As you know, if you have been paying attention, I am an avid birder. Not only that, but an avid bird photographer as well. However, I didn’t really get into birding or make my first usable bird photo until just four years ago. At that time, I was at a friend’s house in Knoxville, Tennessee. I noticed some colorful birds outside of her window. She generously removed the window screen and opened the window so I could have unobstructed views. I got some very nice images of a Northern Cardinal and a House Finch. It was then that I realized what I had been missing, and then I was hooked. But, I was seventy-three years of age at that time.
So if I am going to photograph every bird that I see, I better get a move on. There are around 750 birds in the US of A and I have only seen 245 of them to date. Of those, I have probably photographed 175. I will have to go through my records to clarify that. At any rate, I have a long way to go and only 23 years to go if I intend to get finished by my centennial year.
So here are four more to add to the collection. I have actually photographed them before, but some of these are improvements over the previous photos. These were taken this past Friday, all near Lake Nasworthy. All were photographed with my Canon EOS 7D, 500mm f4 lens with a 1.4 tele-converter attached.
Great Egret
Great Egret. Photographed at Spring Creek Park. Bird was across the river about 200 feet away. 1/2500 sec. @ f5.6, -0.3EV, ISO 2500. Tripod mounted.
White-faced Ibis
White-faced Ibis. Three of these were feeding in Mary Lee Park near Lake Nasworthy. They are migratory, and probably won’t hang around long. Exposure was 1/1250 sec. @ f5.6, +0.7EV, ISO 400. Distance was about 95 feet. Photographed from the window of my car.
Great Blue Heron
Great Blue Heron. Again, this bird was across the river about 125 feet away. 1/1000 sec. @ f6.3, -0.3EV, ISO 400. Photographed from car window.
Bullock’s Oriole
Bullock’s Oriole. This is probably the best photo I have ever taken of this specie. They are quick, and move around a lot, not staying in one place but for a few seconds. Exposure 1/1250 sec. @ f6.3, ISO 400. Shot from car window about 45 feet away.
I hope you enjoy the photos. Click on any of them to see enlargements.
Texas Tweeties by Bob Zeller 
Bob, I think I will be looking forward to seeing my first White Faced Ibis! Your photos are wonderful, and this bird is special! ~ Lynda
Thank you very much, Lynda. The Ibises are neat birds. 🙂
Super photos Bob! I think you have accumulated a pretty darn good list so far…with many more to come!!!
Thanks, David. I am having a blast working at it. 🙂
Wow – that oriole IS an amazing shot!! Do you know how many times I’ve gone out to the nature center to look for wildlife, and wish that you were there to help give me advice?? 😉
Thank you so much, Holly. I am flattered. I do wish I could go with you and help you out. 🙂
Love them all Bob! And your commentary, you made me laugh at your challenge! You do fantastic work.
Thanks so much, Donna. Glad I could give you a smile or two. I really appreciate your compliment. 🙂
Wow! That oriole is gorgeous!
Hey, thanks, Bonnie. I appreciate it. 🙂
Bob, I knew you were pretty awesome but I had no idea just how much so! Wow, I would have guessed you have been birding all your life. You are inspirational and your pictures are absolutely beautiful!
Gosh, Karen, what a lovely compliment. I appreciate all of your kind words. 🙂
That’s simply a wonderful shot of the bullock’s Bob. Nice natural setting, perfect placement on the branch, great head turn with light in the eye. Colors look good and the bird is sharp. Very well done.
Thank you very much, Ron. I finally got lucky again on that shot. I appreciate your compliments. 🙂
Superb shots, Bob! I love the rainy background behind the egret. I don’t doubt your ability to achieve your goal! Don’t let it distract you from enjoying every single shot, though – your love of the birds is what makes your photos special.
Thanks, Jo. I believe you are right on all of the points you mentioned. 🙂
You are amazing and so are your photos! I have no doubt you will reach that centennial with all the US of A birds photographed and blogs to proved it!! You go guy.
Thanks, Beth. I appreciate your kind words of encouragement. 🙂
I believe that birds are the most fascinating and glorious creatures one can paint or photograph. There is a multitude of sizes, shapes and colors, and you have a God given talent to capture them on film..what on for tomorrow? These are just remarkable..
Thank you very much, Syl. Again, I can’t thank you enough for your kind comments. You also, happen to have an amazing God given talent. I love that latest art project that you posted on FB. 🙂
Bob, WOW! I didn’t know we had White-faced Ibis in Texas. (The only Ibis I’ve ever seen, the Scarlet Ibis, are at the San Antonio Zoo.) Beautiful! I also love your Bullock’s Oriole shot. Never seen one of those either. Wow again. Didn’t know where Lake Nasworthy was, so I googled it. Seems like it’s time for a road trip to San Angelo! Cheers, Denise
Hi Denise. The Ibis was migrating and some stop here periodically, but don’t stay long. I appreciate all of your great comments. By all means, come on down, and look us up. We’ll give you the tour. 🙂 Bob
As always you have great pictures Bob! 🙂
Thank you very much, H.J. 🙂
thanks for your wonderful posts and images, i look forward to them, MJ
Thank you very much, M.J.
Bob! You are awesome and I cannot believe you have only been photographing birds for four years! I need to start counting birds i’ve photograph… I can’t believe in four years you’ve seen that many birds! I’ve got to venture out of my backyard. I look forward to the many beautiful bird photographs to come… 🙂
Actually, I have seen that many birds in my lifetime, I only have made a habit of photographing them in the last four years. But, yes, get out of your back yard. There is a whole new world of birds out there. Thanks for the wonderful comment, Polly. 🙂
Beautiful oriole, Bob. Send them this way!
Thank you, Nosajio. 🙂
I’ve been interested in birds my entire life, but I have only been trying to photograph them well for the last few. It takes a lot of patience, that may be why we older folks get into it more. When I was in my twenties, I didn’t have the patience to chase a warbler through a bush for 15 minutes trying to get a clear shot of it. For a rookie, you do a darn fine job! 😉
Thank you, Jerry. I appreciate all of your kind words. Thanks for calling me a rookie. I’ve been a photographer for 40 years, but the birds only the last 4. 🙂