Flying Squirrel

Not flying just yet, but getting enough energy to try.

Here's a long shot, he's sitting on the back of a metal crane in a flower bed.

He's just munching away.  Glad he's eating this nut instead of planting it in the flower beds to sprout later.

And, then!!!!

He spots me and takes off flying from the crane and headed for the woods.

Blue Birds Working the Nest

    Some secrets behind these pictures.

This nest is full of babies and the parents are working furiously on feeding and cleaning.  A nest like this is a birder's paradise as you know they'll be coming and going.  Just a matter of waiting, camera ready.  These were shot from my pickup truck.  Yup, camera on a tripod sitting in the passenger's seat.  I moved the truck to several different locations to get different angles for the shots.  Focus was manually adjusted for the hole in the box.    Using a remote and multiple shot setting, I sat, drank coffee, and waited.  As the birds approached the box, I shot away.  Then, it was just a matter of picking the photos I liked  and processing them.  Here's what happened:

Click on the picture for exploded view!

Coming in loaded with fresh food.

Preparing for landing!

 Quick check around the perimeter to be safe.

 Fortunately, my truck doesn't count as a threat, 

 it's always there.

                  

Then, it's takeoff time to start all over again.

                          Now, it's clean up time for the babies.

Taking out the trash.  

Just like a Pamper for birds.

Away in a flash!

I just liked this one, looked like a painting to me.

As a side note, looked at the babies yesterday, very large, and today (Sunday, the 26th) they're out and about.  Hope some stay around nearby.

Photos From an Easy Chair

These photos were taking while sitting on my deck at the back of the house, coffee cup within reach.  Lots of patience and coffee required to capture these photos.  Ok, a couple of cigarettes as well.  Spring is here, I hope.  At least it is with the birds turning to their brilliant colors after the drab Winter ones. 

A look across the deck shows the splendor of the Dogwoods that are abundant in our yard.  Over 35 mature Dogwoods all in bloom right now for a white wonderland without snow.