Songbirds at Killens Pond

[David_MC]

Decided to head out for some bird photography on a cold (air temp of 2C and wind chill of -4c) morning at Killens Pond State Park. Didn't get anything for the first hour I was out there and almost decided to move to a different location, when the birds became much more active. Managed a two sparrow species and a couple of Cardinals. The latter of which is incredibly difficult to photograph due to their extremely skittish nature. Cardinals will fly away if you so much as enter the same postal code as them.

White-throated Sparrows
613A5140 by David Covarrubias, on Flickr

613A5155 by David Covarrubias, on Flickr

Northern Cardinal

613A5185 by David Covarrubias, on Flickr

613A5193 by David Covarrubias, on Flickr

613A5214 by David Covarrubias, on Flickr

Fox Sparrow

613A5224 by David Covarrubias, on Flickr

[Isac]

Just gorgeous shots David. The colours and clarity are superb. Your framing is excellent too, showing the environment they live in. I'm happy having the twigs and branches in these too. I have a dear friend who has that lens and he loves it. Well done.

[David_MC]

Thanks Isac.

Turns out I had misidentified the last Song Sparrow. It's actually Fox Sparrow. Very similar color pattern.

[Isac]

You are forgiven mate!

[wigz]

Excellent work David. Nice clear shots and good colour. I doubt if I would be out in those conditions taking photos.

[David_MC]

Thanks. Honestly, I think I do my best photography in the winter. I don't have to deal with biting bugs and I don't end up covered in sweat in about 10 seconds.

[MJ224]

Another supa set David. That White-throated sparrow is special..:-)

[David_MC]

Thanks. I really like how those turned out.

[HansE]

Love the mean look on the cardinal. He doesnt like you David.

[David_MC]

I'm pretty convinced they're powered by spite.

[MJ224]

When in Hawaii (sister in law) we have Northern Cardinals there on the big Island. They are not particularly shy, but still like a little distance from you...

[David_MC]

I find the females seem a bit less skittish than the males.

[avkomp]

good work on these. first cardinal would be my pick here but would remove the branches intruding behind the bird.
well done

[AlfandBen]

+1 on Isac's comments. #1 & #2 would be my favorites (but not much in it).