H.J. Ruiz – Avian101 – Page 621 – "My Backyard Visitors" – All about birds

Go to the Light

We all know that without light the miracle of photography is practically impossible. Cameras nowadays are very sophisticate and advanced technically but still have the need of capturing light in order to realize an image.

It makes a big difference when the light hits the subject in an optimal angle for a photograph, because, the camera is able to register more colors, which we, with our fantastic eyes most times can not distinguish when we look at moving subjects or we move our eyes constantly. If we apply this to seeing birds (In this case). We see the photos closer with more attention later and we discover a gamut of colors that we didn’t see before.

Today, I’m posting some pictures I shot at different times of the day and from obviously different light angles thus allowing this shots display more attractive images and with striking variety of natural colors.

Photo Gallery

Northern Cardinal (F)

Northern Cardinal (M)

Chipping Sparrow

Eastern Bluebird (M)

Brown-headed Cowbird (M)

European Starling

Text and photographs © HJ Ruiz – Avian101

Tags: birds, Brown-Headed Cowbird, Chipping Sparrow, Eastern Bluebird, European Starling, nature, Northern Cardinal, photography, photos of birds

Odd but Even

Once in a while, a person that watches birds frequently gets the opportunity to see something odd but not of any consequence. Like in the case of today’s featured bird, it’s a House Finch female that most likely is about the end of her molting process, as you may know, In birds, molting is the periodic replacement of feathers by shedding old feathers while producing new ones.

Of course, this House Finch in perfect health and will grow to be a breeding mother and have a normal family of her own.

I just wanted to show you how Nature sometimes can be a bit peculiar and give us a smile in the process.

Thank you Mother Nature! 😉

Photo Gallery

Text and photographs © HJ Ruiz – Avian101

Tags: birds, House Finch, nature, photography, photos of birds

O Sole mio!…La,la!

Sometimes the temperature of a sunny day is a bit too high for some birds, this factor makes them look for the best way to refresh themselves, some go to a shaded place and some other find the way to find some fresh water! Water will not only refresh them but at the same time, wash up all impurities they might be carrying on their feathers.

I’ve made it into a habit to leave a large dish filled with fresh water for the thirsty birds or like in this case, for any bird that want’s to enjoy a fresh bath.

This female Brown-headed Cowbird was more than happy to jump in the water and shake her tail to full delight! She did it until she was soaked. I was happy to see this bird enjoying one of most simple pleasures in the world: When a hot body gets in contact with fresh water.