This time of year means watching a nest box should provide some good photo opportunities.

In the middle of a group of swallow nests this blue bird moved in.

While this is always fun I need to remind myself to be sure I have a monopod with me. Holding up a long 500mm lens for extended periods means as soon as I rest my arms the perfect shot zooms by….and I miss it.

This is a short series capturing the landing of a Mallard. Another one of those simple but interesting photographs. The images below are in sequence, as he landed in a cove. A brighter day would have made for better shots, but this is more about the subject anyway.

It looks almost comical the way he sets his feet to break the fall.

It’s spring, so the obligatory duck photographs begin.

Walking along the Connecticut River was very quiet the other day. I almost didn’t see this bird since the distance was a little further than I would prefer.

Black Capped Chickadee – Click To Enlarge

Considering the distance and light I was OK with these shots.

This is one of those series of images where personal taste and style take over . Wildlife photography, birds in particular, has a basic rule that the subject should be as close as possible. Fill the photograph if you can.

I don’t always agree. Many of my photographs have the subject further away and the surrounding environment just as prominent.

Composition rule of thirds ‘usually’ (not above) is used. I will crop a photo, then pull back until some type perspective is included.

The reeds here made it more interesting, gave a sense of where the bird was, and I even liked the rough texture here.

This bird was just elegant. He floated over us and these 3 shots reminded me of the old story.

Photographed this bird sitting on a small limb over looking the Connecticut River.

From my spot I was able to get close to about 5 vultures. However, even after a few took flight I still could not ID what type. I’m thinking Turkey Vulture by what I remember of the wings as the flew off.