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Hello all,
Carolyn has asked that I might share some bird photography techniques and a bluebird housing project that I started this fall. First things first. I have been taking bird photos for the past few years and learned a lot from fellow photographers. When I venture into the woods or a field, I plan on spending at least a few hours. Birds do not take well to strangers and are spooked rather easily. I have found that some sort of camouflage works well (no bright clothes). I try and find a spot that is on the edge of the woods, or in an open area. Most birds tend to congregate close to open areas where safety is at hand.
Another great place for pictures is a local nature center with a bird feeding station. Don't sit inside. Try to find an outside area close to the feeders. If you are patient, you will be rewarded with great shots. The trick is to keep shooting. Once you download the pictures, you can throw out the bad ones. I sometimes shoot 100 pictures, only to keep 5.
This year's project is a bluebird trail at my church. Our grounds are large enough for 5 new BB Boxes, which I have placed around the property at 100 yard intervals. If you can find church property, a park, or other large area, talk to the people in charge and see if they might allow you to do the same.
There are responsibilities that go with the boxes. You must put them at least five feet off the ground, and the poles need predator baffles. Raccoons, snakes and squirrels will attempt to get at the eggs and young. Better no boxes than dead young. The boxes should also be monitored as well. Once the babies fledge, it is a good idea to clean out the old nest as soon as possible. Mom and Dad will begin making a new nest soon after. Blues will produce up to 3 sets of young during a summer.
Other birds may also use the boxes. Be aware though of house sparrows. They are cute, but will chase all other cavity nesters away. Their nests are loosely made of all kinds of junk, including trash. Those nests should be cleaned daily until they move on. Your hopes for native species will disappear quickly if the house sparrows take over.
Tim:)
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