Skip to main content

Winter Bird Photography

Unfortunately, our days of outdoor winter photography have changed with our increasing health issues.  So we are getting creative with winter blinds - like this new set-up following the holidays.


We start with this, our Christmas tree.   The last few years we've purchased a potted tree, which we decorate with lights, and set on the deck outside the family room window.  Up until this year we have brought it in for a few days around Christmas, so the grandchildren can open presents "beneath" it.   But this year we left it outside and everyone seemed satisfied.  After the festivities, we end up with this.


Instead of putting the tree in it's final location, a stand of trees out front where we're beginning a wind-break, we created a spot to anchor the tree just off the deck.  The idea is to create a bird-feeding area where we can get some good bird shots from the warmth of our dining room:).  We have some pretty great windows to work from.  So now we add this:


and this:

and we get this:

and this:
 and this:

Now we do need some snow to add more color and texture to our images, but I do think we have a good start to our winter bird photography.  The next thing I need to add is a dark backdrop in the house, as when that lovely southern exposure we love is flooded with sunlight we get quite a bit of reflection on the wall facing the windows.  This creates reflection in the windows, and not the clear, sharp images we need.

For now, however, I'm pretty excited. 

Do any of you have winter "blinds" you work from?   Please share your ideas, and I'll link to your posts.

Enjoy!

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

100 Blessings

It's funny how a project takes on a life of its own. I started out making a list of things I'd like to take pictures of - piles of M&M's, rocks on the beach, license plates hanging on an old garage door. Then I decided it would be interesting to find 100 items about "me," celebrating my 100th post with items about me/my life/etc. This way I could tie my compulsion to blog in to my theme. So, I started THAT list. And when I was done I decided all the things I was collecting, ideas as well as items, were actually blessings. Things about my life that make me who I am and allow me to keep striving to be the best I can be at what I do. Each activity isn't necessarily a blessing, it's my ability to do the things I love to do, and be with the people I love to be with. This became an introspective activity, and that's probably where I am in my life right now. If the shoe fits..., so to speak. So, welcome to my 100th Post ! Without everyone I've met thr...

Celebrating 100 Posts - A Challenge

Yes, we are closing in on our 100th post . Truly amazing. Thank you for reading and participating, helping keep the ideas, words and photos flowing. In honor of this momentous occasion, let's have a party. A party where "100" is featured. Do not become concerned if an idea doesn't pop into your head right away. You have one week to come up with something which includes 100 . Think party, celebration and fun. Think creatively. Think challenge. Photography is about expressing yourself, and challenging yourself. Here's a real stretcher! Celebrate with us by posting a photo (or series) which depicts the number 100 in some way. Let me know if you're going to participate and I'll create a way for everyone to link to each other's pages - chuckling, laughing, crying and surprising. You'll be amazed what you see when you start looking. Still at a loss? Here is a non-exhaustive look at the number 100: 100 years ago (something nostalgic- there's wigg...

Adventure Spots - Ours and Yours

It's June. Officially a summer month, and one I have always loved. It's also a time when I start thinking about having an adventure...to some beautiful, place more distant than my town. Last summer we had a wonderous trip through the western national parks, and spent a little time on the Oregon coast. The Columbia River gorge is beautiful - lush and exotic, fragrant, and heady with motion and sound. The waterfalls are astounding - and we love Multomah falls particularly. There's an upper and lower falls, with hiking paths for those who want to get up close and personal. The regular tourist path is paved, and leads you to this footbridge, spanning the cliff walls between upper and lower falls. Stunning. Where is one of your favorite adventure spots, and why does it touch your soul?