Camera Critters #223

Yellow-headed Blackbirds are some of my favorite birds.  It is mainly the males which are brightly colored (see the post here) that I enjoy imaging.

However, I couldn’t pass up this female blackbird when I saw her. 


Misty Dawn’s Camera Critter Meme is a great way see critters the world over. Go to the homepage here to see more. Then join the fun and add your own.

Camera Critters #215

One of my favorite birds in this area, is the Yellow-headed Blackbird.

Their bright and dark colors contrasting in the sunlight, make them a sight to see.

A week ago, I went to Fireman’s Pond to check on dragonflies.  I was lucky enough to see my first of the season.  However, I came across a fearless blackbird at the same time.

This guy was ten feet away from me, watching every move I made.  As I began shooting images of him, he began singing.  Well, what the Yellow-headed Blackbird considers singing.  Hear its voice here.



Misty Dawn’s Camera Critter Meme is a great way see critters the world over. Go to the homepage here to see more. Then join the fun and add your own.

Camera Critter #115

It's another bird week for me and Camera Critters, but I can't help it with this critter.

The Yellow-headed Blackbird is a gorgeous avian. I've used them before here, but heck...who can resist using a photo of one of these over and over?

Misty Dawn's Camera Critters Meme is a great way to see all sorts of critters the world over. Go to the homepage here and check out more critters. Then join the fun and add your own.

Camera Critter Meme #29

Many moons ago, my only concern when I was out on photo safaris was to shoot birds. I loved photographing birds and still do.

Most of the time, I try to get the birds perched or on the ground. I almost have to do that, since my camera, the original Digital Rebel, has very slow focusing. However, when it does focus, and especially with the lens I currently use on it, the images are often tack sharp.

But I also like to get my bird photos while they are flying. It's difficult, but I have managed to do it and have gotten pretty good at it at the same time...at least I think I have.

Below are some of my favorite in-flight shots.

Great Blue Heron at Fireman's Pond

Tree Swallows near the old golf course

Mountain Bluebird near the fairgrounds

Killdeer at my sister's place

Yellow-headed Blackbird at Fireman's Pond

Raven near the airport

Rough-legged Hawk near Powell Butte

And now, my two favorite flight shots of birds of all time. Both shots were taken during the winter time frame, and with both of them, I didn't know what I had until I got home and put them on the computer.

Dark Morph Red-tailed Hawk near Powell Butte

Bald Eagle over Lake Billy Chinook

I hope everyone enjoyed these shots. The one above is my all time favorite. It has all the elements I like best in a photo. The bird and a great background. 'Nuff said. 8v)

If you liked my critter photos, head to Misty Dawn's Camera Critter page and check out some of the other entries. And if you have the time, join in on the fun!

Camera Critter Sunday No. 9

One of my favorite places to shoot is a small made-made pond called Fireman's Pond. Last year it was a great place for Odonata photos. Unfortunately, this year has been a bust . . . so far.

But the Yellow-headed Blackbirds are there, and they are nesting. And they don't like when I get close to any of the nests in the reeds along the shore of the pond.

Sometimes they'll just squawk at me from one of the reeds, sometimes they'll dive on me, and sometimes one will get on a nearby sign and stare me down.

In any case, I do like the looks of these birds. During the summer after the brood has hatched, a person can go to the park side of the pond and the Yellow-headed Blackbirds will eat out of your hand even though there is plenty of natural food available.

However, the guy below wasn't interested in hand-outs, he wasn't interested in diving on me (anymore)...he just wanted me gone. One look into his eyes, decided it all for me. 8v)