Have you ever REALLY looked...

[gjtoth]

...at a starling? They really are a beautiful bird, eh?

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2105/1940778190_f915856ce7.jpg

[admin]

Are all these from your backyard? You could just set your camera on tripod there and have a new bird photo every day! :)

I wonder what attracts them to the same spot to pose for you?

[gjtoth]

Are all these from your backyard? You could just set your camera on tripod there and have a new bird photo every day! :)

I wonder what attracts them to the same spot to pose for you?

Actually, in my front yard. I've built a feeding station there about 15-18 feet from the window. The only down side is during the afternoon/evening feed, the feeding station goes into the shade of the house. One of the reasons I want to take PP's course is to learn how to overcome dark foregrounds with light background. I'm just now venturing into manual mode and, though I've picked up some tips from forums and books, it's still a bit murky. And, you're right -- I do get SEVERAL new bird photos every day. The longer it remains up and the closer it gets to the dead of winter, the greater the variety I see and the bolder they get. They haven't been spooking lately which gives me time to get to the camera, turn it on, focus and shoot.

Here's a shot of the feeding station from my window (unzoomed)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2103/1957835991_bb7e834e81.jpg