Sometimes you land a big one . . .
I took this photo of a male Eastern bluebird with a skink in its bill several years ago. Originally, it was a landscape shot which cut too close to the top of the bird’s head so I reworked it into portrait mode, changed the background, and added the dry brush filter to give it a different look from the original. So, for those of you who have seen “Bluebird with Skink,” here’s another version of the same shot. Regardless of which version you prefer, you’ve got to give this little bird credit for landing a big one! He astounded me with the catch when he lit on the bluebird box with THIS in his beak for the babies’ lunch, his lunch, or both! What a hunter!
The Eastern bluebird, once endangered, has made a dramatic comeback through the installation of bluebird houses along bluebird trails. These lovely little creatures are cavity nesters whose existence was threatened with the loss of trees through land clearing for development. Today, the bluebird is thriving thanks to the many boxes that have been placed through both private and public endeavors. I have had the pleasure of having these birds inhabit my property for well over ten years now; I look forward to many more years of their neighborly presence.
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HELUA
What a fantastic capture, Bonnie ! Simply beautiful and perfect !!!!
Bonnie T. Barry replied
Thanks so much; I appreciate your comments and encouragement.
Glenda Remaklus
MAGNIFICENT …...............!!!!!! Bonnie this is a sure winner….... love it!
Bonnie T. Barry replied
Thanks, Glenda! I appreciate your words of encouragement.
John Absher
I know I remember this little “skinker” (LOL!!) from a previous lifetime. I believe I have seen a few variations on this shot, have I not??
In any event, your blue bird shots have always been the best Bonnie … and this one is no exception!
Bonnie T. Barry replied
I have been meaning to give this little guy some “head room” as the original shot and the one other variation were just about clipping his noggin. I finally got around to switching from landscape to portrait mode and I much prefer the extra space at the top. Promise I won’t bring him out again. Just the same, thanks for commenting.
Adam Bykowski
Amazing shot. Just amazing.
Bonnie T. Barry replied
Thank you, Adam; I thought the hunting ability was astounding; I didn’t know bluebirds could land such a catch!
kimbeaux1969
wow, great shot. Poor little lizard thing.
beautiful bird and capture.
Love
Kimbeaux
Bonnie T. Barry replied
Unfortunately, the poor skink did get the raw end of the deal! Thank you for looking at the photo and leaving a kind word.
Maria Dryfhout
WOW! this is just the perfect moment.
Would make a great dinner invitation card… a twist of humor.
You Are Invited For Dinner Saturday Night…
Bonnie T. Barry replied
Maria, you have the best sense of humor. That would be a very different kind of dinner invitation, one my quirky son would probably love to send. Thanks for viewing the photo and leaving a kind word.
emele
That is an amazing shot!
Bonnie T. Barry replied
I’m glad you like it; I thought it was a great way to emphasize the amazing ability hunting ability of a small songbird.
Carolyn Staut
So exquisite in every way. It is a fantatic moment you caught but I am especially taken with the eye of the bird. Gorgeous composition…........uh oh, I hear the Audubon Soc calling you!
Bonnie T. Barry replied
Thanks, Carolyn. You always say the most encouraging things. I appreciate your kindness and support.
John Absher
Reading your response Bonnie, hope you didn’t misunderstand the intent of my comment about having seen some variations of this guy before … nothing wrong with creativity and trying various presentations … especially with as outstanding and unique a shot as this one. This is one of the kinds of shots I expect to see in one of those cool nature slide shows that circulate the internet and come through my mailbox from time to time. I would get as much mileage as possible out a shot like this!!
Bonnie T. Barry replied
No problem, John! I always appreciate your point of view. Thanks for taking the time to leave kind words as always.
coffeetea
excellent capture!
Bonnie T. Barry replied
Thanks! I appreciate the supportive words and the time it took to view the photo and write an encouraging message.
Krys Bailey
That IS a big catch for a little bird! Bravo on the picture mods! I sometimes crop the photos a little too tight at the top (especially when squeezing the photo into my 400mm lens) and have to “extend” the borders a little! :o) Love your new avatar!
Bonnie T. Barry replied
Thanks, Krys! Not so sure how to extend borders so I had to resort to the only method I understand in my rudimentary efforts! I appreciate your comments, always kind and supportive, and thanks for the compliment on the new avatar. I seldom show my face so this is a new thing for me! God bless!
Troy W. Smith
Awesome shot, WOW! You have some amazing work .
Babcia
Great shot!
photogenic
great shot. well done.
Michael Oubridge
What a fabulous bird well captured :)
Karen Scrimes
Simply awesome!!!!!
Larry Trupp
Bonnie this so awesome, just love this pretty image, Commendable work and masterfully done…inst fave
Quinn Blackburn
Beautiful capture of this tiny Teacher
:) wishing you laughter
lorilee
Wow – - – nice catch!!!!!!
Blair Wainman
Oh my goodness!!! Bonnie, this is fantastic! What a catch that is…yours and his!
Larry Trupp 26 days ago
Hi Bonnie, you have now been declared a shared winner of our latest challenge
Larry Trupp 26 days ago
leystan 5 days ago
great shot.