Spring is here

I havn't posted since Fall. Wow, that's just too long. I didn't really do a lot of shooting over the winter, except in my backyard. Well, at least until now. Last weekend I went to Shawnee State Forest with a couple guys from Lens and Leaves Nature Photography Club.

We were greeted right off the bat with a singing Blue-winged Warbler. A perfect place too. He was right along the creek bed, with a row of Dogwoods and other trees to perch on. Having 3 of us in individual chair blinds, we had plenty of room and as the bird moved up and down the row, he gave each of us nice looks. Of course, he only landed on the “perfect” perch for about 5 seconds. Here he is, singing away, like it’s spring or something.

After the Blue-winged gave us a card full, it was time to move. We did try (with no success to get another bird to this area). We decided to move to the other side of the creek and see if we could entice a waterthrush out into the open. No luck so we started to pack up. As we were putting our stuff in the truck, Kelly pointed out a beautiful Yellow-throated Warbler right there. So, he was our next subject. These pictures turned out the best of the day.

On to a new spot. As we drove, listening for a next subject, We ran into a group of birders and stopped to share notes. They pointed out a spot where they had seen a waterthrush, so we headed out in that direction. This next spot did have a waterthrush. As a matter of fact there were lots of birds at this place. Besided the Louisianna Waterthrush, there was an Ovenbird, B&W, and Worm-eating. The only pictures I came away with were of the Worm-eating Warbler. An awesome bird no doubt!

The day was getting on and everyone seemed to want to see a Prairie. So, off we went. Come to the top of a hill and as we approached we could see that there was a clearing. We knew, this was perfect habitat. Not more than a split second after thinking that, did we here this guy singing. He was not a very cooperative guy. Surprisingly enough he was hangin in the woods right next to the field. Not a lot of shot opportunities, so this was the best I could do.

All in all, we had a great day. Even when it seems like everything falls into place, I only end up with a few good shots. But if it weren’t a challenge then it wouldn't be worth it!

God Bless,
Bruce