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  • So much for Gourd season

    So much for Gourd season

    Gourds are a versatile and beautiful fruit that can be used for a variety of purposes, we use them as bird feeders.
    But when bear season begins, it’s time to bring gourd season to a quick end.

    Bears are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals.
    And while they’re not typically aggressive toward humans, they will be attracted to any food source they can find.
    That includes gourds, which are sweet and nutritious.

    The other night we were alerted by our many security cameras that something was on our property.
    Upon viewing the live video we were very surprised by what we saw, a large Black Bear, strolling through the Garden studio.
    She headed over to our hanging gourd bird feeder knocked it down and began feeding on the seeds and the pumpkin that contained them.

    We were able to watch it all unfold live and I have to say, I was thrilled!
    This was the first confirmed Black Bear on our property.
    Black Bears are the largest predators in Massachusetts, so it was a happy day for me.
    I have now captured images of Fishers, Grey Foxes, Red Foxes, Coyotes, Bobcats, and a Black Bear.
    My hope is that like all of the others, the bear will come back regularly.
    But I suspect she will not, she was clearly pregnant and fattening up for the Torpor.

    I should explain that Bears do not truly hibernate, but they do enter a state of deep sleep called torpor.
    Torpor is a natural adaptation that helps bears conserve energy during the winter months when food is scarce.
    During torpor, a bear’s heart rate, breathing rate, and metabolic rate slow down significantly.
    Their body temperature also drops slightly, but not as much as it does in true hibernation.

    Bears typically enter torpor in late fall and emerge in the spring, when food is more plentiful.
    The length of time a bear spends in torpor varies depending on the species and the climate.
    Bears in colder climates tend to remain in this state for longer periods of time.

    While bears are in torpor, they do not eat, drink, or urinate.
    They also do not defecate, or at least not very often.
    Instead, bears recycle their waste products and use them for energy.

    Bears in torpor are not completely asleep.
    They can wake up briefly to move around or change position in their den.
    Mothers with cubs may even wake up to nurse their young.

    So, while bears do not truly hibernate, they do enter a state of deep sleep that allows them to conserve energy and survive the winter months.
    Males may awaken periodically and exit their den to wander around and forage.

  • It’s Finally Gourd Season

    It’s Finally Gourd Season

    As previously mentioned, we like to experiment with natural elements for feeding and photographing birds.
    One of my personal favorite things to use as feeders are gourds; pumpkins, squash, and anything large enough to hollow out and fill with feed.
    The squash didn’t really work out as well as I had hoped, but the pumpkins have always been reliable.
    It took a few days but the Nuthatches have found the pumpkin feeder and seem to love it. 
    We’ll be putting more pumpkins out as the season rolls on.
    The woodpeckers, on the other hand, haven’t warmed up to the pumpkin yet.
    They seem to prefer the natural tree branch feeder.

  • Blue Jays, Woodpeckers, and Gourds

    Blue Jays, Woodpeckers, and Gourds

    Here at the Garden Studio, we’re passionate about bird photography and have created a habitat that attracts various bird species, including red-bellied woodpeckers.

    As we transition into Autumn, we shift our focus to birds such as woodpeckers, cardinals, and bluejays, which are prevalent during this season.

    We still enjoy visits from tufted titmice, dark-eyed juncos, and black-capped chickadees, but Autumn is the season to focus on the larger birds.

    Our unique approach involves using hollowed-out gourds as feeders to provide a more natural and rustic appearance in our bird-friendly habitat.

     

    To attract woodpeckers and similar species, we fill these gourds with suet, a high-energy food source that is especially appreciated during the Autumn and Winter months.

    Photographing red-bellied woodpeckers is a rewarding and challenging endeavor for bird photography enthusiasts.

    You can capture stunning images of these charismatic birds by understanding these birds’ habits, using the right equipment, and employing patient and respectful techniques.

    As we at the Garden Studio shift our focus to these avian wonders during the Autumn season, we hope our tips and insights will inspire you to embark on your own bird photography adventure.

    Remember to be patient, and respectful, and always embrace the beauty of nature in your photographic pursuits.

    Happy birding!

     

     

  • Photographing Downy Woodpeckers

    Photographing Downy Woodpeckers

    Downy Woodpeckers are small, active birds that are often seen foraging for insects in trees.
    They are also known for their distinctive drumming sound, which they use to communicate and defend their territory.
    Downy Woodpeckers can be a challenge to photograph, but with a little patience and planning, it is possible to capture some great images of these fascinating birds.

    Here are some tips for photographing Downy Woodpeckers:

    Use a telephoto lens. Downy Woodpeckers are small birds, so it is important to use a telephoto lens to get close-up shots. A lens with a focal length of at least 300mm is ideal.

    Find a good spot. Downy Woodpeckers are often found in wooded areas, but they can also be seen in parks and suburban yards.
    Look for a spot where you can see the birds foraging or drumming.

    Be patient. Downy Woodpeckers are active birds, but they can also be quite shy.
    Be patient and wait for the birds to come to you.

    Use a fast shutter speed. Downy Woodpeckers move quickly, so you will need to use a fast shutter speed to freeze their motion.
    A shutter speed of 1/500th of a second or faster is recommended.
    A good guideline to follow is to shoot at a shutter speed equal to or greater than the focal distance; if your focal distance is 500mm then you should start at a shutter speed of 1/500th or more.
    This is just a guideline and is less important with modern cameras.

    Experiment with different settings. Try different camera settings to see what works best for you.

    Here are some additional tips that may help you capture even better photos of Downy Woodpeckers:

    I find it important to Focus on the eye.
    The eye is one of the most important elements of a bird photo.
    When focusing, try to focus on the bird’s eye to get a sharp and detailed image.

    Use natural light. Natural light is always best for bird photography.
    If you are shooting in low light, try to use a high ISO setting.
    Keep in mind that while increasing ISO will increase the amount of light the camera sensor receives, it also increases graininess (noise).

    Be respectful of the birds. Do not disturb the birds or get too close.
    If the birds seem stressed, back away and try again later.

    Here are some ideas for creative Downy Woodpecker photos:

    Capture the bird in action. Photograph the birds foraging, drumming, or flying.

    Use a shallow depth of field to blur the background. This will help to make the bird stand out.

    Use a creative angle or perspective. Try shooting from below or from the side to get a unique perspective.

    Include other elements in the photo. For example, you could photograph the bird with a flower, a leaf, or a branch.
    I have a garden area set up in my yard that I change seasonally to attract various birds.
    It’s set up in a way that allows me to take natural-looking photos of the various critters that come through.
    The photo on the left shows one of my setups, a log hanging from a shepherd’s crook with a strip of parachord. 
    On the right, when cropped in it looks like a tree branch.
    Woodpeckers, Blues Jays, and Cardinals are attracted to Sunflower seeds and suet, so there’s plenty of that in our Graden Studio. 
    This year we even started growing our own Sunflowers to create a more natural setting.

    With a little patience and creativity, you can capture some amazing photos of Downy Woodpeckers.

  • Do you need a new camera

    There are a few things to consider when deciding if you need a new camera:

     

    The age of your current camera.
    If your camera is more than 5 years old, it may be time for an upgrade.
    Technology has advanced significantly in recent years, and newer cameras offer better image quality, performance, and features.

    Your needs as a photographer.
    If you’re a serious photographer who is looking to improve your skills, you may need a camera with more advanced features.
    For example, if you want to take better low-light photos, you’ll need a camera with a larger sensor and better image stabilization.

    Your budget.
    New cameras can be expensive, so it’s important to set a budget before you start shopping.
    There are many great cameras available at a variety of price points, so you should be able to find one that fits your needs and budget.

    Here are some specific signs that it might be time for a new camera:

    • Your current camera has poor image quality.
    • You’re having trouble taking photos in low light or fast-moving situations.
    • You want to take better videos.
    • You’re interested in exploring new photography techniques.
    • You’re simply not happy with your current camera.

    If you’re considering buying a new camera, it’s important to do your research and compare different models.
    Read reviews, watch videos, and visit camera stores to get a feel for the different options available.
    I recommend the website cameradecision.com for in-depth comparisons of different makes and models.
    Once you’ve found a few cameras that you’re interested in, you can start to narrow down your choices based on your needs and budget.
    One other thing to keep in mind is that all of the major camera manufacturers have stopped production of DSLRs, so you consider this when purchasing a new camera.

    Here are some additional things to keep in mind when buying a new camera:

    The type of camera you want.
    There are many different types of cameras available, including DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, point-and-shoot cameras, and action cameras.
    Each type of camera has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to choose the one that’s right for you.

    The features you need.
    Consider what features are important to you in a camera.
    Do you need a lot of manual controls?
    Do you want a camera with a good zoom lens?
    Do you want a camera that can take high-quality videos?

    The lenses you need.
    The lenses you use will have a big impact on the quality of your photos.
    If you’re serious about photography, it’s important to invest in a good set of lenses.

    Your budget.
    As mentioned earlier, new cameras can be expensive.
    It’s important to set a budget before you start shopping so that you don’t overspend.

    Buying a new camera is a big decision, but it can be a rewarding one.
    By taking the time to consider your needs and budget, you can find the perfect camera to help you take your photography to the next level.

  • Forget the “Rules” of Photography and Shoot the Way You Want

    When you’re first starting out in photography, it can be tempting to follow all the “rules.” You want to make sure your photos are technically correct, with good composition and exposure. But as you get more experienced, you’ll start to realize that the rules are meant to be broken.

    There is no one right way to take a photo.
    What matters most is that you express yourself creatively and capture the moment in a way that is meaningful to you.
    So don’t be afraid to experiment and break the rules.

    A few of the most common photography “rules” that you can forget about are:

    The rule of thirds:
    This rule says that you should divide your frame into thirds, both horizontally and vertically, and place your subject at one of the intersections of the lines.
    While this can be a helpful guideline, it’s not always the best way to compose a photo.
    Sometimes, placing your subject dead-center can create a more dynamic and interesting image.

    Leading lines:
    Leading lines are lines that lead the eye into the photo.
    They can be natural lines, like roads or rivers, or man-made lines, like buildings or fences.
    While leading lines can be a helpful way to create a sense of depth and direction in your photos, they’re not essential.

    The rule of focus:
    This rule says that you should only have one point of focus in your photo.
    This can help to create a sense of depth and interest.
    But sometimes, it can be more effective to have multiple points of focus.

    These are just a few of the many photography “rules” that you can forget about.
    The most important thing is to experiment and find what works best for you.
    Don’t be afraid to break the rules and have fun with your photography.

    Here are some tips for breaking the rules and shooting the way you want:

    Experiment with different compositions:
    Don’t be afraid to try new things and see what works.
    Try placing your subject off-center, or using leading lines to create a sense of depth.

    Use unconventional subjects:
    Don’t be afraid to take photos of things that aren’t traditionally considered “photogenic.”
    A close-up of a flower or a rusty old car can be just as interesting as a portrait of a person.

    Don’t be afraid to edit your photos:
    Editing is a great way to express your creativity and make your photos look the way you want them to.
    Don’t be afraid to experiment with different filters and effects.

    Have fun!
    Photography is supposed to be enjoyable.
    So don’t take yourself too seriously and just have fun with it.

    So go out there and break some rules!
    You might be surprised at what you can create.

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