A Winter Surprise: Eastern Bluebird’s Visit
As a wildlife photographer based in Arkansas, I find joy in capturing unexpected moments of natural beauty. Recently, I was thrilled when an Eastern Bluebird graced my backyard with its vibrant presence. This brilliant blue bird, standing boldly on a brown tree trunk, offered a stunning contrast with its reddish-brown chest against the backdrop of the winter landscape.
Year-round Residents: Eastern Bluebirds in December
Encountering an Eastern Bluebird in December is a special treat, even though they are fairly common year-round residents in my area. The vivid blue plumage of this small bird becomes even more eye-catching against the muted tones of the winter scenery, adding a splash of color to the seemingly ordinary.
Ready for the Shot: A Wildlife Photographer’s Preparation
Being a wildlife photographer, I always keep my camera nearby, anticipating moments like this. Slowly approaching the bluebird, my camera and telephoto lens ready, I marveled at its wary yet cooperative demeanor. The bird allowed me to get within about 15 feet, providing a rare opportunity to capture the details of its colorful feathers illuminated by the weak December sunlight.
Capturing the Brilliance: A Series of Portraits
In those fleeting moments, I snapped a photo, adjusting my camera settings to ensure the vivid blue head and the transition from reddish-brown chest to a white belly were impeccably captured. The rich blue plumage on the bird’s head seemed to glow in my image, portraying the essence of this brief encounter with nature’s brilliance.
Embracing the Fleeting Beauty
The Eastern Bluebird stayed for only a brief minute or two before gracefully flitting away in search of insects. Despite the brevity of its visit, I managed to capture a beautiful portrait of this splash of blue against the ordinary winter greenery. The images showcase not only the bird’s vivid colors but also the intricate details of its feathers.
A Reminder of Nature’s Splendor
These unexpected sightings in my Arkansas backyard serve as a reminder to always be ready and waiting to capture moments of splendor right outside my own door, even in the cold of winter. While the landscape may seem ordinary, the visit from a brilliant bluebird reinforces the idea that beauty can be found in the most familiar surroundings.
Year-Round Joy of Wildlife Photography
It’s moments like these that fuel my passion for wildlife photography—a year-round joy that brings unexpected beauty to the forefront. As I navigate my familiar winter oaks and pines, I remain grateful for the opportunity to document these transient yet breathtaking scenes, showcasing the extraordinary in the midst of the ordinary.
Gear Used:
- Camera: Canon EOS 7D
- Lens: Canon EF 500 mm f/4L IS
Technical:
- Location: My Backyard (Arkansas)
- Date & Time Taken: December 9, 2011 (11:06 A.M.)
- Aperture Priority
- Aperture: f5.6
- Shutter speed: 1/2000 sec. (as determined by the camera)
- ISO: 400
- Exposure Compensation: 0
- Focal Length: 500 mm