Man! How long before this happens again?!

A few days ago, I went to the only place I've seen a scarlet tanager. I tracked one down my sound to a tree about 30' up. We then proceeded to play hide-and-seek for about 15 minutes.

#1 - the only clear shot I got and I was happy with it for being the 2nd I've ever seen.

It stopped singing and I thought I lost it. I was taking a break when I see it flying straight at me about 10' off the ground.

#2 - to my surprise and delight, it lands about 10' away (I can't even get nuthatches and titmouses to land that close :) ). I didn't have the time to take the 2x off and thinking I was only get off 1 shot, I got this.

#3 - but it didn't fly away so I scooted towards the front and shooting along the way

#4 - he grabbed something and started to eat it (didn't know until later that is was some katydid-like insect)

#5 - immediately after that, he grabbed something about 5' above my head and landed on a perch about 15' away to eat it.


He left and was never heard from again. Images are all full frame. Not the best images (all shot around 1/125s, ISO 800 or 1000, 300mm + 2x, handheld), but I thought the scene was exciting.

Hungry he was, thats why he ignored you lol .My son does the same thing at times hehe!
Good Capture Loupey :) I saw a bird today just for a few seconds that i have never seen before it was bright orange with black wings. I will have to go back for another look . I had a bad day today if i wasnt getting pushed by the wind the wind was moving every thing around me lol Well i guess we all have those days :) Again good captures and a story to go with them :)

Wow Loupey, great catch and images! I have another bird to add to my must have list now.

Wow Loupey... just.......wow.

That last one is KILLER!!

Your's sounds like the experience I had only you had time to put your shoes on first lol. They seem to be very good at ignoring you as long as you don't make too many sudden movements towards them. Moving around along side them doesn't seem to bother them.

Awesome shooting as usual bud. You never cease to astound me.... and one up me lol.

Loupey, males are staking territory right now, they are also migrating in and we all need to eat. Tanagers love oak trees due to the inchworm infestation they get(I spray trees for inchworms) as do most hardwood trees at this time.

Great patience paid off for you.

Wow ..! Such a pretty bird

Thanks for the comments! And thanks for allowing me to relive it :)

Such a beautiful bird. It's a shame that they inhabit the deep woods. One out in the open would probably cause some traffic accidents :p

Those are awesome shots Loupey, great job! I've been hearing them often at the state park i live near but have only managed to get a couple somewhat decent shots so far.
They certainly require alot of patience don't they? But then its well worth it to get a good image of such a beautiful bird. Love that last shot especially.

Never seen one before, they are gorgeous. Thanks for sharing.

Truely amazing shots.

Roger

Loupey .. those are awesome you ask me !!! Thanks for sharing them !

What camera body ?