Saturday, May 9, 2020

Bird Photography


It's a challenge to get good bird photos!


But it's also a lot of fun.


We don't go out because the light is perfect to take photos. We hike when we can and pay more attention to what the temperature is than what the lighting might be.


So it's pretty neat when you get good photos that you are pleased with.


We got to hike the Florida Trails this week for the first time in almost 2 months! WHEW! I was worried! But they are open and when I hiked today, I saw 8 bikes and no walkers or hikers. So social distancing is not a problem.


These are Eastern Bluebirds taken on what I named Bluebird of happiness hill.


And do you want to see what's walking around in our neighborhood?


A pair of Sandhill Cranes have been hanging around. 


They were on the golf course here! 


How embarrassing!


Oh well, everybody gets a little crazy after being in the house so much! lol



I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

and I’d Rather B Birdin’.



43 comments:

Vee said...

It does look as if he's flashing...ha! Those bluebirds are a delight. Glad that you captured those photos in what looks like perfect light.

Tom said...

...they rarely stay still enough for me! Enjoy your weekend.

Sandra said...

The flashing crane made me laugh LOL Beautiful photos, I also love taking pictures of all the birds on my property.

MadSnapper said...

the light was perfect on those sandhill cranes, awesome shots, dark and light ones.. my favorite is number 7 and 9 is a close 2nd.. they are so beautiful..

eileeninmd said...

Hello,

These are all wonderful captures of the birds. My favorite Bluebirds and I love the Sandhill Cranes too. Great sightings from your walk.
Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Enjoy your day, wishing you a happy weekend. PS, thank you for the visit and comment.

Barbara said...

We're sitting here at the kitchen island after breakfast, checking our emails and such. I shared your photos of the uninhibited Sand Hill Crane with Beloved and we both laughed out loud. That fella (gal?) was definitely showing no shame!

We had to slow down the other day en route to Jacksonville when one of these fellas decided to slowly saunter across the highway in front of us.

Happy Mother's Day weekend, Diane!

Sandy said...

The bluebirds are so pretty. They are only here seemingly for a little while each year. The sand hill cranes are cute too. He is showing off for sure.

Arlene G said...

I love a pretty blue bird. My husband would love to go "shooting" with you Diane. He enjoys taking nature photos with his new camera.

Ella said...

Gorgeous photos ... I think that the bird with the spread wings are saying "Give me a hug!" LOL
And yes, in the last photo of my post today is a stork!
Enjoy your weekend!

Debbie said...

awwwww, bluebirds of happiness, your images are so pretty!!

we are the same about riding our bikes. we go when the temperatures are good, not when we are assured to see birds or deer. poor crane, does anyone not respect anyones privacy??!! hehehehe they are awesome captures!! it got very cold here last night, we are going to try to ride our bikes now, but it may be too cold!!

have a wonderful weekend diane, stay safe, stay happy and happy mothers day!!

SImple and Serene Living said...

These are all beautiful. Happy Mother's Day, Diane. xo Laura

LA Paylor said...

bwaahahahaha never saw a crane exposing himself! Great shots!

Phil Slade said...

"It's a challenge to get good bird photos!". I think each one here would agree with that Diane. I think it each and every time I head out. Thank goodness for digital is all I can say. If I could get those pictures of bluebirds and cranes I would be over the moon.

italiafinlandia said...

You are right: it is a challenge to photograph birds. They just escape before your camera is ready! :)
Your cranes shots are very funny...well done!
Thanks for visiting my blog.
Have a nice and safe weekend!

Teresa Cypher said...

That one crane looks like it was ready to take a bow! lol

Simply amazing pics of the bluebirds!

Thanks for sharing. Have a great weekend!

Edna B said...

Such beautiful bird photos. I'd love to be out shooting them with you. Enjoy your day, hugs, Edna B.

Bill said...

What great captures of the birds. They are so nice to see.
Thanks for sharing and have a great weekend.

Small City Scenes said...

Such pretty Bluebirds and the Sandhill Cranes are amazing.
MB

Terri D said...

Sandhills are amazing creatures! Great bird shots and I'm glad you got out on one of your favorite trails!

carol l mckenna said...

It is challenging but you get wonderful 'feathered friends' photos ^_^

Be Well and Happy Mother's Day,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)

happyone said...

Glad you got out on your trails again.
Wonderful photos of the birds!
those sandhills are really something.

Teresa said...

Pájaros preciosos, las grullas me encantan, son distintas a las de por aquí. Besitos y salud.

Nancy Chan said...

Love your birds photos. Ha ha ha...love the Sandhill Cranes, one of the Sandhill Cranes flashing for your camera. A fun post! Have a beautiful weekend.

Linda said...

Wow, a flasher! You just never know what you're gonna see!

Joyful said...

I think you've done very well with the bird photos. So many lovely and beautiful birds.

Anni said...

It's like the crane opened its trench coat if you know what I mean...still terrific shots. I'm surprised they're still in Florida tho...our left a long time ago. Lovin' the bluebird! Now, Diane, for the flasher..."book 'em, Daniel (Diane)."

Your sharing today is much appreciated. Thank you for linking in!

Lea said...

Love to see Bluebirds - great photos!
And the Crane photos brought a smile to my face!
Have a wonderful day!

♥ Łucja-Maria ♥ said...

Hello Diane!
Lovely birds and amazing photos.
The cranes delighted me. Stately birds.
Have a nice, nice Sunday:)
Lucja

David M. Gascoigne, said...

The real fun of photography it seems to me is to capture what you see regardless of the lighting conditions, and if you do well in adverse light, it is even more satisfying. When I contemplate how much time I spend at a computer editing pictures, and carefully organizing them into files, and then realizing that I will probably never look at most of them again, it is a little ridiculous to tell you the truth. For each bird species I have folders for single birds, pairs, groups, males, females, juveniles, birds at the nest, courtship behaviour, nests with eggs.......and so on, sometimes in excess of twenty folders for a single species. And yet if I see the same species in a walk today, I will take more pictures - and edit them - and file them.......... Maybe it's time to throw away the camera!

Betty J. Crow said...

Bluebirds are one of my favorite birds. They are so colorful. Would love to see one of those sand cranes in front of my camera. Hope you have a wonderful week ahead.

Irma said...

Beautiful pictures of the Eastern Bluebirds and the Cranes.
They do their dance to pair.
It is indeed very nice to photograph birds, but also very difficult, they do not stay still.
Best regards Irma

Caroline said...

Hi, beautiful photos of the eastern bluebirds and the sandhill cranes. They are great. Have a nice week. Greetings Caroine

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

That’s so funny! Who would have thought you had flashers in your lovely neighborhood! You got some lovely photos of the darling bluebirds too.... I know what you mean about planning your walks. Although I too love to take photos, the light is the last thing I think about . You had excellent luck. And you’re an excellent photographer , which makes all the difference of course!.... Happy Mother’s Day!

A Bit of the Blarney said...

The cranes on the golf course look as if they are ready to begin the ballet. Lovely photos! Happy Mother's Day

Cathy
https://abitoftheblarney.wordpress.com/

NanaDiana said...

I can't believe all the different types of birds you are able to photograph there. What a wonderful addition to your hiking routine. Hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day, Diane. xo Diana

Pamela M. Steiner said...

ha ha, I love those Sand Hill Crane photos...and the "how embarrassing" one is so funny. I love to watch them with their antics...especially when they starting "dancing" around each other and whooping and hollering like they are having a real hoe-down! And those bluebirds! How did you ever manage to get so many photos of them together like that? That is wonderful!! I love bluebirds, and had so hoped they would nest here in the bluebird house we put up for them, but they never came back after that day. I noticed yesterday that a lizard has taken up residence in the birdhouse. So happy for you to be able to get out and hike again on the trails! You are blessed to be near them close enough to do that. I hope you had a good day yesterday. Been thinking about you and your hubby since your recent loss. (((hugs))).

EL RINCON DE CHELO said...

Preciosas fotografías!!! me encantan los pájaros

Jean said...

Such beautiful blue birds. And some day I hope to see a Sand Hill Crane (though probably not in my neighborhood) in person but your photos make me feel like I'm right there. Hope you have a great week!

Aunt Helen said...

I love those birds. The one photo looks as if she is holding her skirt out like a princess! I hope they saunter down the golf course to see me! Love, Aunt Helen

NatureFootstep said...

how glad I am to see you can go outdoors and hike. I love those bluebirds, such sweet ones. :) And your cranes has the same posture as our common one. Just a little different in coloring.

Take care, stay safe. :)

Lowcarb team member said...

Oh the flashing crane did make me laugh LOL :)
You've shared some fabulous photographs again, thank you Diane.

All the best Jan

Red Rose Alley said...

I can't believe the Cranes walking around in your neighborhood! They are such elegant and pretty birds. Funny to watch too. Their long legs make me laugh hehehe. I love the one with the red on its head. The photo where he's standing tall and his wings are open is wonderful.

~Sheri

Joyful said...

Lovely bird photos. I especially like the cranes.