Serendipity

Sometimes things just come together for a nice photograph. I like to catch birds in action but it is difficult when small birds are actively flitting around in the trees and shrubs as they search for food. The majority of the photographs are partially visible birds, a feathery blur or an empty branch. Most of the “keepers” are still photos of the bird taking a short break from hopping around. But once in a while the bird and the camera just sync up and I catch them in mid-motion. These are some recent examples, starting with what is probably my favorite bird, the Black-capped Chickadee. This little fellow is taking the seed he found to either eat in solitude or put into one of his many seed caches for later.

A Song Sparrow launched himself straight toward the camera just as I hit the shutter button.

The same thing happened with this Eastern Bluebird.

Blackpoll Warbler (top) and Yellow-rumped Warbler

This is a Red-breasted Nuthatch that popped up from a hedge.

And finally, two sparrows…Chipping Sparrow (top) and Dark-eyed Junco

It can be frustrating to try to track these birds with a long lens as they flit through the trees and shrubs. But the chance of catching them in motion makes it worthwhile to persevere.