One sign of winter for me is the return of the seagulls for their winter retreat at our inland lake. They are here now, soaring aloft as my routine neighbors the cardinals shine brilliantly. Crows walk about on the frozen, lake surface & I greet their relatively new presence in our forest with mixed feelings. I am not a wildlife photographer & my lens lacks the quality to obtain truly close shots, but the thrill of the hunt captivates & inspires me.
In preparing for the storm, I set out black sunflower seeds for my feathered friends. A family of 6 arrived early & I am still trying to figure out who they are or from where they are from. Once the snow had fallen, they were delighted to feast at my kitchen window. They are shy, but daring & seemed to quickly realize I pose no threat. This is not my closest shot, but I love the clarity of feathers contrasted against the fluffy snow.
Once the summer flowers went to seed, my goldfinch feeder went untended. When the snow piled up outside I hung over my deck watching a half dozen vieing for thistle from it. I got some shots with as many as 5 goldfinches on the feeder. Eventually the birds found the sunflower seeds & sat boldly on my rose bush, taking turns at the feeder which hangs at my kitchen window.
I relish the faces of these tiny ones, which are usually but warm-weather friends.
As I lean over my counter & peer through my lens, they are less than 2 feet from me. They often turn my way & seem to eye ME curiously.
This is my favorite shot. When it is enlarged the bird alongside the rose leaves jumps out crystal clear against the winter forest scene.
Prettyful!
ReplyDeleteWhy mixed feelings about the crows? I adore them! They are amazing birds with intricate family structures. They travel to visit other colonies of crows. They are smart and fun to watch. A GIFT I tell you!