Somebody mentioned to me a few days ago, that I was good at making bird photos into a work of art. I appreciate compliments like that, but it is all in a day’s work. Some days are a bust when I am out looking for good photos. On the other hand, when I have great days, it makes it all worth while. Such was a recent day, when, although the birding was slow, the quality of what little we saw was great.
We were roaming through the local city parks, here in San Angelo. It was cloudy, even a little foggy when we left the house. Our first stop was at Spring Creek Park, but there wasn’t much to see. The birds were in hiding, I guess, because of the dampness. The fog lifted a bit as were were leaving so we headed to Middle Concho Park. The skies brightened then although it stayed cloudy.
It made for nice even lighting. We came upon this Vermilion Flycatcher and he was quite nice to give me some good poses. It looked like we might have a pretty good day after all.
Vermilion Flycatcher
This House Wren was in a brushy area near the water.
House Wren
The most fun of all was seeing this bobcat. In a large open area outside of the park, we had seen two bobcats from a distance. Too far for photos, I was disappointed that I wasn’t able to get photographs. They were both on the run, heading for the brush, so I wouldn’t have been too sucessful anyway. We were beginning to leave the area, when I happened to look to the left into the brush. I was thrilled to see this young Bobcat, laying there looking contented, and staring right at me. It was one of those one-in-a-million chances. I was about 150 feet away. I stopped the car, turned off the engine, and proceeded to take as many photos as I wanted. He didn’t move too much, except for opening and closing his eyes. I surmise he had just finished a sucessful morning hunt, and was resting. Anyway, after getting about 50 exposures, I drove away and let him sleep. As beautiful as he was and I enjoyed watching him, there was nothing to gain by staying. I hate to disturb or agitate any wildlife.
Young Bobcat
After leaving that park, we decided to head for home. However, luck was still with me, and as we rounded a bend in the road, off to the right there was a wetlands area. In a tree overlooking the water was this beautiful Osprey. I drove down the road further, copped a U turn, and came back, driving in the weeds on the left side of the road. I wanted to photograph him from my drivers’ side window.
Osprey
So, anyway, I love days like that, when I turn a lemon into lemonade. But I have been busy since my last post, so here are a few more memorable photos that I have gotten since then.
Lark Bunting
American White Pelicans at O.C. Fisher Lake
Black-throated Sparrow
American Robin – pale adult
Great Blue Heron
That’s all for this post. Now, I would like to mention that Christmas is coming so how about checking out my on-line store. Not only can you get prints of my work in any size, but also home accessories like coffee mugs, tote bags, etc., all featuring my photography. Click on “Bob’s Gallery” at top of this page for more information on how to purchase.
Also, I have several of my 2018 calendars left. They make great stocking stufffers. Click here for info. https://bobzeller.wordpress.com/2017/10/29/my-2018-texas-tweeties-calendar/
Texas Tweeties by Bob Zeller 