Aspiring 'Birder' : introduction & (2) photos

Hello friends.
My name is Mike, and I've been admiring the spectacular bird photographs on this sub-forum since I joined the board.
Now that I'm retired, I have time to pursue this aspect of my photographic hobby, and am trying to acquire the minimum of equipment and skills to gain your acceptance.

C &C is always welcome. Please be kind.
At this point, I only have the birds that venture into my suburban yard to practice with.

The European Starlings and Robins deserve the same respect as the mighty Eagles.

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Nice shots, but that's a European Starling, instead of a Grackle.

I'm a fairly newbie as well so thought I would say howdy & good job on your robin shot Mike. Look out... this bird photography stuff can be addictive. lol

canonloader wrote in post #5606503
Nice shots, but that's a European Starling, instead of a Grackle.

Oops ........... I'll study the bird I.D. books more closely next time.
Thanks for the correction, and the compliment.

paintmblak wrote in post #5606554
I'm a fairly newbie as well so thought I would say howdy & good job on your robin shot Mike. Look out... this bird photography stuff can be addictive. lol

Thank you, kindly. I've already learned that a bird photographer must embrace patience, and I'm hoping that my wife turns a blind-eye toward the Credit Card bill !

Welcome Mike. Love your photo of the American robin. You'll find that everyone is very friendly here and full of excellent advice if you ask. I look forward to more photos - keep them coming!

SacMac wrote in post #5606690
Welcome Mike. Love your photo of the American robin. You'll find that everyone is very friendly here and full of excellent advice if you ask. I look forward to more photos - keep them coming!

Thank you, kind madam.
I love the international flavor of the POTN forums.

Like others have said...welcome to the forum and be careful...it's addicting but oh so relaxing.

Look forward to seeing more. Oh yeah, love the Robin photo.

Welcome Mike and don't worry about equipment...what you have is fine, until you determine you just have to have a 500 These are good shots and I really like the classic pose of the robin. Keep them coming!!

Duane N wrote in post #5606828
Like others have said...welcome to the forum and be careful...it's addicting but oh so relaxing.

Look forward to seeing more. Oh yeah, love the Robin photo.

Thanks for the welcome, Duane N.
I think that "addicting" might be another word for 'expensive', but it certainly combines two entertaining pursuits.

sugarzebra wrote in post #5606833
Welcome Mike and don't worry about equipment...what you have is fine, until you determine you just have to have a 500 These are good shots and I really like the classic pose of the robin. Keep them coming!!

Thank you, my Canadian friend.
If I feel the impulse for a 500mm, I'd better find a good divorce lawyer !

I have another photo of a Robin snagging a juicy worm......but my wife declared that photo "Yucky".

Welcome and nice job on these!

KAC

kenyc wrote in post #5608477
Welcome and nice job on these!

KAC

Thanks kenyc.
I just checked out some of the shots in the 'nature' folder of your Photo Gallery. WOW - nice ! I hope to have as many 'captures' as you, someday.
I have a special attraction to Hummingbirds, and loved the BroadTailed capture in your Gallery.

hammer418 wrote in post #5608596
Thanks kenyc.
I just checked out some of the shots in the 'nature' folder of your Photo Gallery. WOW - nice ! I hope to have as many 'captures' as you, someday.
I have a special attraction to Hummingbirds, and loved the BroadTailed capture in your Gallery.

Thanks. I have only seen a few hummingbirds around here and got lucky with that one at one of the nearby lakes. I've had a feeder up for the last two years, (nectar changed frequently) but still none here.

KAC