back yard buddies - my first in a long time

I haven't taken any pics since back in April. Finally had the urge, the time and the subjects early this morning so I grabbed the 50D and blew the dust off it and the 300 f/4. Dug out and set up my portable blind. Since it was dark and dreary I also wanted to try my 1000 watt halogen trouble/work light set so I set it up about 8 feet from the perch area to assist with light. The birds seemed leary of the lights at first but it didn't take long for them to warm up to them. Now if I can just remember what all these buttons on the camera are for.....

As usual, c&c always welcome.

House finch or Purple? I have a hard time telling. This one looks like he has a lighter stripe above the eye. Nice shots, btw.

nice shots

Sorry, it's a male house finch. I think my purples are already gone.

Mike....these are wonderful shots.....glad to see you back on here posting again.

That's a fantastic set there Mike. Well done.

(Images are a tad on the small side .... bet they'd look even better, larger)

Matt.

Very nice shots.

wonderful shots Mike

beautiful shots Mike, that light idea is great, don't know why I didn't think of it myself, have to give it a try!
Great Shooting!

BGgraphy wrote in post #11299533
beautiful shots Mike, that light idea is great, don't know why I didn't think of it myself, have to give it a try!
Great Shooting!

Yeah, me too. I got a new halogen work light a few months ago, and have only used it once so far.

Pretty shots Mike, all very nice... love the Titmouse and finch shots... good to see your posts again.

db

Thanks chopper, my purple finches only hang around for about 2 days then they are gone.

Thanks Chris

Sharon, thank you. It felt good to have the camera in my hand again.

Matt, thanks and thanks for the size tip. I just went back and largened them up, they do look better.


Thanks Adam and Munroe, appreciate it.

BG and archer, thanks and be sure to give the lights a try. I just picked mine up for $28 bucks at Big Lots, a two light set mounted on a tri-pod type pole to be used for some wallpapering this winter. They sure put out a lot of light but when you move it outdoors, the light gets used up very quickly. I don't think a single light set will make much difference.

Thanks db, good to be back amongst friends.

Mike you haven't lost your touch, these are excellent shots. That little titmouse is a cute as can be! Nice set!

Fantastic shots, Mike. That appears to be a great setup for you, love the lighting.

Thanks Steve and Stan. Looking foward to capturing and posting a few more soon.