An All-new Year begins……..

Well, this is my first blog post of the new year 2017.  Some new photos plus some news about my latest venture, my ‘on-line store’ with Fine Art America.  Actually, a website where you can purchase everything from prints to coffee mugs, all featuring my photography of birds and landscapes.  You can also click the link under Bob Zeller’s Gallery in the side bar.  On the website, in the upper corner, there is a discount code that you may wish to partake of.  So, I am very excited about that.  It is a work in progress, as I will be adding photographs almost daily.  For you birders, you may wish to start a collection of bird coffee mugs.

Besides that, I have been busy getting into the field for more bird photo opportunites.  Here are a few that I captured since the New Year Weekend.

We began at Spring Creek Park early in the morning.  This Black-crowned Night Heron was slowly waking up.

Black-crowned Night Heron – 1/750 sec. @f6.3, +0.7 EV, ISO 2000.

We finally were able to spot a Red-breasted Nuthatch high in a tree.

Red-breasted Nuthatch – 1/1250 sec. @ f6.3, +0.7 EV, ISO 2500.

A male Belted Kingfisher resting on a high line overlooking the water, occasionally diving for the water in an attempt to grab an unsuspecting fish.

Belted Kingfisher – 1/1250 sec. @ f22, ISO 2500

An Eastern Phoebe perched on a branch, resting for a moment before taking off again.

Eastern Phoebe – 1/1250 sec. @ f11, ISO 1000.

I love these colorful Spotted Towhees.  This one at Middle Concho Park.  They stay on the ground most of the time, scratching in the leaves and grass.

Spotted Towhee – 1/1000 sec. @ f6.3, ISO 640.

I got very lucky with this Great Kiskadee as he landed on a branch only about 15 feet away.  They are usually pretty rare here in San Angelo. However, three or four arrived here in late September and seem to have found a home.

Great Kiskadee – 1/640 sec. @ f6.3, ISO 125.

I finally got an American Kestrel stop long enough at San Angelo State Park for a photo.  They usually just sit just long enough for me to stop, get my camera off of my lap, and aim.  Moments later, before I can press the shutter, off they go again.

American Kestrel – 1/1000 sec. @ f7.1, ISO 160

Another quick and fast tiny bird is the Ruby-crowned Kinglet.  This one made several quick stops and I was ready.  It was a bonus to catch the little red crown.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet – 1/1000 sec. @ f7.1, ISO 640.

I guess that is all for this post.  I do hope that you will check out my Fine Art America website.  Any proceeds that I earn help me pay for the expenses of keeping up the blog, plus Ann and I can eat for another week. 🙂

Happy Birding!!!