Blue on Blue

It won't be long before the song birds have left Holla Bend. My wife and I always dread the day when they leave--the whole place seems to have an unnatural silence compared to when they're there.

Caught this little Indigo Bunting a few days back. Haven't gotten a good shot of a painted this year, but hopefully before they leave I'll get another chance.

Nikon D300; Nikkor 200-400 VR w/TC-e II 1.4 converter; ISO 400; f7.1; 1/1250

Enjoy!

Dave Hatfield

I love the contrasting blues mixed in with the oak leaves. He almost looks like he's posing. This was the first year that I had Indigo Buntings living in my yard. It was very enjoyable to have their color mixed in with the rest of the regular birds.

I was looking forward to your Painted Bunting photos. Maybe next year! I enjoyed the birds this year too, but I'm ready for the cooler weather and the fall colors to take over.

Thanks, Mike! It's been really frustrating for me this year because the painteds have been at the Bend in greater numbers than I have ever seen them. In years past if we saw 2 or 3 on an outing we felt like we had really accomplished something. In the past 3 weeks Cheryl and I have been over about 4 times and we have seen at least 6 and as many as 9! But no pictures!! They're abundant but just don't want to have their picture taken!

We hope to go over at least once more in the next week or so since they will probably be leaving by mid-August. Don't tell those folks down at the Church but I might have to take off an afternoon or two to try and get some shots!

If you and Karla have an afternoon or evening, let me know and we might try to go over together. Maybe with that many cameras working one of us will get lucky!!

Dave H.

Bro. Dave, my lips are sealed I bet you and Mike could make a trip over there. I am already taking off Friday afternoon to be with my sister, so doubt I could pull it off again.
I love the indigo. He looks great up against the blue sky. The framing is spot on too..

K

Gorgeous portrait of a beautiful bird. It is almost a study in blue. Well done. I especially like the almost haughty attitude of the bird. I've watched Indigo Buntings defy much larger Cardinals as the bigger red birds tried to drive them away from a feeder. The little blues just refused to give ground.

Dave really a beautiful image and a nice catch. I understand what you mean about them not wanting to have their picture taken.

Dave, A really nice bunting image. The clear blue sky works surprisingly well here.