/326 - Different Lately

We’re all happy that the woodpeckers are back a lot more regularly since we put the suet out. The hairy woodpecker comes around a lot more than it used to, even if it has to fend off the jays and doves that are typically camping on the platform feeder.

A few weeks ago I saw a large something land in the neighbor’s tree, about 20 feet from us. Managed to grab the camera and get a few shots through the window of this incredible peregrine falcon. Never seen one before, much less in our yard. It just sat there slowly looking around as all the birds made a crazy amount of noise. Haven’t seen it since.

The goldfinches disappeared for about a month, but recently returned in their winter plumage.

We have still been seeing the wren around here and there (and once I even saw a pair together) but he’s still proving an elusive capture. This day I saw him on the platform and when I moved to grab the camera he flew up to the roof to belt out a song. One snap and then he disappeared.

/263 - Visitors Come and Visitors Go

We’ve had hummingbird feeders up off and all summer, but have had no visitors that we had seen. And then this little lady showed up at the orange flowers near our main grouping of feeders out of nowhere. We have since put the hummingbird feeder back up and she’s been around multiple times every day this week. Such beautiful and fascinating little animals.

Meanwhile all the woodpeckers are mad at us because we stopped putting out suet. Total duh moment on our part not realizing that it’s made with beef fat. We’ll put up more when it gets cold enough for veggie peanut butter blocks to not melt all over the place. Hopefully they will come back.

/177 - In the Woods

We took a hike at a nearby park this morning — trying to get there before it got busy, and before it got hot. There weren’t too many people on the trails, and everyone was being friendly and keeping their distance. It was still hot since all the trees blocked the breeze. It was still a nice time and Emily loves romping around the woods, finding bugs and creatures to look at/talk to. Love that about her so much. ♥

/170 - Visitors

Ashley got a window feeder for her birthay a few years ago — the kind with a one-way mirror so the birds can’t see you as the fly inside to grab the seed. She and Emi put it in the window this afternoon and we immediately had a lot of traffic around the window as the birds (and others) tried to figure out what it was and how to get into it. I ended up having to move it to another window because the squirrels figured out that they could use the planter crook as a springboard to raid the feeder. On the other side there’s nothing to assist them but I assume they will figure it out eventually anyway.

I’ve never seen an Oriole before, so was pretty happy I happened to walk by when it was there and that it hung around long enough for me to run and get the camera.

/152 - Green and Submarine

Dreary day, but it was warm and full of life. The constant calls of birds and other small animals filled the air.

/111 - When In Doubt

Bokeh. We had a nice long nature walk at a nearby wildlife area this afternoon. Lots of birds, and a handful of people. Everyone (birds and humans alike) kept their distance. It was overcast, but warm and overall a nice spring day. Emily brought home a hat full of pine cones and “cool rock.” I couldn’t ask for better people to be isolated with. ♥

/047 - Zoom

Didn’t manage to get outside today so could only experience the lovely snowfall through a window. Made a few stir-crazy images in response. All done in camera with no added effects.

/044 - Mondaze

Pictures from my usual Monday morning visit to the park.

Evening sounds from Continua and Phyllis.

/042 - Aperture

My wife’s (photographer) old camera is back from the dead, and since she has a new one that means I get to adopt it. It has been a long time since I’ve shot anything digital besides my phone. Low depth of field forever! (Also fisheye)

Morning sounds: Continua > Phyllis. Continua’s modulation options are wonderful for pseudo generative melodies and slowly evolving textures. Besides being a great filter, Phyllis also has probably the prettiest noise source I’ve ever heard. Felt like I was at the beach on the moon.