A few from the backyard

[BradM]

Not had a lot of time to shoot birds and when I have it has really only been in the backyard, but I do have a wide variety visitors to point the camera at. C&C always appreciated.

A Goldfinch spotlighted by the sun



A Pine Siskin



Chestnut backed Chickadee



Black capped Chickadee



Rufous Hummingbird



Wilson Warbler - I normally don't shoot on the fountain but this guys pose was worth IMO

[Flyf1sh3r]

Excellent photos! All of em! Why travel when they come to you

[Ellbee99]

Great shots!

[superdel]

Great shots, mind if I pop round your backyard with my camera

[UBSeng]

Great series and wonderful variety

Are you sure the hummer's a Rufous? My money would be on an Allen's because of the green back.

[BradM]

Thank you all! It is appreciated. I do think it is a Rufous based on the "cheek" color Allen's will have more of a green cheek and the Rufous are more of a white.

[photosbymorgan2]

Well done photos. If you had not told us that they were backyard shots, I would not have known except for the last one.

Would you mind explaining how you set up to get the shots? Did you just see the bird and swing the camera to take the shot or did you place something near the landing places to get the birds to land there for a shot?

[RobAmy]

Very nice series

[BradM]

Originally Posted by photosbymorgan2

Well done photos. If you had not told us that they were backyard shots, I would not have known except for the last one.

Would you mind explaining how you set up to get the shots? Did you just see the bird and swing the camera to take the shot or did you place something near the landing places to get the birds to land there for a shot?

My yard isn't large, only a 1/4 acre lot or so but as I have multiple feeders and the fountain in the back yard for use by the birds they are already attracted into the yard. I also have planted the yard with native to the area plants and some other shrubs/flowers that are feeding sources for various species throughout the year.

And then my yard has large and well established trees ranging to 80' in height; Maples, Cedars, Pines and Firs. Along with fruit trees of Plum and Apple that attract insects and those that on the them and the fruit makes it easier for me than for some to bring in differing species.

What I don't do is place a "posing branch" over or near a feeder to encourage birds to landing there and giving me a chance at a shot. While this is a valid and effective technique I find I have more than enough places to shoot from with decent backgrounds, for you it maybe a different story.

In my state there there is program for creating backyard wildlife sanctuarys which I became involved with several years ago, the guidelines and principles helped me develop the the landscaping and planting choices. More information can be found here on Washington State's program as well as a national program. WDFW -- Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary Program

The ideas offered there or on some other sites are certainly valid and will work in attracting wildlife even in a suburban neighborhood like mine. The number of species I have attracted into my yard has now reached over 70 different birds, several types of mammals and reptiles from frogs to salamanders and snakes. All great photo op's.

On these shots were all on the plants and shrubs that surround the fountain, I just pulled out a chair and set about 20' from the fountain and waited for the subjects to present themselves, couldn't be easier. Some subjects/species can be a bit shyer and I have used either a drape of camo fabric (Walmart a couple bucks a yard and differing patterns) over me to disguise my presence or use a pop up blind on occasions to shoot from.

[digiwild]

the firstshot and the Hummer shot are my favorites, GREAT JOB