Northern Mockingbird (Please View Larger)

Thanks for taking the time to view, comment/critique rate and, allowing

me the opportunity to share!

 

I do hope you choose to view the larger version.

 

This is not cropped and required very little post processing.

 

I will get the story of how I was able to get so close in the comments

section just after I post for critique.

This is one wild subject that I did sort of get to pose for me!

 

Thanks again,

Jim j.

This is the first of a series of shots of this Mocking Bird that I plan to work up and post as soon as I can get them done.

 

In a way, I actually got this guy to pose for me!

 

Here's my story, . . .

 

This evening with Thunderstorms in the forecast, I packed up my gear and headed for my favorite spot to try for the ideal storm shot. (Sequoyah State Park near Hulbert Oklahoma) 

After I arrived at my destination I mounted my EF 50mm f/1.4 and mounted the rig on the Tripod, did some preliminary settings in anticipation for a late afternoon/evening of shooting in hopes of a distant Thunderstorm or, at least a decent Sunset.

 

Now a jump back to last Spring. . . .

 

Last Spring I had used the "Voice Recording" application on my smart phone to make some "bird recordings" from the back yard. I have made several including some singing Robins, Blue Jays, Cardinals, Woodpeckers and anything else that wanted to "Sing in the Springtime in our back yard." I made 3 different recordings of a Mocking Bird. And if you've never heard one you would be amazed at the variety of calls they produce.

 

Now jumping back to this afternoon . . .

 

Anyway, as I sat there waiting for "something to happen" I spotted this Mocking Bird in a near by tree.

Got out my cell phone and started playing one of the short 37 second recordings from last year.

The Mocking Bird flew right at me and landed just a few feet away and started calling.

After about 10 minutes I thought maybe I should change the lens back to my 100-400. He was getting close but the 50mm just wouldn't do.

When I would play the recording, he would listen, then just start singing away all the while getting more and more comfortable with my presence in his environment.

I could walk around slowly getting him in position almost anywhere I wanted him!

 

Long story short, . . . I did get a few good shots and will post when I have them processed but, this is one of the better full body shots.

The attached image is this Mocking Bird listening to the recording on my cell phone.

 

I wish there was a way to share the entire experience, . . . it was really a joy to watch and hear all that Spring Singing!

 

Thanks again for taking the time to view and read my story!

 

Cheers always,

Jim j.

Good one James.

Jim, this is a great shot of a mocking bird.  And, I like your story of how you were able to get a shot.  Lots of these birds around my place in Texas and I still like to photograph them when possible.  But be careful...They are very protective of eggs in their nest during the springtime.  Years ago when I was still jogging, one hit me in the back as I ran to close to a tree that held her nest. 

Very good catch Jim! I enjoy reading your story and it confirms my observation that I need a bird call device to get better, closer, more exciting birdshots. TFS!

Very,very good image with this bird,I like the story too and is so good when life offer us so simply nice moments.

kind regards

A great story and a great shot Jim. Very nice separation from BG and really sharp details as well.

BR,

Holger

Such a beautiful capture!! Excellent lighting, detail, beautiful soft background. Lovely story to go along with it. I never thought of recording the sounds of birds singing. I know that when I am out gardening and have some music on, the birds seem to start singing and often come nearer!! Love this one Jim!!!

First off, . . . many thanks for your visits and encouraging comments!

 

Jim, . . .Glad you enjoyed the story and the view! . . . many thanks!

 

Bill, . . .One of my earliest memories when I was somewhere between 4 and 5 years old was finding a baby Robin that had fallen out of the nest in our yard. Well, . . . not knowing any better when I picked that baby up, . . . Momma Robin got pis*ed! My Mother tells me that she remembers watching me make about 3 trips around the house screaming for help as the Momma Robin was attacking the back of my head! I think I still have bad dreams about that! LOL!

 

Tm J, . . .I use two forms of "electronic caller's" one being the Voice Recording App." on my phone. Last year I started recording and labeling the different birds while sitting in the yard and when I was afield when possible.

I do also have a small "Stewarts Game Caller" that I purchased about three years ago from either Bass Pro or Cabela's for less than $30.00.

It's preloaded with several "distress" calls including; Baby Bird, Cottontail, Rodent, Puppy Cries, Woodpecker and a couple of others that I can't recall off the top of my head. (That old age memory thing!) What I really like about it is that it has a remote that has about a 100' range and works quite well!

Years ago I did a considerable amount of Varmit hunting and became efficient in using a mouth call of a Cottontail Rabbit in distress for Coyotes and Bobcats. It's use was also quick to call in Crows, Hawks, Owls and other "prey hunting" critters.

Although the critters will get wise to the call quickly, it does provide some closer encounters and opportunities we might otherwise not get!

Oh, . . . and their absolutely useless for Osprey, Herons or Bald Eagles, . . . No known "fish distress" calls on the market! LOL!

 

Radu, . . .Glad to hear from you and, that you enjoyed the visit!

 

Holger, . . .The Mockingbird here was perched on the BBQ Grill near the covered Park Pavilion that I was in and yes, there was alot of distance from the subject to the surrounding trees, grass etc., etc..

This is the best background I've ever gotten with the 100-400. I've always tried to get the "separation from subject" as much as I could, but rarely achieve it.

 

Gail, . . .I too like and enjoy the sounds of Birds Singing! That's part of what keeps me afield with my Camera!

You too might consider a different beat of music to record and listen to when you're working in the garden!

Hint, . . . Keep your Camera close by!

 

Again, thanks to you all!

Cheers & Regards always,

Jim j.

A very nice image of this beautiful bird , I like the contrast with the blurred background, very interesting the story about this image, ciao Giangiorgio

Many thanks for your visit!

Glad to hear that you enjoyed the view here!

 

Regards always,

Jim j.