Dinner time

The birds were acting strange today... sort of begging to be blipped. I didn't have my camera out yet, but while I was in the garage talking to my husband, a tufted titmouse came in and watched us from the top of the door. Then a few minutes later a chickadee came in the same door perched on a ladder and hung out with us for a while. Hmmm. I decided to take the hint, and I am so glad that I did! For the first time ever, I witnessed (in person) a parent bird feeding it's fledgling. Now, I've seen this many times on blip and knew it happened, but to witness it first hand was pretty special. Unfortunately it happened in a shady spot, but regardless of quality, I knew this was going to be my blip today. (Easier to see in large.)

Funny thing, all winter long I complained about low light conditions (storms etc.) for bird photography and couldn't wait for summer and the sunshine. Now that summer is here, I find that the leaves on the trees make bird photography more of a challenge than it was in the winter. Never happy I guess... or next winter I'll appreciate the naked trees oh so much more!

More light, being closer or a longer lens would have helped this shot immensely. But all that said, I am pretty chuffed to have this one in my collection. The fledgling rose breasted grosbeak got a shelled (by Dad) sunflower seed in the end. (Later shots revealed his prize.) It does surprise me how big the fledgling is compared to Dad. Though, I suppose Dad is a bit trimmer due to his baby duties.

Another beautiful day here in Northern Michigan. Near perfect temps and sunshine in abundance. Can't complain a bit.