Back yard encounters
Posted on 27th May 2015
After our 5000 mile road trip to Utah and places beyond, we returned home in time for the bird migration.. At the beginning of May each year, those birds that were sensible enough to head south for the winter return to breed in Michigan, or travel through to other destinations.
Each year the species we regularly see are, Baltimore Oriel,Goldfinch,Red-breasted Grosbeak,Redwing Blackbirds,and Grackle, to name but a few. To capture some images of the birds, we use the set up shown below.
To the bird table we add some branches for the birds to land on. Water for those hopefully hot days, a stand of teasel and an old hollow log.
The log is packed with suet for the woodpeckers, the teasel sprinkled with thistle seed and the bird table with a mixture of sunflower seeds and general wild bird food.
We set up a hide with the nikon camera, a 200-400mm zoom lens attached and wait for the photo opportunities. Usually shooting at F8 to ensure good depth of field, this has proved to be a productive setup.
The perches are easily changed out when needed. This setup enables you to try different things and hone your skills with very little expense. Try it to get some real close ups of our feathered friends.
