Gambel’s Quail chicks at patio door
Nikon D300, Nikkor AF-S 70-300 @ 300mm, ISO 800, 1/125th second @ f/5.6, hand held
We’ve just started another stretch of unbearable temperatures here in Phoenix, with a high today of 112 degrees and a Heat Warning lasting until at least Sunday (five days from now). So I’m not even considering a trip out to one of my two most visited locations for bird photography, instead doing the sensible thing and hiding inside the house.
But I’ll still be keeping my eyes open for any potential photo opportunities that occur, like thees two shots tyaken on July 1, 2012. On that day one of the family groups of Gambel’s Quail came to the patio door and three of the tiny chicks took the opportunity to peek inside. The quail show a lot of interest in the “inside,” but it is usually juast one or two adults who come by to peer in.
Bert at patio door
Nikon D300, Nikkor AF-S 70-300 @ 95mm, ISO 800, 1/400th second @ f/4.5, hand held
This second image was taken on the same day when Bert (one of our two indoor-only cats) came looking for more patio visitors.
I wish I still had the energy to keep the glass clean, but frankly it is a bit of a strain on my old bones and there’s always nose prints on one side or the other.
Very funny to see the Gambel chicks looking through the glass. We see them everyday in the desert behind our place but they never come up to the patio area. Our cat will sleep by the patio door so she can look out all the time and see her version of the ‘Bird Channel’.
Comment by Jim — August 9, 2012 @ 2:28 pm