Dancing in the Rain…Not!
It rained hard and for long periods of time overnight and extended throughout the next day but in less intensity, added to this it was dark and not so encouraging for photography. Of course I could care less and went out anyway, filled the bird feeders and got my camera ready to shoot, my purpose was to witness first hand what birds go through in more detail under rainy days!
At first I had a bit of difficulty to get the camera to give the shots I wanted, being so dark and…wet! Plants, ground, wood, leaves, etc most everything turns darker when wet! Then I got the camera set the way I wanted finally. Shot a series of pictures of what goes on with birds to get their meals under the rain. This session showed me the drama scene of all the participants: Birds with flaring tempers, sopping wet feathers, water-repelling feathers in others, soggy seeds and water dripping wings.
Some birds opt for not braving the rain for a while and shelter under brush or shrubs. They eventually take advantage of lulls of the rain force and go for their meals. It’s tough for everybody when it rains for long periods of time.
“I imagine that these birds wouldn’t have Gene Kelly as a friend!”
Have a look at some pictures, enjoy!
Text and photographs © HJ Ruiz – Avian101
H.J. Ruiz - Avian101 
I did enjoy, thank you for taking pictures in the rain.
Thanks Susan! It’s kind of fun! 🙂
Glad to see I’m not the only “birdbrain” that goes out to take pictures in the rain!
Thank you for calling me “birdbrain” Kathy! You’re starting to sound like my wife! 🙂
You never fail to amaze!
Thanks GP, you’re very kind! 🙂
I know that overcast days are amazing for colors and clarity. Your bird photos just pop with color. What lens did you capture the birds with?
I use the Sigma 150-500 mm but I think the trick is not so much in the lens which is only part of it. You have to fine tune your camera settings to give the necessary light to get a decent photo. 🙂
That is one big telephoto!
Beautiful!!
Thanks H! 🙂
Fun. . . .
🙂
Beautiful, rain or not! I hope you are getting sunny weather today. It is pouring here and very cold and gloomy. I am watching the birds from inside!
It’s nice and sunny here now! That’s the spirit Amy! 🙂
So there’s no singing at all, I take it, HJ … You’d think they find SOME voice to say thank you … 🙂
These are as lovely as all your pictures … I’ve never seen anything as surprising as that red-winged blackbird !
Thanks M-R, I’m doing my best to keep you happy! 🙂
Yer succeedin.
Beautiful, sweet little babies in the rain! Thanks for the view of what the little guys go through in the rain. I hope you didn’t get too wet out there with them!
Thank you Mary! I was fine with the rain, I don’t even own an umbrella, I just keep my camera dry. 🙂
That must be tricky to keep your camera dry. How do you manage it?
We had days of rain too. You are brave (and so are your birds). It’s challenging to take pictures in this light, but sometimes it’s all you’ve got to work with. Good job!
If you’ve been to a rainforest you know that rain is part of the day sporadically and daily during rain season. You have to take pictures no matter the conditions!
Thanks Lisa! 🙂
You took the words right out of my mouth. And it’s always dark birds backlit against a grey sky, huh? I bought a cover for the camera and the bigger lens because it is susceptible to moisture, but it’s really clunky to use… Sigh.
We didn’t see it but heard that in India, the peacocks will dance wildly before the monsoons
arrive!
It’s possible, I’ve seen parrots in the Amazon jungle happy bathing in mud during the rain. Thanks Anne! 🙂
What joy !