New Glass

I recently upgraded my long lens (300mm), buying a newer model with faster autofocus.  One of the issues using long telephoto lens is your technique and focus.  I had to work through some of this with my old lens and the new one is finicky so far.  I made the mistake of not calibrating the lens thoroughly before heading out.  Of course Murphy's Law comes into play as I some really good opportunities to get pictures of some birds including this eagle and more harriers.  This eagle shot came out pretty well, but many of the others didn't come out well as I would have expected.  Need to spend more time working out the kinks and re-calibrating the new lens with my camera. Let the fun continue.

Camoflage

This past weekend I bit managed to get myself out of bed early.  Decked out in full camo I headed to a spot that I like to watch birds.  It was an interesting experience noticing how the different species of birds responded to me.  The song and small birds acting like I wasn't there.  The herons and ducks however were very wary of me, the effects of hunting no doubt.  I saw an impressive number of species including an eagle (on the way home), osprey, blue jays, robins, chickadees, nuthatches, juncos, downy and pileated woodpeckers, cardinals, phoebes, red winged blackbirds, boat tailed grackles, crows, red tailed hawk, great blue herons, Canadian geese, mllard and wood ducks, hooded mergansers, mourning doves, belted kingfisher, flicker, titmice, and rusty blackbirds.

 This guy perched within ten feet for a few minutes. 

 Rusty Blackbirds were out in force.

 Freaking out upon spotting me.

 Next to the road on the long way home.

Kestrel on the long way home.

Homosassa Springs

While visiting my folks in sunny Florida we made a trip to Homosassa Springs State Park.  Homosassa Springs is an old tourist trap turned into a Manatee and wildlife rehabilitation center.  There is a large spring that attracts a large number of salt water fish seeking the warmer water temps of the spring.  I got to take some nice photo's of some birds that it's just not so easy to get close to in the wild.

                                                             Our national bird

                                                          Barred Owl up close

                                                            Black Capped Night Heron