Saturday, March 7, 2009

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.

23 comments:

Amy the SaltyMomma said...

I love these! The owl is amazing!
Beautiful.

Amy ~ The SaltyMomma

Carla said...

How great! You are a great bird watcher!

Maude Lynn said...

Thanks for the tips! I love that shot of the owl.

Rhea said...

Neat bird-taking photo tips. And amazing shots, even if they are with your old lens. I love the owls especially. Nice work.

Teena in Toronto said...

Thanks for the tip!

I played too :)

Snap said...

Wonderful photos (I'm partial to owls). Thanks for the tips, too!

Unknown said...

The Great Horned Owl looks as though he is looking straight into my soul. Just stunning. Thank you!

i beati said...

magnificent all- I collect all things quail

NoBS said...

Wow! So many different birds! Beautiful shots!

Michele said...

You have an amazing array of bird shots! Splendid... I just adore the Owl!!

Mountain Retreat

EG CameraGirl said...

Thanks for the tip on how you get the birds to look at you!

Mom Knows Everything said...

The owl is my favorite! :o)

Tink *~*~* said...

I love the owl. Thanks for the tips on getting them to look at the camera!

Tink *~*~*
NOW PLAYING at My Mobile Adventures *~*~* :
Frog metamorphosis at Disney

Jane Hards Photography said...

You have ana amzing array of birds and I'm so envious.

Gayle said...

That's a very nice shot of the owl.
See a Moose Here!

Gretchen said...

Absolutely beautiful!

Carolina said...

Thanks for the tips! That owl is stunning! You need some good jokes I think, that'll make them smile
;-)

Anonymous said...

Nice photos for today!

Happy Sunday

Misty DawnS said...

These are fantastic! Someday, we will get to go shooting together and that is gonna be a blast!!!

Unknown said...

Great photos!!!

I recently bought an OM-G SLR camera. I'm having fun figuring out the joys of 35mm photography. I noticed the same thing that you mentioned...the slapping noise of the mirror, is a grat way to get your subject's attention. :-)

Unknown said...

OOPS !! That last comment was not from 'Jay' , it was me. Forgot to switch to my account !!!

Mariz said...

I wish I know the secret on how to make them smile too..hihi. Great job getting them to look at the camera. That owl is either hypnotized or attempting to hypnotize me. Nice photos!

Check out my entry HERE

Manz said...

I love the Owl. Not an easy one to capture considering their nocturnal nature.

However looking purely at photography, I'd have to pick "Juvenile Mountain Bluebird" as my favorite - I could hang that one on my wall.