The Painter's Palette

[Maestro]

I have been going through a rather tough time lately. Just life...I will deal with it, but one thing that has helped is finding beauty in Nature and I usually do this through avian photography.

I titled this the painter's palette because to me this bird represents what a white bird that rolled around on a painter's palette would like if it did so. It is called a painted bunting and it is a truly stunning bird in person. And like so many birds, it has suffered about 60% decline in its population primarily due to habitat loss. I don't know about you but I would hate to lose such beauty. Please support your local wildlife conservation group if possible.

They are shy birds. This is how the afternoon started...in the trees looking around cautiously.



Eventually the heat and the desire to drink and cool itself off outweighed its shyness, but once again it needed to survey the area.





Getting a little closer to the stream...



And finally it decides to take the plunge.







These images were taken on a ranch in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. I have another set that I took of either this same bunting or a different one that came back when the sun came out. I'll share those later so I do not overwhelm this thread.

[Haole Girl]

1. Your photography gets better every time I see it

So sorry to hear other things are difficult in your life. I'm glad photography can be an outlet (for lack of a better expression at the moment).

Thank you for sharing these. I love the reflection, on the water, in the last few! All of them are great. :-) :hug:

[Maestro]

4. Thanks so much.

To hear that my photography is improving is a great compliment.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

2. My dear Maestro...

Ah, how often our art gives us a place to recharge and relax! I do the same, though not as well as you do...

And these are so splendid! What an extraordinarily beautiful bird!

Were you using a longer lens? How close to the bird did you get to get these?

Such patience...

And for what an incredible payoff...

Thank you so much for these!

:hug:

[Maestro]

11. Thanks Peggy

Yes, I was using my 500mm. I'd say was about 20-25 feet away, possibly.

[Minimus]

3. Beautiful photos! I would love to see a Painted in person.

Indigo Buntings are what got me started into birding several years ago. Seeing the such beautiful colors in nature is such a pleasure!

[Maestro]

12. I'd love to see an indigo!

I still haven't seen or photographed one of those beauties yet.

[elleng]

5. Lovely.

Please share with the Photography group, too.

:-)

[Swede]

6. Thanks for posting these.

Very nice pix.

[velvet]

7. oh

That is one gorgeous bird, that Painted Bunting. Much joy looking at it. Thank you.

[Flaxbee]

8. Spectacular bird and photos, Maestro.

I, too, really grieve the loss of habitat and wildlife; I honestly don't want to live in a world without all these wonderful creatures.

A good friend of mine is in Australia for a while and she sent me some photos of some truly gorgeous birds - cockatoos, rosellas, bronze pigeons, cat birds and then these stunning rainbow lorikeets. You can no doubt see pics of them online, but if you'd like to see her photos, I'd be happy to send them to you -- the birds are all hanging out on her mom's back deck. If you'd like to see them, PM me your email address.

[AllenVanAllen]

9. Those are wonderful shots

Mrs. VanAllen has always wanted to see one of those in person. This is the next best thing.
Thank you for sharing those! :applause:

[crim son]

10. It strikes me that you've always found strength

in the beauty that surrounds you. You don't need my vibes but I send them anyway, Maestro.

As always, your photos are outstandingly lovely.

[XemaSab]

13. The nonpareil!

The picture where it first gets in the water is MINDBENDING. :D

[Tuesday Afternoon]

14. gorgeous

thanks :hug:

[UTUSN]

15. Besides your TALENT, your skill at being able to navigate in the wilds is ASTOUNDING.

[Inchworm]

16. I love the reflection after it "took the plunge"

Awesome as ever Maestro!!

:yourock: