H.J. Ruiz – Avian101 – Page 714 – "My Backyard Visitors" – All about birds

Panoramic View of Birds

— Indigo Bunting — Click image to see enlargement —

Tags: birds, Indigo Bunting, photography, photos of birds

Soon after my breakfast and right after my daily ‘feed the birds’ routine. I grabbed my camera gear and against all odds with the strong sunlight in front of my eyes I decided to venture for a photo session.

Birds were busy coming and going but I found not much of the mood I needed for my taste. I didn’t want to shoot much because it would have been a waste, the sun light was to strong and that meant harsher shadows, these conditions most likely trick the light meter in the camera and create a weird photo. Nothing extraordinary was happening, I was there for a while trying different angles for “just in case” shots. I really thought that wasn’t the right conditions for photos and I decided to wrap it up, maybe I’d try later in the afternoon.

As soon as I was separating the camera from the long lens… A small bird flies in like a blue dart fast and steady I saw it and made my heart jump! As soon as it sat on a small branch I knew it was non other than an Indigo Bunting. I put everything back in place and started shooting like a mad man!

The little bird was a perfect jewel to my eyes, it was a while that I didn’t see one. He was there not being bothered, he ate with no fear and I was delighted, elated no end.

“A piece of blue sky had fallen in my backyard and right in front of my eyes I witnessed something wonderful, that piece of blue sky has taken life and metamorphosed into a delicate bird, it had a moon crescent for a bill and pieces of night in his wings. In his eyes I saw shining stars looking for me. Where are you? Where are you? he sang.”

Text and photographs © HJ Ruiz – Avian101

Tags: birds, Indigo Bunting, Interesting information, nature, photography, photos of birds

Getting to Know HJ

Now that we have more hours of daylight being Spring and all, the amount of birds visiting my feeders is more frequent and the consumption of seeds is up. The amount of birds doesn’t necessarily mean more variety of species, simply more mouths to feed for the usual patrons. The quality of the seeds being consumed are A1 grade and there’s not much left overs at the end of the day, in fact the birds clean up what fell of the feeders too.

I don’t mind if more birds wish to get their meals here, I just wish that more diverse species come and make my day more exciting…whatever!

It’s fun for me and I love shooting pictures, what can I say?

There are a few things I should mention to all of my readers:

– I rarely give a “like” to a reblogged post.
– I opted for not accepting Awards.
– I always reply any comments.
– At the end of my comments I place a smiley 🙂 …That represent me with a friendly smile. Exceptions: No “like” when the post is about something sad, tragic, serious message, nor I place any smiley.
– I love questions and I usually do my best to answer them soon rather than later.
– I do not discuss: Religion, Race, Ethnicity, Politics or Gender.
– I love people with sense of humor and positive attitude!

I’m very proud to have the finest group of followers and readers! I haven’t had any problems… ever! Considering that I started my blogging over 3 years ago! Thank y’all!

Song Sparrow

American Goldfinch

Field Sparrow

Red-winged Blackbird (F)

Text and Photographs © HJ Ruiz – Avian101

Tags: American Goldfinch, birds, Field Sparrow, important information, Interesting information, photography, photos of birds, Red-Winged Blackbird

Behind the Scenes!

Why not think that my backyard actually works in a different way? Pretend that is not my backyard but a Movie Studio. Why not? Since it works like that really!

(Fade in)

Every morning, right after I’ve finished my nutritious and succulent breakfast, I deliberately driven and fresh of mind walk in direction to my two car garage, it’s dark, the shadows mean nothing to me for I do not fear them! It’s the early morning, I love the smell of gasoline in the morning!… so I stretch my hand and reach the light switch and with one single upward flicker of my right index I turn on the lights! Instantly I perceive the pupils of my eyes readily adjusting to the tungsten lights that shine above. Once there I just give a quick glance to the shiny SUV parked idly exactly where I left it two days ago. I do not wish to distract my mind away from my planned photographics tasks that await for my talented skills. With a decisive and firm grip I lift the bird seeds receptacle and without any hesitation and strong determination I walk toward the door, unlock it and exit the kitchen. Once outside I walk through the concrete patio and place my right foot on the first wooden step to lead me to the redwood deck where most of our action will happen. (Zoom in) I turn my head back and see through the window two beautiful green eyes sadly following all my moves while I walk further away, she knows that I have to complete my task at any cost, her name is Mimi… she’s a tuxedo tabby. (Zoom out)(Fade out)

(Wavy fade in)

I have in my hands the container ready to be filled with mixed seeds that I carefully transfer in pre-measured proportions from the heavy sacks. I get the proper quantity for the job, look up to the wooden hanger on the wall and grab my favorite fedora ( Now I’m the Director) (Fade out)

(Cut in)

I squint my eyes to the sun rays starting to peek between the trees, reminding me when I was in the Amazon Rainforest at dawn, but that’s another story. Immediately I can see many of the birds (Actors) already flying around and taking random positions in the vicinity. Without any further ado I proceed to refill the feeders and make sure they’ll get the correct amounts to avoid pilferage ( Now I’m the Producer).

The moment for the props is ready when I’m done!

I prepare all my camera gear (Now I’m the Camera Man) Clear the area, then take my position behind the camera.

As Director I say…Action! It’s a go! The cue is given for the first group of actors for the feeding scene, after a few minutes and certain number of takes, a while later the first group moves out and the second cue is given for the waiting group which enters the next scene, the ones that ate before become the extras. The process continues with a number of different actors until the Director says Cut! It’s a wrap! Thank y’all!

Then I leave the studio in direction to my office for process of what I shot and for editing the day’s work!… Oh, I’m thirsty… Can anybody get me my cold Perrier? Anyone?

It’s the same thing Darling… day in, day out. It feels just like in Hollywood!