wildlife in the COVID era

[Doug Herr]

In December I was exposed to the virus and a few days later developed mild symptoms (which stayed mild and were very brief) so I self-quarantined for a couple of weeks; this presented me with a challenge, how much wildlife photography can I do in my yard?

I have a semi-permanent blind near the birdbath and feeding station where I spent many hours watching the activity.

 

[Doug Herr]

while trimming trees on my property I noticed a limb with gorgeous lichen growth and said to myself 'this would be an awesome prop in the backyard Avian Portrait Studio'

 

[Asher Kelman]

So, Doug, what induced the birds to drop by?

What’s the time frame of this amazingly successful project?

Asher

 

[Asher Kelman]

How long can the lichen stay alive? Does this variety need the branch to be alive?

Asher

 

[Doug Herr]

So, Doug, what induced the birds to drop by?

What’s the time frame of this amazingly successful project?

Asher

I bribed them! I drilled a pocket into the Lichen Log which I stuff with treats. I suspect the lichen will last a good long time, at least until warmer weather. I don't think it depends on the tree for much more than a place to cling to.

The time frame is mid-December through January 19.

 

[Asher Kelman]

What are the treats: bread crumbs or insects?

Asher

 

[Asher Kelman]

To what extent are these different species alienated from one another? Do they at least try to mate or are not attracted?

They seem rather close in size, but I guess to the birds each is a foreign devil!

Asher

 

[Doug Herr]

What are the treats: bread crumbs or insects?

Asher

Suet attracts the biggest variety of species. The sparrows and most of the finches like it as well as the jays, nuthatches and wrens. I tried black thistle seed (a goldfinch favorite) to lure them onto the Lichen Log but the White-crowned Sparrows dominated the thistle.

 

[Doug Herr]

To what extent are these different species alienated from one another? Do they at least try to mate or are not attracted?

They seem rather close in size, but I guess to the birds each is a foreign devil!

Asher

Hybridization is rare but is occasionally seen in the wild. Most of the time different species are incompatible if not biologically then their habits and habitats differ enough that they don't cross-breed.

 

[Winston Mitchell]

Doug,

A beautiful set.

 

[Asher Kelman]

Let’s look at the wren today.

Its shape is almost globular, it’s white collar fits aptly.

imagine drawing it in a few strokes.

​

A strikingly handsome bird in a well crafted photograph.

Asher

 

[Maggie Terlecki]

These are great! I don't have much experience photographing birds but sometimes get some small ones like you show here (although not as well taken) in my back yard. Very cool!

 

[Deleted member 55]

Greetings Doug.

Simply gorgeous ity bity birds.

How far away were you & what gear did you use?

 

[James Lemon]

while trimming trees on my property I noticed a limb with gorgeous lichen growth and said to myself 'this would be an awesome prop in the backyard Avian Portrait Studio'

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This is an amazing collection of birds!!

 

[Asher Kelman]

Yes, Doug’s portfolio is exceptional and represents a devotion and patience over many years!

Asher