Here birdie, birdie, birdie....

[Cowgirl]

Here's my first decent bird photo...


I shot this wild (ring-neck?) dove today with my 28-135 IS lens!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, at 135mm on my 10D!

This dove has nested in a cypress tree just about 8 ft. from my mom's 2nd floor office window. I first saw it last Wednesday (which was sunny). The filtering morning light was very nice, gently lighting the dove. Well, now its raining, flooding even. So, of course, on the one day that I actually have my camera, its an icky day. The lighting is boring, but the droplets are actually kinda neat. Since the dove has been there for at least 1 week, I am hoping that soon it'll have some babies. I will definately try to go back again, with my 200mm. I'll keep you in touch with what happens.

10D, 28-135 IS against office window, ISO 800 or 1600.


Kathy

[Charles Hess]

I'm sure Paul will give you some great comments, but I like how you've surrounded the bird in green. The droplets are a bonus. Nice one.

[natatbeach]

childbirth(or egg dropping/laying) is hard enough without having to do it in the rain...what a nice shot with the drops of rain very pretty.

[schrackman]

This is a great shot, Kathy. The light is perfect. I agree with Charles in that I like how the dove is surrounded by green and water droplets. You got a perfect photo there.

Ray

[Spike]

I think it is very nice. The rain and light and the bird's coloring are all nice and soft.

Spike

[paulnj]

well, I do believe you shot a.....

Eurasian Collared-Dove, but I was wrong before(long ago) hahaha

I agree the conifer and rain have added to this image.... QUITE NICELY IN FACT!!!!

as for shooting the young..... those things are ugly as sin for the first few weeks.... good luck though ;)

Just be aware that once the parents leave the nest ... YOU SHOULDN'T keep them away for very long. the parents NEED TO FEED the young.

BTW ....I know that mourning doves produce "milk" for the young, maybe all doves do??

no joke about the "milk" either!!!!

http://birds.cornell.edu/BOW/MOUDOV/

http://www.passporttotexas.com/birds/aug01.html

[Janie]

Very very nice! This would make a great card! Actually, could be a winter greeting because the rain looks a little like snow!

[Cowgirl]

I am always amazed at what Mother Nature can give to you if you just go out and look for it. Even in bad weather, or rugged terrain, beauty can be found.

Photography has helped to give me that 'wandering eye'. I tend to observe my surrounding more, looking for that shot.

I have got to get out more and do more searching!


Kathy