I am really enjoying your course and this was my favorite video so far, very relaxed and natural. Looking forward to more....Thanks

I sat outside of my house near the bird feeder and a fountain where birds like to wash and drink.  When I set out some suet and black sunflower seeds, at least half a dozen chickadees, both chestnut-backed and black-capped came over immediately.  They are not shy at all, and will sometimes scold me when no seed is out.  I sat for a while, waiting for other visitors- a house finch and a spotted Towhee came by.  But suddenly a female Downey woodpecker came by, but wouldn't stay when she spotted me.  She retreated to a branch and waited for me to go away, so I obliged.

I chose to simply observe birds at a sit spot in my yard. I experienced some initial difficulties for myself sitting still but just like the birds became accustom to my presence after about 15 minutes I too soon adjusted to just sitting and observing them. I found it relaxing and uniquely informative to just observe with my binoculars without the goal of getting a good shot. I feel like I was able to learn about bird behavior in an interactive, flowing and narrative manner rather than in bits and pieces. I definitely want to use "sit spots " as part of my regular practice and do see the value they hold in becoming a good photographer. I observed that sometimes birds take their birdseed from the feeder to the tree limbs up above to eat it right away and other times they take it back to locations farther from the birdfeeder, it seems to correlate with the size/value of the food they got from the feeder (seeds get eaten right away vs. peanuts get flown off elsewhere). I also observed how a downy woodpecker struggled to gain his turn at the feeder while a female Downy seemed to soon lost interest in waiting for him to have success grabbing her a snack. Nearby, hummingbirds were jousting for territory at their feeder and it was hard to tell if anyone reigned superior there as all three Ruby-throated Hummingbirds looked the same to me.      

I like to do backyard photography, but the main problem I have is too many starlings.  I don't mind having one or two appear, but they seem to travel in large packs (10-20)  and can take over the feeders, especially the open feeders.  I've done some experimenting to figure out what foods they don't like (peanuts in shell and safflower).   I've also done things like cut the pegs of the feeders shorter to make it harder for them to perch for long periods of time.  I like to use mealworms for Bluebirds, and had to build a special feeder with small holes to the starlings can't get in so easily. Does anyone have any tips on how to prevent the starling invasions? I was able to get some good Bluebird photos this year.  Even got a few of the babies!  I would go out every morning with mealworms, then sit and wait. Eventually, they got used me (or maybe they figured out I was their meal ticket!), and I was able to get fairly close.   Mama on guard: Feeding time: Someone is still hungry!

I chose a sit spot by a lake at a park that I’ve been to a couple times now. I’ve captured photos from this spot before, but never stayed for 30 minutes. One of my favorite discoveries in previous trips was the Northern Rough-winged Swallows and Barn Swallows that swoop over the lake surface and occasionally take a dip in it. Both species were there this time, and the usual suspects were on or by the water: Common Yellowthroat, Mallard, Pied-billed Grebe with chicks, Green Heron and Great Blue Heron.   But by staying in the same spot for 30 minutes, I was able to make a few additional observations. The two Green Herons I had seen on previous visits were frequently flying back and forth over the lake (which also provided more opportunities to capture a shot of them in flight), and to one spot in particular. Upon closer inspection I realized there were three juvenile green herons tucked away across the lake! Too far for my 350mm lens to capture good photos, but enough to ID them.   Additionally, after being there for some time, I noticed more activity in the bushes nearby me, and used the Merlin's Sound ID. I found that there was a juvenile Dark-Eyed Junco perched nearby. Then, even closer to me, I discovered a juvenile Orange-Crowned Warbler. While I was observing and photographing it, one of the parents landed next to it with food in its bill and fed it to its young! Unfortunately the angle wasn’t great for a photo, but it was still a wonderful moment to witness up-close, which I would have been much less likely to see had I not been stationary for so long.

I took this picture at my home. This goldfinch came to my feeder and i did not invade his space. Keeping a respectful distance from the bird ensured he did not get scared and gave him respect. Because of this i was able to take this picture.

I have a local hot spot that has settling ponds, and one day I founds eight White Pelicans had arrived and learned they visit annually, some migrate south while others hang out for a while.  I was hoping to see them again and walked the trail around two of the ponds and did not see one.  There is a third pond, so I was heading there and much to my surprise right before me were these two pelicans about seven feet in front of me.  I immediately stopped and started shooting, I slowly backed up and they continued their sun bath.  What a wonderful treat! I have a number of sit spots that have allowed me to observe and photograph birds. At my feeders I often sit and read ou loud  while waiting for the birds to get comfortable  They are always aware of me looking at them but if I spend time sketching or reading they eventually just go about their business.  I even have a few that will call me out when the food is gone.

We sat for quite a while at Dean's Cove on Cayuga Lake because we could hear the Kingfisher chattering.  He finally lit on a branch a ways away from me, but I didn't want to move to scare him away.  We have been back a number of times and he was there.  Very exciting. I am happiest with this catch.  We sat in one of the back driveways at Sampson State Park and just sat for over a half hour, listening  and watching.  I was watching out the passenger side and my husband tapped my leg and showed me that the Cedar Waxwings had flown into the trees on his side of the car.  I was able to get this shot out his window.  I had never seen one in person before and it was so thrilling to capture them on film.

It could be said that living in the middle of a big city, full of people, cars, and pollution would mean not been able find birds to watch. But that is simply not true. Cities can be full of magnificent birds. The only chance I have in my apartment to put a feeder is on the ledge of my window. So I put it, along with a water fountain. The ledge its around 15 cm wide, but is enough for sparrows, Mexican finches, grackles, hummingbirds, and curve-billed thrasher to come. Turns out really satisfactory to observe the different behavior of each species. Also, to realize that each individual has his/her own personality. For instance, I have seen sparrows that fly away when Mexican finches arrive, and others that fight against them for their space. Doves are less nervous than the rest of birds, so walk around with certain disdain, as the queens of the place (until the grackles arrive). Usually I put food on the ledge two times per day, with Germanic punctuality. When the exact hour is close, it is possible to watch birds waiting for their meal in the trees around (they also guard punctuality). Almost always they perch to wait on the same branches –and fly away to the same direction when they feel threatened. By observing them, I came to the conclusion that in the same way that I learn about them, they learn about me. For instance, I know where to look for them at exact point within the day, but they also know that when I go out through the window it’s because I’m about to spread seeds for them. And they know that when I sit to eat (my table is just by the windows) something will go for them as well (also seeds).

I was at a lake hidden in the treeline,  looking for water fowl.  As I stood there, a mixed flock of small birds overtook my position.  It was January and the flock included dark eyed juncos, golden crowned kinglets, and a brown creeper.  I switched gears and started photographing tiny birds up close instead of water fowl at a greater distance across a lake.  They stayed around me for a couple of minutes.  This is an example of taking opportunities and knowing your camera settings well enough that you can change them quickly.  Golden crowned kinglet, Taylor County, WV, January 2022

I always think of Henry D Thoreau & Mary Oliver while I sit quietly & invisible in my spots. Magical moments with avian encounters. I took the attached Juvenile Black-throated Green Warbler while sitting listening & watching at the tree line on my property in VT looking toward the shore. This bird is so super adorable! Every time I look at it I can't help but smile. Another favorite spot during the summer months while monitoring our Loon pair I lose time with them for hours just being present lying on the dock & shooting. In full respect for the species most of my Loon shots are taken from my dock. There are too many people that attempt to get photos of these magnificent animals in kayaks eager to get close capture the chicks yet unaware that they are causing distress with the parents exhibiting threatened posture & vocalizations. As a Loon Project Citizen Scientist, Naturalist & Volunteer for Wildlife with the local University/Fish & Wildlife I have learned to calmly help to build awareness & educate in these situations.....sometimes it takes a lot to remain calm. I know these animals so well with full respect that it is hard sometimes to see other humans so unaware. Thank you so much Melissa for your guidance & big focus on the need for respect & ethical bird photography.  

I like to sit spot a lot. Because whenever I am walking or moving about I see that I disrupt or scare the birds, but once I sit still for 15-30 minutes they start to come back and do their own thing. Some I have gotten really good shots from doing, and other times I was not so lucky. I always make sure to give the birds distance and be respectful of them when I am taking pictures. The tips learned in this lesson have been helpful and I plan to use them. One thing, is I have never used my car as a blind. I do think I should try it though. Not only was there a whole video about it but I know of other photographers that do it as well and they get some good pictures. I just have to find places with roads that are not very frequented.

I don't have too many sit spots around home because it's so urbanised (tend to see the same birds over and over again). However, I love to sit in the Botanical Gardens, near Lagoa. I dragged my hubby out of the house last weekend to go scout the gardens and we found a nice sit spot in the sun. He has amazing "Brazilian danger eyes" and nothing gets past him - he  noticed some beautiful green-headed tanagars (saira-sete-cores) feeding on palm fruits on the other side of the path, and then we noticed they were flying to a nearby tree for berries. Added to my life list and pretty happy with the pics, well pleased.

I use a four wheel drive Mule to get back in the woods or fields and then sit and wait with good results. Now I'm going to be wearing some camo & gloves with a bean bag rest. Great tips. I've found a spot with indigo buntings and scarlet tanagers that has been repeat visits of the birds. 

My first sit-try was to hike through the woods last winter to a field and sit at the edge where I could see the edge vegetation, stubble sticking up in the snow, and the lone tree in the open area. There were a few slate-gray juncos, chickadees, titmice and a crow. Just like in my yard. When I checked my location with my phone, I had circled back to about 1/4 mile from my house!  As it was the nearest house by far, these birds were not only the same species as those that come to my feeder, but probably the same individual birds! The second try was in March. I set out, and heard frogs croaking. High pitched, but not as high as spring peepers. I made my way over to a small shallow wetland, and found dozens - really!- dozens of freshly emerged male wood frogs, all singing madly, gaining energy to disperse to their own places and find a mate. The third was to perch on the embankment where a rail trail bisected a pond. It was nearly sunset. I photographed a pair of mallards for a while, and then a pair of mergansers swam into view. Distant, but nice.

I'm on vacation this week in New Orleans and had the opportunity to try both a sit spot and car blind. I caught a Blue Bird from my car. I was surprised at how easy it was to just sit and watch what happened from the sit spot I chose in Audubon Park in New Orleans. I selected the spot when I saw a wood duck and her juvenile. Lots of birds and ducks came by. In the end, I got to see these Black Bellied Whistling Ducks, which I was really hoping to see while I was here.

For this assignment I went to my favorite spot in Prospect Park, Brooklyn NY, along a small stream that flows through a wooded, shallow ravine just below a small waterfall and bridge.  This is a hotspot during migrations but quieter at other times.  I go by there almost everyday but haven't been staying long lately.  I decided to spend a half hour no matter to see what might come my way.  I had heard there was a pair of acadian flycatchers (rare in our area) nesting nearby.  I was very excited to ID one by its song and then later see it.  I didn't get a photo because it was all too quick and in poor lighting, but I was happy that my patience paid off with my first sighting of that species.  I also saw a tufted titmouse, 2 male mallards, and a catbird which is one of my favorites.

I sat on my back patio with my camera in a tripod aimed at the fountain that draws many birds to my yard. It was late in the day so business was slow but I did get a few photos of lesser goldfinches. I was not crazy about the wiggliness of the camera in the tripod (an old one given to me)... may try another borrowed one next. Have never gotten the water spray in earlier photos so the stabilization must have helped with that.

I tried a sit spot and found that it is not easy for me to sit in one spot for half an hour. But patience was rewarded; a northern cardinal set down and started singing close to where I was sitting. Also watched my feeders for a while to see where birds sat down prior to going to the feeders.  Have a mulberry close by that they use, but the specific spot they landed seemed to differ each time - making it tough to anticipate their landing.  Was more successful in predicting where they took off to, at least for a red-bellied woodpecker that picked a sunflower seed from the feeder and set down in the same spot on a dead branch of a nearby live oak each time to open the seed.  Was able to get his picture on one occasion.

There is a Boardwalk in the Loch in Central Park, NY, where if you are patient, birds will often come to you. This Red-bellied Woodpecker is a frequent visitor to this spot.

My first spot I stayed for 15 minutes and only heard a blue jay and saw no birds. My next spot as I drove up I saw baby Canada geese.  I used my car as a blind spot.  Saw a few other common birds. It was difficult to just wait. Less coffee needed

I respectfully got close to a Female Cardinal but still kept my distance so as not to scare her away or cause distress. I was at a local park where during the winter my mother and I feed birds. My patience and respect brought the bird a little bit closer along with some seed on the ground. 

I'm sharing one of my favorite photos from my sit spot for Project Feeder Watch. It's not the most artistic, but it's the one I'm most excited about because it was the day nine Baltimore Orioles came to my bird feeding area - as well as a pair of Rose-breasted Grosbeaks! I was able to get three orioles in the foreground of this photo and the pair of grosbeaks in the hopper feeder further away. I've decorated all the shepherd's hooks that hold the feeders with red ribbons and placed large fake red flowers out in the garden to attract hummingbirds.  With all the orioles I attracted, it seems likely they're attracted to red as well as orange! There is a large Flowering Quince nearby, which has been covered with orange-pink flowers. It's beautiful and much loved by all the birds for its shelter as well as its nectar. The Flowering Quince should be a great photo op and that will be one of my goals for the future. I also chose this spot as as sit spot because it is very near the large native prairie garden that I created - which borders a neighbors' wooded back yard. I put some feeders between the woods and the prairie and others between me and the prairie. While the woods is mostly deciduous, I have a stand of very large White Pines bordering the neighbor's woods. My sit spot is indoors and I watch birds from a window. Most birds don't notice me, but the feeder right in front of the window attracts finches and wrens who are scared by any movement. I will buy the camouflage drape that Melissa recommended to cover myself up when I sit there from now on. I've greatly enjoyed watching birds in this sit spot and look forward to taking better photos in the future with all the ideas and knowledge from this class! 

Fui a un cuerpo de agua cercano a casa, espere 40 minutos sentada entre arboles, pude ver una parvada de garzas blancas(Ardea alba) refrescandose en medio del rio. Minutos mas tarde se acerco un papamoscas ( pyrocephalus rubinus) y pude apreciar su hermoso plumaje color rojo y asi otras especies, una experiencia hermosa.

I found a Red-breasted Nuthatch flies to the base of the tree and works up the trunk.  It seemed to forage on one particular tree the most.