“The call of the wild”

We here in San Angelo have been blessed with a nice mild winter thus far.  I, myself, feel blessed that I have been able to go out almost daily if I choose, to enjoy nature in it’s finest.  Ann and I enjoy doing our birding and photography in the open, getting photos of birds in their natural habitat, such as this Marsh Wren, flitting in the reeds and cat-tails.

Marsh Wren

I don’t mind if the bird is not completely shown.  The main purpose, though, is to make sure the eyes of the subject are sharp.  If they are the photo works great.  As you can see in the above photo, the reeds and twigs are completely blurred and are not distracting.  Another example, is this Carolina Wren.  Personally I love the setting of the bird in it’s natural habitat.

Carolina Wren

Yet, so many photographers that do enjoy photographing birds prefer sitting in a blind, along side a half dozen other people, all dressed up in their camo clothes.  All shooting the same subjects, getting the same shots, on birds that are all posed on permanent or imitation logs or assorted bird feeders.  You can look at their portfolios of their pics, seeing all familiar poses.  On top of all that, they pay, yes pay up to 200.00 for a session.  Not for me. But for some, this the only way that they can get their photographs, and I have no problem with that.

If you are unable to get out in the wild, or disabled in some way it is a wonderful way to get to shoot photographs.  Don’t misunderstand me.  I am not knocking this method of getting wildlife photos.  I am guilty myself.  There is a blind at San Angelo State Park.  Around ten years ago, when I was getting into birding, I even volunteered to maintain it.  Since Ann and I live a mere three miles away, we went out daily to put feed out, clean the windows, trim the grass, and empty the trash.

Now, although I visit the park on a regular basis, I very rarely use the blind.  I have probably been in it only a couple of times the past year.  By the way, it is free.  No charge.  Keep your money in your pocket.  I just roam the areas in and around San Angelo.  Several park areas near our three lakes and/or rivers.  All so I can get photos of wildlife in natural settings.

Some photos from my last post.

Great Egret

Blue Jay

Song Sparrow

Northern Cardinal – female

I hope no photographer’s feelings were injured during the making of this rant.  The opinions presented here are of mine, Bob Zeller, only. 🙂

Until the next post, HAPPY BIRDING!!