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This afternoon I had a little bit of fun digiscoping birds "close-up" at the birdbath from the patio deck. Because I was partially concealed behind the deck railing, I could digiscope them at the extreme close-focus of the spotting scope without having them mind my presence. This AMERICAN ROBIN had just finished refreshing itself with a few gulps of water.
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A pleasant surprise was having nearly a dozen PURPLE FINCHES hanging out at the feeders, foraging in the gravel around the maple tree and sometimes even perching right on the railing next to me. For the day our backyard feeders were visited by 21 bird species including a very busy RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH that made continuous peanut runs for hours.
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They might not be uncommon birds, but they still make excellent practice subjects to hone your technique for lighting and composition. I also think these kinds of pictures are an interesting study in revealing intricate feather structure.
Today's yard list - October 16th, 2005:
American Crow
American Robin
Northern Cardinal
Blue Jay
White-breasted Nuthatch
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Black-capped Chickadee
Cedar Waxwing
Purple Finch
House Finch
American Goldfinch
Common Grackle
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Mourning Dove
House Sparrow
Chipping Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Yellow-rumped Warbler
All images © 2005 Michael McDowell