn! The mosaics of the birds are just amazing. I love it! Have a grand week!!

Shirley @ Kokken69 said...

Carolyn,coming to your blog provides the much needed little retreat from the hustle and bustle of life... there are so many pretty things to be enjoyed as beautifully depicted here.

Susan said...

Awesome, Carolyn. Just awesome. Sincerely, Susan from writingstraightfromtheheart.blogspot.com

Millie said...

I really like those blue jay pictures. Lovely mosaic!

Kathy said...

How perfect, just gorgeous mosaics and wildlife. Kathy.

Karen said...

I love your pictures. You do such a nice job. I see so many Cardinalas at the ranch right now. I'd love to be able to capture them with my camera.
Karen
Ladybug Creek

BailiwickStudio said...

I think those photos are splendid! And of course there must be a squirrel! ::Jill

Desiree said...

Perfect shots! I'm going to show my 3 year old son the bluejays in the morning, he LOVES them...He has a little stuffed one that sings...Your photography is outstanding, I love visiting your blog!

Anonymous said...

Morning Carolyn

Great shots . I have never seen or heard of a bluejay here, what a wonderful looking bird!! We usually only have one robin in the garden as they are very territorial they even frighten off the starlings. You certainly get a wonderful selection of birds in your garden and I look forward to some more photographs of them. Thank you for sharing and educating me. Jackie in UK.

Garden Cats + Crafts said...

I think, your photos are very successful, Carolyn. It is really very difficult to photograph the birds at the feeding station.
xoxo Birgit

My name is Riet said...

Your bird pictures are beautiful. And wonderful shots. I find that in your country you have all these beautiful coloured birds, We don't have those here.
Have a nice week

Martha said...

Great photos. We enjoy the birds in our garden and spend way too much on feed for them! And they are hard to photograph. You almost have to sit with your camera ready!

Your pictures are great -- love the ones of the jays -- and of course, Herr Squirrel -- what would feeding birds be without a squirrel coming for a handout!

podso said...

I think you did a reat job. The blue jay is the best!

Thoughtfully Blended Hearts said...

I believe your practice is paying off nicely!!! Wonderful shots...like you I find birds and squirrels very difficult to survive!!!

Suzann said...

I love love love your photos.
Birds this time - oh my! My little guy is a bird watcher and I have grown to love them. Your pics of them are amazing. Thanks!!!

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

Great photos of the birds Carolyn. The last couple of years we've had robins stay right through the winter.

Anonymous said...

Hi Carolyn. I'd say you're doing a terrific job of photographing these little lovely birds!!
Love these mosaics and hope you're keeping warm.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

sweetbay said...

Beautiful collages. I especially like the shot of the Flicker showing the golden shafts and the squirrel, who is so cute.

Elzie said...

Just love your birdwatching. And to see that we do have some of the same birds around here in Sweden.
Hope you have a nice day.
Love Elzie

CIELO said...

Very cute.... oh, and I have some new teacups to show you (you got me into this you know!) come see!

Have a great day!

cielo

Madelief said...

Hi Carolyn,

You did very well!! I like your photographs very much. Wish we had Blue jays in Holland. The look so beautiful!

Lieve groet, Madelief

Ellie said...

I've been seeing robins all winter too, which is a little unusual in CT. I know that they are generally around, but I never see a flock of them in my yard like I did last week.

Thanks for the lovely pictures once again!

Naturegirl said...

I never tire of seeing images of our featherd friends! These were a delight to view and what a treat to see the Robin so soon!!
I enjoyed my visit as always!
hugs anna

Islandsparrow said...

You got some beautfiul shots Carolyn! What's the name of the one in the middle - with the red on his head? Is it the same one as the one below with yellow on the underside of its wings? I think I saw one of those this morning - it was sitting in my bird feeding tree but took off just as I spied it. About the size of a blue jay. I never saw that kind before.

shirley said...

Wow - great pictures! We don't see blue jays our here, and yours are wonderful!

Wildflowerhouse said...

Your pictures are absolutely wonderful. Thanks for sharing.I have not seen one squirrel this winter. I had a favorite I named Chester and I do worry about him. I love your header too.

Carol said...

Fabulous shots! The birds are fantastic! Enjoyed your mosaics!

Carolyn said...

Hi Kathie(Islandsparrow),
The bird you asked about is a Northern Flicker and yes it is the same one in the middle and the one with yellow tail feathers.
Thank you everyone for your kind comments.
Carolyn

Robin's Nesting Place said...

Your pictures are wonderful! I had robins a few days ago. It always surprises me to see them this early. The fiesty blue jays are a favorite of mine!

Thank you so much for the link to my blog!

Ldy ~~ Dy said...

Oh Carolyn! I just love, love, love stopping by and seeing all the beauty of nature that you share with us! Your shots of the bluejays are picture perfect!! Hugs!

June said...

These are stunning. I'd say you've mastered it friend. There are some handsome birds hanging out at your place.
hugs

Brenda Pruitt said...

I love these bird photos! I've got new nesting houses and feeders up all over the yard. Even put the squirrels up their own too. Everybody has to eat!
Brenda

Cindy said...

Magnificent!!

Linz said...

the blue hue of the bluejays feathers is so gorgeous. and i love the squirrel. so cute.

Carol said...

Wonderful bird pictures! Have a great week!

Pom Pom said...

Carolyn~ Your bird photos are delightful. I was so happy to see the robin. I'm in the school building all day. I love summer when I can gaze out the window and enjoy the birds. I loved a little glimpse of yours.

pam said...

Wow...I, too, love your favorite Bluejay shot...amazing isn't it...all the detail.

Anonymous said...

How lucky you are to have these splendid blue birds. They are unknown here. Great shots.

Unknown said...

The photography is great, sharp and beautiful. I have never been successful in taking bird pictures :)

Carol said...

Your Blue Jay photographs are gorgeous. You should turn them into cards.