My backyard paradise is normally secluded. It’s taken a pandemic for families to take a break from their devices, venture outdoors for a stroll around the private neighborhood lake as each person learns to cope during the age of social distancing… The good news is kids are discovering fishing and skipping rocks…






This hen is nesting nearby. I’m hoping for the best but between the snakes and ospreys, her efforts are likely in vain…



This drake is helping the hen guard the nest


Without a doubt, the best fishing machine on the lake today…

Godspeed~

Blue Moon

Very cool

Great picture and camera works. The Drake almost looks painted. Amazing detail and boque (sp). Thanks

Do you have painted buntings in your area....my wife said we had one in the backyard yesterday....

Neat birds...

Your skills are amazing....

Great pics!

Many thanks for the kind words. Male Painted Buntings are especially gorgeous. Very much worth getting the binoculars out for a look. They are finch-like small so you have to get close to get a good image or even a good look. To see the colors try to keep the sun at your back.

I was lucky and one landed nearby when I was shooting at our place in the Pinewoods. You can find them in Texas during the spring. E-Bird is a great resource for finding specific birds in your local area and also for posting your own bird counts. This is a great a time for people to pull out the field guides and count backyard birds as a healthy alternative instead of watching the news...

Here’s a shot of a male Painted Bunting I took at our place in the Pineywoods -



Godspeed ~

Blue Moon

I see them all the time....looks like a rainbow fluttering through the brush....

Awesome picture....

Very nice!

Awesome pics,,wow.

Should have been shooting that Cormorant with something other than a camera.

Wow that's cool.

professional

Thanks again. Here's another rendering from the backyard pond.