Northern Flicker in my Yard Today

Amazing camouflage!

Two New Visitors Today

I was so surprised to look out and see the red flash! A Downy Woodpecker arrived and hung around until I could get my camera! (I have envied my Minnesotian friends who have so many throughout the winter!) And, by the way, it is Jayne's recipe that kept him interested! :) This first picture was taken through my window - I figured one shot through a window was better than none. Then I opened the window, and sure enough, he flew into the trees. I don't know how far the trees are from my kitchen window or how high up he flew, but believe me, it is far! Wondering what kind of photo I could get at that distance, I shot - leaning my body against the window casing.

"Not bad," I thought!
When I looked back at the feeders, to my greater delight...

the first pine sisken of the year!

They are so cute!

Yesterday, a northern flicker was in the yard for about 5 seconds. How handsome they are in flight!

I've been buried in studies and loving every word and assignment, but, not much time for blogging, I'm afraid. I am thankful to catch the few moments today to enjoy taking pictures of new birds. But, I'd better hit the books, now!

Hope all is well with everyone!

Pray for the people of Haiti

7.0 earthquake, Tuesday afternoon

Coy...

Coy - "...artfully or affectedly shy or reserved."

(photo by Diane Nelson: Canon+250mm lens
1/4/2010 -unedited except for cropping)

WHOOOO - HOOOOO!

Once upon a time, one year ago, I took the above photo. It was a sunny day, believe it or not, and I remember being pleased (somewhat) with the photo. I want to say that I had a love/hate relationship with my Canon Power Shot A430 (big name for a little point and shoot). You all cheered me on and, I am thankful for the photos I could get with it (but was never totally happy with them).

Well today....

Oh yeah! It was even raining at the moment I took these shots!

I was having a blast getting the first shots with the Canon Rebel with 250mm lens - I couldn't get the flash card into the computer fast enough!

I LOVE IT! ! ! WOW! These pictures are only cropped - no other editing - I am absolutely thrilled! So, now begins the fun!

ps. Just thought you would like to know, that based on my success last quarter, which you all were a part of (official grade - 4.0 in Eng.101), I got brave and registered for two classes this quarter - Art101 and Psychology101 - both online. Thank you all for cheering me on! Boy! I just thought, it is it going to be difficult to focus on studies with this camera sitting on my desk! (no pun intended)

A Penny For Your Thoughts

I was reading in a magazine last night that you can keep algae from growing in your birdbath if you put a few pre-1982 pennies in it. It said that the high copper content "retards growth."

What say ye?