clantzmedia

Birds are a curious creature. Observing them is a lot of fun. If you follow me here, you have seen many a post about our feathered friends. Some say when caridnals appear a loved one, who has since passed, is visiting. Caridnal's frequent the feeder in my neck of the woods. Their beautiful red makes them pop from the snowy scape in winter. While watching them move to grab food and back to the safety of the tree, I noticed some peculiar things. The males will sit on the side of the car and look in the mirror or the window. They will peck at their reflection. I hear at my bay window, tap, tap, tap. Even louder, tap. I wondered who is banging at my chamber door? Thanks to those who got the Poe reference. When I investigate, it is the cardinal banging repeatedly on the window. Tapping it's beak. Aggressively at times. I researched why... it seems that the male is protecting it's territory. Seeing the reflection, battles back. It seemed odd to me. Repeatedly to bang and ba...

Since the last post, I have been observing the real bluebirds. Sitting in the backyard, relaxing. Sometimes with my camera and sometimes without. Letting these beautiful blue creatures become familiar with my being there. Noticing their habits so I can better capture the skiddish, fast feathered friends. I have still not been as successful as I would have hoped up to this point. They have a routine. They land in a certain tree, or on the fence and then to the ground to get their meal and fly away. They are fast. They do not come to close. The range of my lens is not quite what I need it to be to get the photo I wish. Either way, I enjoy sitting out in the backyard, observing and relaxing, as does Austin. The mission to capture the bluebirds will continue.

Bluebirds make me smile. I love the bright coloring of their feathers. Today I decided it had been way to long since having my camera out. My mission: capturing the bluebirds. We have a house they frequent. I have been keeping watch to see what times may be best to photograph. I was up early and snuck out the back door with Austin (my rescue dog of about 12 years) hoping to catch a glimmer of blue. A glimmer is about all I caught! Those cute little creatures are fast! They were going about their daily routine of feedings. One bird was hunting, while the other was patiently waiting for the food to return. When the other returned, there was a transfer of breakfast from one beak to the other. Then the process began again. They were uncertain of my presence and I, at times, got an evil eye... or maybe it was a curious one. The challenge was focusing on them. I have gleaned knowledge from other photographers to focus on an eye... easier said then done!! ...

...and say aaahhhh!! There was a recent day in March when I was on my way to work, large fluffy snowflakes were falling. I was a bit irritated at first. I am done with winter and ready for the blooming of spring flowers, thoughts and ideas! As I looked up, I had an urge to try to catch some. I was running late and so I didn't. When did life become so busy that there's no time to stick out your tongue and catch a snowflake? When did I decide I couldn't take a split moment from the hustle to tap in to my inner child and have some fun? The entire drive to work I pondered my actions. There really is a need for slowing down and enjoying the little things that come to us. My mind was contemplating the moment I lost... I would have stared up at those flakes, head tilted back, tongue out catching flakes. Maybe even arms outstretched and twirling slightly to see how many would fall on my tongue. The thoughts of this brought about elation. Note to myself, do not lose these mome...

This isn't the begginning of post about April Fool's day. That's no bluffing. On a random nice Saturday in March a road trip was in order. The sun was shining, I collected some good company and hit the streets. Driving a couple hours, we landed at Chimney Bluffs State Park and were ready for adventure. Being March and having rained, we figured the trails would be a little bit muddy... Some places were like little ponds while others looked like a flat out obstacle course for trucks and ATV's. We tried our best to navigate around the muddy spots, but part way through, it was realized to be a lost cause. My sneakers are still covered in mud. The view, would be worth it. Passing mile markers and friendly hikers with their furry friends enjoying the fresh air, the view unfolded!! The clouds were moody at times, beautiful always. While enjoying the beautiful scenery, small droplets began to fall. Then they became harder and larger. A couple went by and mentioned ...