Wish Lists

Cedar Waxwings
Originally uploaded by hearman.

Birders are great for making lists. It's undoubtedly one of the things that draws me to this hobby. I love lists. So, I suppose every birder has a wish list of birds they'd love to see. For some that list is a secret one in their hearts and others make lists on paper and make great efforts to turn their wish list birds into life list birds.

For me, these lovely birds are high on that list. I did not, of course, take this picture, as Cedar Waxwings are still on my wish list. I find that the website Flickr is more than just a great place to store my photos. I learn so much there -- it's a resource for information about birds, about photography, about crafting, about Rat Terriers. I have learned about what makes a good photograph by viewing good photographs. I learned to hold my pictures and photography to a higher standard by comparing my pictures to those of others. I have learned to use my camera by seeing what others with the same camera can do. I have learned that I am improving by reading the comments that others leave on my pictures.

My Birding Wish List isn't written out but there are some secret birds of my hear that I hope to move to my life list some day. Chief among them:

• California Condor
• Cedar Waxwing
• Burrowing Owl
• Eastern Bluebird
• Green Jay

Cuban Tody
Originally uploaded by Fatasbanfum.

The most exotic bird I hope to see one day is this one --
Cuban Tody (Todus multicolor)

Although, I must say that the odds of my going to Cuba are exceedingly slim but I suppose that's what a Wish List is for. Holding out the hope that someday, I'll be in the right time and place to see that amazing little dollop of candy colored feathers.

So, what's on your Wish List?


~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
PS. For some reason the photo credits are not showing up as they should when I view this post. So, I want to make sure the photographers are given due credit.

Cedar Waxwings
Originally uploaded by hearman.

Cuban Tody
Originally uploaded by Fatasbanfum

Feel free to click the images to see them on Flickr and see more of the great photos by these photgraophers!

Birding Luck

Snowy Egret
Originally uploaded by egret's nest.

Some days you have bad luck -- I'm thinking back to my pictures of where the cormorant was last week -- and other days, you stumble onto cooperative, thoughtful birds who pose beautifully for you and make you look skilled in bird photography even when you are birding with your mother-in-law carrying a large, colorful umbrella, your 8-1/2 year old daughter, and your silly Rat Terrier puppy. Some days you couldn't take a wrong picture if you tried because the birds are just there, demanding that you take their photograph, insisting that it be as beautiful as they are. Some days, you are lucky and the birds are as photogenic as they are beautiful. Some days it is all crystal-clear why you love your camera so much!

At the little pond in my in-laws' community, I found the requisite ducks but also saw this beautiful Snowy Egret with juvenile legs but the plummage of a breeding adult. It's hard to be an adolescent in any species, I guess.

Trying out a punk 'do for the effect on the ladies (only there weren't any)

When he flew away, my camera didn't focus fast enough but still . . .

I like where he ended up even better. Look at that reflection.


And then the Double-crested Cormorant was also enticing me to photograph him.


In an effort to make up for last week's diving photos, he put on this display for me . . .






Feel free to click on the images to see the larger versions on Flickr.


This female hummingbird is probably an Allen's Hummingbird. She's smaller than an Anna's with a thicker bill. She could be a Rufous but is probably an Allen's. Whatever she was, she's incrediably lovely.

Some days you don't even mind it when the birds stick their tongues out at you because you saw it, you had your camera, and you got the shot. "Nyah-nyah-nyah back at you birdie!"

Good Planets are Hard to Find!

Good Planets *are* hard to find and that is why I was so delighted to find this monthly photography meme started by DharmaBums. It celebrates our planet in beautiful photographs as a gentle reminder to take care of this home of ours!

This month's host is Journeys with Jood. The collection went up today! {click}

Next month, our friend SomewhereinNJ! If you'd like to participate, you can send images for next month's collection to lc-hardy AT comcast DOT net.

I contributed one of my favorite images:

These redwood trees are at Loch Lomond, a local reservoir. So, a little manmade influence here but it is utterly lovely. I wanted to linger here but had kids and husband urging me on! We'll be back!

Sometimes a story is too painful to tell with words

I love Flickr and get lost in some of the amazing photos there. Tonight was no exception.

Nikographer posted about his visit to Conowingo Dam, MD. His pictures tell the story of a Bald Eagle who fell from the sky (probably after hitting power lines). It is painful and yet amazing. Be warned, it does not have a happy ending but it is still compelling. Sometimes one just has to bare witness.

Nikoographer is a gifted photographer and these pictures will stick with you.

[click]