Friday, November 7, 2008

Of Bucks and Birds

Here in Pennsylvania, the mating season for whitetail deer is well under way and it is at this time that the bucks are most easily seen as they often throw caution to the winds in their search for receptive does. The rut has not yet peaked as many of the does are not yet receptive, but still few days go by without a decent sized buck being spotted.


Canon 30-D: 500mm F4

Even though I am primarily a big game photographer, I do enjoy photographing most anything nature related. I generally view birds as a subject that I should devote more time to, but I seldom succeed in doing so, as I am mostly in spots that are less than ideal bird habitat. That being said, for the last few years I have established a bird feeding station in a rock break at my favorite deer observation post. It seems that only a few species of birds are frequent visitors. At present the Tufted Titmouse, and Nuthatch are most commonly seen. It is especially hard to photograph the Nuthatches as they are really hyperactive, but last Saturday evening I succeed in getting what I regard as my best Nuthatch shot to date.


Canon 30-D: 500mmF4

Stay tuned for more Pennsylvania and Virginia Whitetail photographs, and more writing and photographs about Pennsylvania's Elk Herd.

15 comments:

Brad Myers said...

Willard, what a beautiful buck. He appears so proud as he stand there. It is shots like this that made me stop hunting.

Good luck this weekend, I hope you and Salty bring back some great photos.

Naturegirl said...

Your photoraphy is fantastic! I am a birder and SWF particiapant..so if you have time come see birds of Europe! I shall come back!

Ken Conger Photography said...

Wow, two exceptional shots. Handsome buck image. As you know our rut is ongoing as well here in VA but the warm weather has slowed things up a tad. Your nuthatch is well composed and tack sharp. Blue Skies.

imac said...

Hi Willard, Beautiful shots and I love your Nuthatch.

Tom said...

Hi Willard
Nice to have had the time here catching up... love the Nuthatch... nd all the resent posting... give my regards to all your blogging family members.

Tom

Anonymous said...

I really enjoyed this post and the pictures. It is interesting to read how you have set up a feeding station to attract some birds and how you have a hard time getting photos of the nuthatch and titmouse.

Mine come to me or usually do when they are around. I never have to shoot farther than 10 feet for most birds and some closer than that. With the best lenses I have and with IS on them too, I still take the best photos when the camera is on a tripod.

The problem is we got 4 computers in this office, and several desks and other furniture and lamps and a black panther who walks everywhere.

If I set up a tripod then I either fall over it or somebody stumbles into it.

We got our youngest daughter and her daughter (our granddaughter) living with us and the black panther is their cat. LOL

So we have a full house and I do my best to take good pictures without the tripod but I am going to have to set it up somewhere.

kjpweb said...

Excellent - both Buck and Nuthatch!
Great job!
Cheers, Klaus

Unknown said...

The buck is stunning and the bird is cute :)

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Willard: That was a neat buck you captured and the Nuthatch is a beautiful photo.

Dina said...

Aww, sweet to see a little birdie on your blog, Willard.

The Birdlady said...

I don't know how I missed these - bneautiful shots!

Gretchen said...

He's a gorgeous buck. Great bird photo, too. You always have such a wonderful visual feast here.

Shelley said...

The buck would definitely win 1st place in a beauty contest!!

Kerri Farley said...

The buck is beautiful! The bird - Awesome!! Great shot!! I love the way Nuthatches flit around....lots of times upside down :)

Unknown said...

Willard : Minblowing shot of the Nuthatch. You even got the catchlight in the eye. Fantastic...Thomas