Patience Required

Wildlife photography requires a lot of patience in waiting for the right moment. Yesterday afternoon it was really hot outside when I set up my photoblind and camera next to the small water feature in the backyard. Almost immediately after I had settled in a Douglas Tree Squirrel showed up at the same time as Papaya the Blasted Cat! I had to climb out of the blind and capture the cat which quickly begun stalking the squirrel. After depositing the cat indoors I sat and waited for the squirrel to return from its chirping in the trees above the blind. It didn't take too long and it came down and resumed feeding on the black sunflower seed I had placed in a small feeder off to the side of pond. I knew that eventually it was going to get thirsty. I focused and composed my camera on the most likely spot that it was going to come for a drink and waited. Birds came and went as I waited. I waited and waited. Another squirrel arrived and was warned off with guttural chatter by the little squirrel I was watching. I waited and waited some more. Then it turned and climbed up over the rocks right where I had been focused for a cool refreshing drink. After recomposing slightly I made several images. It was well worth the wait. God's blessing upon your week, chris Canoon 7D MkII camera and a Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di G2 Vc Usd Lens. #TeamCanon, #withmytamron

Stopping in for a Drink

This morning I was up at sunrise. I went out into the backyard and set up a small pond feature on some saw horses. It was at eye level next to the bird feeder. With a bit of fussing around I got things looking pretty nice before I settled into the photoblind. After a long, long wait a Western Gray Squirrel came up to the pond for a drink. I managed to make three images of it drinking but this one was my favorite. God's blessings and protection to all those being affected by the earthquake and the hurricanes. chris This image was created with a Canon 7D MkII camera and a Tamron 150-600mm F5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 lens at 213mm. The camera was supported with a Manfrotto 055 XPROB pro tripod with a Bogen 3055 Heavy duty ballhead.The camera settings used were AVmode, ISO 800, F 8.0 at 1/100th of a sec.#TeamCanon, #withmytamron

Little More Rain

Just before I shut my eyes last night I looked outside and marveled at the bright clear stars shining back at me through our bedroom window. I was excited at the prospect of a sunny day this morning. I awoke instead to the the sound of rainwater dripping through the downspouts and the patter of rain upon the rooftop. The weather report shows a 20 percent chance of rain with clearing and sunny by he afternoon. I guess I'll have to wait for the sun. Yesterday afternoon I photographed birds in the backyard and the first bird that came to the bird feeders was one lone Band-tailed Pigeon. Being jumpy nervous characters this one flew off after only creating three images. This one was the best of the three so enjoy one of our wild pigeons from Mendocino County in Northern California. God's blessings upon your weekend, chris This image was created using a Canon 7D MkII and a Tamron 150-600mm G2 lens at 256mm. My camera settings used were AV mode, ISO 800, F 8.0 at 1/320th of a sec. Fill flash was provided by a Canon 550 EX flash set to -2 stops. #TeamCanon, #tamron

Portrait of a Squirrel

While photographing the Steller's Jays I had some really great opportunities after the Jays left to photograph the Western Gray Squirrels and get some nice close up portraits. I created about thirty images but this one was my favorite. Up close squirrels have very expressive faces. This squirrel portrait was no exception to that. Have a wonderful weekend and God bless, chris This image was created with my Canon 7D MkII and a Tamron 150-600mm G2 lens at 600mm. The camera settings used were AV mode, ISO 800, F 8.0 at 1/100th of a sec. Fill flash was provided by a Canon 550 EX flash set at -2 stops.#teamcanon, #tamron

The Wind is Howling on the Ridge Top or Squirrel Portraits

Today is definitely an indoor day. The wind is really blowing. One Tan Oak Tree blew over just outside the fence in the backyard last night. Here are a few Western Gray Squirrel images from yesterday. They love to pose for bird seed. Enjoy your day and God bless, chris All images were created with a Canon 7D MkII and a Tamron 150-600mm G2 lens. AV mode, ISO 800, exposures varied. #TeamCanon, #tamron