The Five Generals

I don't know why, but male Gold Finches have always reminded me of army Generals. Maybe its because of the black patch on their head - suggesting a cap of some kind, or the striped pattern on their wings that look like stripes on a uniform? Regardless, my heart always flutters when I see them around.
This year I seem to see them more than ever. In the past, I was happy to see them at feeders, but now, it seems I see them frequently in the trees. It was enchanting this spring to watch them in among pink or white blossoms! I am also noticing them flying around - even when I'm driving! They just catch my eye :)
Six years ago, when we moved into this house, there were quite a few gold finches that nested in the hedges around our lot. But, it seemed they disappeared after that. I was very happy to see that the gold finch couple I posted about on May 5th had stayed around, built a nest and are at the feeders regularly.
But, today! ! ! ! ! You know, sometimes only God knows how much we need a sweet surprise and today was one of those days for me. I had come out to the kitchen after a phone call and I couldn't believe my eyes! There were FIVE Generals at the feeders - in full uniform and looking very sharp indeed! ! !
I had to take the photo from inside the window, because I didn't want to scare them away. You can see the tail feathers of the 5th one behind the tube feeder on the left and then one flew away before I could get the 2nd shot. It is a really long shot with a really minimal camera - but, I had to try and share this sweet surprise with you.

Lenses

I thought all of you 'Lens Lovers' would appreciate a couple of highlights from the current
National Geographic.The quotes are from the article "Cosmic Vision;"

"When you start stargazing with a telescope, two experiences typically ensue. First, you are astonished by the view -- Saturn's golden rings, star clusters glittering like jewelry on black velvet, galaxies aglow with gentle starlight older than the human species -- and by the realization that we and our world are part of this gigantic system.
Second, you soon want a bigger telescope."

"The telescope doesn't just show you what's out there;
it impresses upon you how little you know."

It seems to be the 'norm' with the people that the more we know, the more we want to know; be it from earth to the farthest reaches of the universe, or from the smallest things we can see with our naked eye to the microscopic. Its incredible to live in this day when lenses of all kinds help us see beyond ourselves into realms that are seemingly infinite.
In birding, photography is one of the biggest insatiable desires. "Capture that bird!" It has opened up a whole new appreciation in me for the 'distance lens'. Now, you can get that photo without having to be right next to the bird - in fact, you can be quite a distance away and the photo will be incredible in quality!
Oh the wonders of science! Its a great temptation for me to 'upgrade' - but for now, I'm going to be still. I know that someday, the right day, I will have better equipment. But, I am also aware that even then, I may not be satisfied - I will want the lens that reaches farther, captures a wider view or focuses faster.
I can surely appreciate the beautiful photos I see on your blogs! Continue to have fun because that's really what this is all about! :)

Quote for Today

Hold fast to dreams
for if dreams die
life is a broken winged bird
that cannot fly
Langston Hughes
American Writer, Poet, Essayist
1902-1067

I BACK ! ! !

Hello Everybody,
I'm back! I was away for a week in May to have a bit of a rest, and on my way home, tore my triceps muscle which really made me rest for another week! And then, I had to ship my computer off for repairs and was without my 'window to the outside world' for more than a week! ! !
But, all is well now, and I was happy to have taken these photos last week, even though I couldn't post them at the time.
I was sitting in my kitchen and enjoyed watching a parent robin and this little fledgling on the lawn. This little baby was adorable and so very noisy too! ! !

I love the springs of baby down that is still peeking out from under real feathers!

I don't know how in the world this baby every got up in the air again!

I hope all is well with all of you too - I've been catching up on your posts and enjoying them very much. Have a great week end and hope you see some sweet bird moments!