A flash of bright blue claims my attention, even though I know I’m not supposed to use colour as my first identifier for birds. Something about it varying too much through the year (or by age or gender) to be a reliable identifier. But how can I not notice this blue? Wow.
Another question would be why I don’t get a sharp photo of this flittable bird, and the answers are these:
- Having gone to photograph sculptures and flowers, I don’t have the right lens with me nor am I ready with the right settings even with a sub-optimal lens
- Having gone to explore the entire garden, I don’t have time to wait for the other chance or, umm, 20 that it would likely take
So when it momentarily does stop flitting, I settle for an identification shot of what is a life bird for me.
Until last month, I’d never seen any of the three North American species of bluebirds: Eastern bluebird, Western bluebird, Mountain bluebird. Now, of course, I want to see them all, and in better conditions, with the right lens and the right camera settings.
In the meantime, to celebrate this versatile and oh-so-blue bird, here are a few bluebird-ish songs in a variety of genres.
Kris Kristofferson & Rita Coolidge
First time I saw a bluebird (Western) I just about drove off the road! and there was not one but MANY of them – all flitting across the country road I was driving down. Turns out I was very near Ellis Bird Farm (www.ellisbirdfarm.ca). Check it out – it’s an amazing place!
Alison – Thanks again. I’ll add this to my list for Alberta. It looks as if they’ve had Bohemian waxwings already this season – maybe Ottawa has, too, but they might be under a crust of ice this weekend.
The first photo is unbelievable . . .
to get him just at lift-off
without that bit of blurring it would not be an action shot!
Barry – Thanks! I think something in it is supposed to be in focus . . . 🙂 But yes, the blur done right (ha) can be very effective.
For your collection of unintentional faces, did you notice that he has a face plastered across his butt?
Jim T
Jim T – I did not. Thanks!