Close-up-Bluejay with Peanut

Very nice shots Karen! All I get around the yard are Scrub Jays.

reewik wrote in post #3209176
Very nice images Karen.

Thanks, Eric. You must be working hard these days, not seeing many posts!
Karen

I'd like to hear what Karen and others do too. I know several people have some sort of backyard setups.[/QUOTE]

Mine is really high tech. I open the kitchen window and removed the screen so it is open to the outside. I blocked the lower part with a large piece of plywood to keep the birds from being able to see me. The upper part I lower the blinds so there is just an 8" slit left. Then set the camera up on a tripod and pull up a chair and wait. As Mitch said, I've had to move feeders several time to get the best angle. Some of the more skittish birds, however are NOT fooled by this setup and fly away.
Karen

Mine use to fly too, especially the Cardinals, but after a few days, they relax somewhat. But right now, I have 4 Chipping Sparrows that come to the feeder only 4 feet outside the window and I can sit there and talk to them while they eat. They are fearless.

Make sure the lights are off behind you. That seems to help here.

Here is what I have set up for those birds that like to approach a feeder.

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I was looking at one of those from Cabela's for my yard this summer. Whats the floor dimensions of that, and is it big enough to put a chair in? The one I looked at is 68" square and 78" tall.

canonloader wrote in post #3209594
I was looking at one of those from Cabela's for my yard this summer. Whats the floor dimensions of that, and is it big enough to put a chair in? The one I looked at is 68" square and 78" tall.

This is a Winchester Model 21 tent. It has a separate floor that isn't sewn-in. It's a good 7' at the peak and is 6' square at the floor. Lots of room for a tripod, chair, and small table. Plenty of room for two people and lots of windows and zippers. This is not a real good shot but maybe it'll help. The only negative is it doesn't have is a rain.

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Thanks for that. I think it's time to order mine.

What a cool setup and I love your house and the location! Looks like you are right in the woods! Wanna sell??????? (house, not tent....)
Karen

canonloader wrote in post #3209430
Mine use to fly too, especially the Cardinals, but after a few days, they relax somewhat. But right now, I have 4 Chipping Sparrows that come to the feeder only 4 feet outside the window and I can sit there and talk to them while they eat. They are fearless.

Make sure the lights are off behind you. That seems to help here.

You're right, the grosbeaks, thrashers and the blue jays were the shyest but now they come right in and stay while I shoot. The cardinals and all the little birds are quite friendly. The yellow finches will hang around even when I go out to fill the feeders! My shutter seems loud on the 20D though, and they will look at the window as if to say,"what IS that noise I keep hearing???"
Karen

The 30D shutter sounds like a dungeon door slamming shut and the birds near and far always look. But, I shoot in burst mode and sometimes you get a unique "second" frame when they are startled from the first one.

Great shots, Karen. --Rick

Lovely bird, lovely shot. And I'm mega-jealous of your hide setup!!

Very nice shot Karen, Blue Jays do like peanuts.

Hmmm, thanx to Mitch, Karen and Mturnbo (sorry I didn`t see a name), I think I will have to have the garden set up in that kind of way. I`ll also put a bit of thought into it like you guys say. again thanx.

Mark