I began "A Few Words About Birds" this way: "A recent opinion piece in The Virginian-Pilot, Virginia’s largest daily newspaper, began with the words: 'First of all, thank you for reading.' I’d like to begin, here, the same way. First of all, thank you for reading. I mean that, sincerely." That was followed by a … Continue reading The Joy of Discovery
Category: Photography
Birds’ Stories
Before we leave off reviewing the Canon full-frame mirrorless EOS R5, I want to share with you a great B&H Photo and Video podcast. The title: "Mirrorless System Advantages for Bird Photography." It features 2 professional bird photographers, one of whom has made the switch from DSLR's to the mirrorless R system and one of … Continue reading Birds’ Stories
A Game-Changing Bird Photography Camera, Part Two
Let's take a quick break from reviewing the Canon EOS R5, and let's look at some more "signs of spring" photos. These were grab and go, but they're fun and they highlight what's going on in the bird world in early April in SE Virginia. In order, there's a Yellow-rumped Warbler molting into breeding plumage, … Continue reading A Game-Changing Bird Photography Camera, Part Two
A Game-Changing Bird Photography Camera
We continue our review of the Canon EOS R5, which we began in "From Birds to Photo Gear." The EOS R5 and its less well-appointed sibling, the EOS R6, were recently introduced. We'll touch on the camera's eye detection ability and its high-resolution sensor. Please keep in mind that this isn't a professional review. It's … Continue reading A Game-Changing Bird Photography Camera
From Birds to Photo Gear
Some of you enjoyed my reference to Joni Mitchell's "Chelsea Morning" in "The Birds of Spring." And you also enjoyed the photo of the Ospreys there. I often think about Joni's song when I head out with my camera and it's the kind of morning where the sun is giving everything it touches a butterscotch … Continue reading From Birds to Photo Gear
The Birds of Spring
Many of you enjoyed the Carolina Wren sound recordings in the last blog. I love recording birds and listening to the results. But I especially enjoy looking at the spectrograms, where I can "see" the sounds and learn more about them. Birds' songs and calls are a lot more interesting and complex than many people … Continue reading The Birds of Spring
New Beginnings
We ended "A Late Winter's Tale" with a joke book recommendation. BTW, I hope some of you ordered Wayne's book. We'll begin this one with an edited/accessorized version of a photo that appeared at the end of "Finding Humor, Finding Birds." One of the wonderful things about digital photos is that you can alter them. … Continue reading New Beginnings
A Late Winter’s Tale
We're closing in on blog #100. It's interesting. My most-read blog to date is one I wrote a few months back entitled "A Life Lesson." Why are readers drawn to it? It's mostly about European Starlings, so it's not the content. I think it's the title and the promise that readers will learn something about … Continue reading A Late Winter’s Tale
Finding Humor, Finding Birds
One of the things that keep us going is our ability to find humor and to laugh. It might not be a survival need (like writing), but sometimes it sure feels like it. How many times have you heard someone say, in response to something funny, "God, I needed that!" Speaking of things funny, here's … Continue reading Finding Humor, Finding Birds
Whispers of Spring
We're not quite ready for "the day is on the wing, the kite is on the string," but we're getting close. (Those are two lines from the N.M. Bodecker poem I referenced in "The Day is on the Wing.") There have been reports of American Woodcock courtship flights, House Finches, Titmice, and Northern Cardinals singing, … Continue reading Whispers of Spring
