Harris' Sparrow, environmental jay and catbird.

[mn shutterbug]

Went to my Uncle's yesterday to pick up my boat, and found a few new birds to try and get shots of. I had no blind so I needed to attempt stalking. This doesn't work so well. I really wanted to get a photo of the rose breasted grosbeak, but he is so darned camera shy. Anyway, it's a few more firsts for me. They may not be the best, but the gray catbird was a bird I had never seen before, so I was still happy.

[Loupey]

That sparrow shot is excellent! Look at those impressive claws for such a little guy.

Stalking takes patience and a great deal of luck. Virtually everything I shoot is without a blind (I don't own one and there is only one park that I visit occasionally that has a permanent one). I've given up on trying to wear camouflage - lets face it, just about everything out there can see, smell, and hear us coming long before we even know they're around

Besides, around my parts I don't want to get accidentally shot in the butt with some kid's arrow thinking I'm some good leafy target practice

[scott-devon]

Very nice shots, I haven't tried a blind yet either although I've bought a sheet of camouflage material. Getting shots like these by stalking is tough, great job.

[Knight]

Lovely shots Mike , the Sparrow one is my Fav It's a first for me i don't think we have the Harris species here. Just a taught here but wouldn't it be nice to have a section to catalog all the different species we photograph

[paulnj]

Very nice harris's sparrow. I really like that shot!

[Knight]

Congrats on the FP Mike well deserved

[AgingEyes]

Congrats, Mike !!