Camera Critters #48

Keeping with the "Now You See Me" theme of last week, I now present the last group of photos taken with my old lens. It wasn't as sharp and as crisp as my current lens, but it still took good photos...especially when the bird was mugging the camera.

However, the hardest part of getting a good shot of a bird, is getting the critter to smile. If you know how to do it, please let me in on your secret. For now, enjoy these birds who wouldn't smile.

California Quail

Great Horned Owl

Loggerhead Shrike

Yellow-rumped Warbler


Red-winged Blackbird


Juvenile Mountain Bluebird

A couple of people asked how I got the birds to look at me. The technique I use is to find the subject, frame the image, then shoot one or two shots. The sound of my mirror flopping up and down generally gets the critters attention and they turn and look at me. At that time, I am still waiting for them to look, and when the do, I am ready.

If you are using a camera which isn't a single lens reflex style and doesn't make much noise when you trigger the shot, you can prepare for the shot, then make a noise that doesn't spook the creature. I generally make a pishing sound, which is a sound birders make to get a hidden bird to show. The sound is simply "PISSSHHH" made with a soft "P" sound. But make sure to keep your eye on the creature and press the shutter as it is turning its head.

If you enjoyed my photos and want more, drop by Misty Dawn's Camera Critter webpage here and check out some of the other players. If you still can't get enough, join the fun and post your own photo.