Show your Bird Portraits

[docsmith]

This winter has been unique in that two Flickers and the Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker are regular visitors, even if they do not like having their photos taken. Plus, I have been able to photograph the two hawks in my backyard. Again, that does not happen every winter.

Here is a set from about 2 weeks ago during a snow storm. I still have a few sets from January to go through. But as I am about to go snowblow my driveway for the 100th time, I thought I'd focus on a birds in the snow.

Not a great pose, but with the Flickers, you have to take what you get:




All taken with the R1 and RF 200-800. Typically 1/1250, f/9, ISO floating between 6400 and 10000.

In order, Norther Flicker, Northern Cardinal, Junco, Downy Woodpecker, Tufted Titmouse, Mourning Dove, Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker, and two Juncos

 

[Click]

Beautiful series, docsmith. I especially like the Cardinal.

 

[ISv]

We need a country code under each person's name. Then I would not get lost so easily

If Alan is extremely lucky he may post an American kestrel from England (and then Alan will jump around like a five years boy ). And if it's a male it will have grayish-blue on the upper-side of the wings.
I wasn't lucky this weekend: only Pacifistic Golden Plover...

 

[Click]

I really like the bird's pose. The bird is in sharp focus against a clear background. Well done, ISv.

 

[ISv]

I really like the bird's pose. The bird is in sharp focus against a clear background. Well done, ISv.

Thanks Click! That ornamental wall (just ~50cm tall) is in shade at noon and the bird loves it at that time of the day. Very tame bird: it's at the campus of the UH School of medicine and the bird is not afraid even when some noisy groups of students are passing just 3-4 meters away.

 

[Maximilian]

First time that I could get an owl in the wild.
I was told that this tawny owl (strix aluco) is always sunning itself on this chimney.
As I walked around the house, it didn't take its eyes off me for a moment, but still seemed pretty relaxed.
This allowed me to achieve different backgrounds and different shadows on the face.
R6m2, 100-500+Ext. @700mm

 

[Maximilian]

Another session with our cool and relaxed kingfisher. (I approached it in bright sun without any camo, just slowly)
It was even hunting in front of me. What a joy
FF and cropped pic.
R6m2, 100-500+Ext. @700mm

 

[AlanF]

Some Tits in our garden: Longtailed; Blue; Coal; and Great. The Coal Tit is rare compared with the others. And a Robin joining in. (R5ii + RF 200-800mm).

 

[AlanF]

But not all was well with some. This Blue Tit has a seriously malformed beak, and a Great with an elongated upper and lower less so.

 

[Click]

Poor little guy.

Beautiful series, Alan.

 

[josephandrews222]

M6MkII + adapted 70-300II; San Miguel de Allende MX


Western Kingbird


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House Finches



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Myrtle Warbler

 

[josephandrews222]

...more from SMA:

Lesser Goldfinch





...lots of yellow in the birds here (including the Great Kiskadee)

https://www.canonrumors.com/forum/attachments/250217-6725-kiskadee-san-miguel-jpg.222558/

 

[AlanF]

Greylag Geese (R5ii + 200-800mm).

 

[Click]

Well done, Alan.

 

[Noreaster]

Greylag Geese (R5ii + 200-800mm).

View attachment 222588View attachment 222589

Piggy back ride?

 

[Maximilian]

Today's parade of water fowl, all R6m2, 100-500+Ext. @700mm

Male and female mallard


Male tufted duck


Subadult moorhen

 

[josephandrews222]

...off topic (sort of) as I look for birds in central Mexico:

Birds-of-Paradise Can Emit Light Through Their Feathers

Scientists have found that many of the species known for their spectacular plumage are biofluorescent, meaning they absorb and release light through their bodies.

www.atlasobscura.com

From the above (a well-written summary of real science research)--

"Researchers have found 37 of the 45 species show biofluorescence—in other words, patches of their plumage or other body parts absorb UV or blue light, and emit light at lower frequencies."

The science article upon which the above is based can be found -->here<--

The Royal Society piece includes a nugget:

"Males often utilize their dazzling plumage during these courtship displays, while observant females are believed to be assessing male quality"

Perhaps this is why I occasionally offer my bride of four-plus decades a glass or two of a nice red on some evenings: it allows me to earn a bit higher score on her quality assessment scale

 

[Click]

Very nice pictures, Maximilian. Lovely reflection on the first and last one.

 

[shire_guy]

Nankeen Night Heron



Great Egret

 

[Maximilian]

Very nice pictures, Maximilian. Lovely reflection on the first and last one.

Thank you, Click!