Bluebirds, Wood Thrush, Blue-winged Teal, Eastern Meadowlark, and many many more
elude me with precision. You will likely photograph these species long before I will because
that is the nature of things. David Suzuki would agree, I'm sure. Went to ABB recently and
didn't do well. I spotted a warbler that I first assumed was just another mindless Kinglet
but then realized the size and shape was a little different. Turns out it was an Orange-crowned
warbler but I didn't pursue it for correct ID because this photographer is as mindless as those
kinglets. Spotted a E. Towhee and figured I'd station myself ready for its return except that
it didn't return. Wrong plan, again. Spotted a Brown Thrasher that remained out of reach for
200mm and exercised patience hoping it would move closer. It didn't read the same book of
strategy, or perhaps maybe it did. Wrong plan. TD birder got a shot of it with her super zoom
Nikon, although it was not out in the open. I eventually relocated by only a few meters and
it must have left the stage while I was being ineffectual. The BW Teal that was reported
two days earlier was no where in sight. Figures! Someone toting the terrestrial equivalent
of the Hubble telescope passed me and probably was more successful. Anyone burdened with
the delight of $10,000 work of gear must know what they're doing and probably got the warbler
and all its friends. The one advantage to old modest gear is that one does not feel compelled
to live up to its capability.
