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Saturday 23 February 2013

Watch the Birdie

One of the things I have done on and off for many years is to record the birds I see in my garden each day. This month I have seen linnets, siskins and a greater spotted woodpecker for the first time.

The challenge now is to photograph them - if I can. This week I succeeded with this at least.

Greater Spotted Woodpecker
Of course it would not cooperate and turn so that we could see the red at the back of its head and its red stomach that distinguishes it from the lesser spotted variety.

Not full frontal
At least in this second shot you can see some of the red on its stomach.

These shots were taken with a x40 Sony camcorder through a double glazed window. The sycamore tree is around 70 feet high; the bird is near the top and 30-40 feet from the window. It will fly at the slightest movement so there was no chance of getting closer.

Now I must hope that it comes back and 'poses' longer.

It is also difficult to photograph another more regular visitor, This is the best I've achieved so far, again through that same window at a distance of about 10 feet, but this time with a Lumix digital camera.

Goldcrest
This is Britain's smallest bird that we see every year in the conifer which would have been cut down by now if it weren't for him.



4 comments:

21 Wits said...

They look great to me! I can't wait for the snow and ice to be gone so my bird bath can perform it's duty!

aw said...

We've had a couple of close encounters this week, Bob. A red kite was sitting on the roof of a neighbouring property and obliged by waiting for me to fetch a camera to take some photos and then next day a flock of long-tailed tits visited our bird feeders and like you I was able to take photos through the window. Never been lucky enough to see a goldcrest, though.
Ann

L. D. said...

I have birds fluttering in and out to get the blue berries from the spreading juniper. The snow is caked on top of the branches and the snow then flies as they flutter away.

Jo said...

Can't see birds close enough where we are now, but when we lived in North Carolina we could take pix of all kinds of birds in our yard. We have albums full. Never heard of the goldcrest before.

JO ON FOOD, MY TRAVELS AND A SCENT OF CHOCOLATE