Cardinal Bird

Unexpected Photos

Michael Morgan1 Comment

I don’t spend much time looking specifically for photo opportunities of birds, but once in awhile I get lucky and see a “target of opportunity.” First, skittish Cardinals usually don’t wait long for one to make a photo. I recently saw (through our kitchen window) a male Cardinal sitting on our backyard shed roof. It was loudly chirping, probably seeking to attract a female. I grabbed my camera fortunately with 55-200mm lens attached, which was sitting on my desk where I’d placed it while downloading images from the day prior, and hustled outside expecting to make several nice images of the bird. After the first try, my camera alerted me with a message on the LCD screen that there was no SD card inserted. Stupid me, I’d left the card in the reader I was using to download photos. So, I went back inside and installed the card, hoping the Cardinal would remain where it was. It did, and I was able to make this photo. Nothing great, but definitely rewarding after all I’d gone through.

Second, I was recently sitting in a chair outside during sunset, waiting for the light to create a good view of clouds to the west. Just as I was ready to go inside after making several “OK” photos, I looked up and saw a Turkey Buzzard quickly sailing by. Thanks to a fast focus I made the shot. Again, not that great of an image, but I sure was happy to make it. During these times of limited travel due to the pandemic, small photographic successes “close to home” mean a lot.

One Patient Cardinal

Michael Morgan2 Comments

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Walking past my bedroom window recently, I saw a Cardinal sitting outside in a nearby tree. I liked what I saw, what with the way the light was “working” with the bird and the tree leaves, and since I had may iPhone handy I tried to hold its camera lens close to the window glass. No good. I said to myself “Please don’t fly away bird” while I went to get my telephoto lens camera. Coming back to the window I was happy to see the bird still there, although it’s position had shifted a bit. I held the camera lens tight to the window glass, steadied it carefully and took the shot. I didn’t have time to check the camera’s monitor to see the result, before the redbird flew away. It was like it knew I’d reached my objective to capture the moment. I had. As you can see. One patient bird for sure.

I needed this …

Michael MorganLeave a comment

P1050871

Looking out our kitchen window while making a cup of coffee recently, I saw that our two bird feeders were mostly empty. It’s been very cold here in SW Virginia, and I know birds need the warmth provided by food. So, I cleaned out the feeders and filled them to the top. Walking back inside to get my just-made coffee I looked out the window again and saw this bright red Cardinal, pecking away at some of the seed that had spilled on the ground while I was filling the feeders. I suspect my favorite type bird had been waiting for me to come “do my duty” while sitting above watching from overhanging trees. After I made this photo, he flew away temporarily, apparently satisfied. My mood improved significantly after seeing the Cardinal taking advantage of our feeders. They need me, and I need them.