[birdergirl]

I went to Manning Park today and had a great time. On the drive up I saw about 10 ring-necked pheasants on the side of the highway but could not stop for photos.
Up at the top I saw a red-tailed hawk, a cooper's hawk, clark's nutcrackers (which I fed), gray jays (which I fed numerous times), steller's jays (which came to the hand as well for food), A male American Three-toed woopecker which I was very excited about but did not get a good enough photo of The woodpecker was easy to find as I followed the tapping to where he was located. I also saw some mountain chickadees, 2 black bears on the trail that were so heavy and full looking they could care less about me, common ravens, sooty grouse, lincoln's sparrow, dark-eyed juncos, many yellow pine chipmunks, a northern harrier and a male redhead duck.

The weather was gorgeous and many people were out canoeing and fishing at Lightning Lake. I met lots of nice people and had a great time and on the way home had a barn owl fly over my roof to cap off the night.

Will share a few photos of the steller's jay, whiskey jacks and nutcracker that turned out.

Steller's Jay - Manning Park by bcbirdergirl, on Flickr

Steller's Jay - Manning Park by bcbirdergirl, on Flickr


Steller's Jay - Manning Park by bcbirdergirl, on Flickr

Clark's Nutcracker - Manning Park by bcbirdergirl, on Flickr

Clark's Nutcracker - Manning Park by bcbirdergirl, on Flickr

Gray Jay- Manning Park by bcbirdergirl, on Flickr

Steller's Jay - Manning Park by bcbirdergirl, on Flickr

and can't leave out the yellow-pine chipmunk


Cheers.
Mel

[Guyzerr]

Your shots are getting better all the time and from the sound of it you had a very nice day.

[featherweight]

Sounds like you had a wonderful day Mel, love the Gray Jay shot!

[birdergirl]

Thanks guys that means a lot

[Doug]

Ah you did go.
Very awesome shooting. It's true, your shooting is getting better and better. Good to see.
I wanted to go up too, but so many things to do. Would have loved to see the bears. For a place that's supposed to be full of them, I have yet to see one up there. That gray jay has a nice background for the photo.

[markj]

Come on Birdergirl your photos are professional now especially that one of the Gray jay and the cock-headed Steller's Jay. I think how you got the blue sky behind the jay brought out its blue detail making for a very artistic photo set.

You have a real knack for photographing Jays which seem to flock to you.

That's fantastic you saw so many birds including the rarely seen three-toed.

It's nice to see someone who can enjoy birding so much on their own. I have to admit I'd be too scared to bird in manning with all the bear warning signs.

Again BG these are tack sharp shots of a beautiful bunch of birds.

Mark

[nickinthegarden]

Glad to hear your trip was so productive and that you got some very nice shots. Your photographic efforts are definitely getting better.

[ogopogo]

wow, what a full day and variety! bonus seeing the Barn Owl. I don't get as hung up on quality; sometimes it's good historical reference to post a blob or two, like the three-toed.

[Fancy]

I love the jay shots!

[Steely]

What an outstanding day you had Mel! I often find that just being in an environment like Manning on a glorious day is reward enough and all the bird species are just a bonus or the proverbial icing on the cake. Great photos and nice to hear how much you enjoyed it!

[birdergirl]

Thanks so much everyone for your very kind comments. It really means a lot to me that you are all so kind.

Cheers.
Melissa

I often find that just being in an environment like Manning on a glorious day is reward enough and all the bird species are just a bonus or the proverbial icing on the cake.

PS -Ian I could not agree more!

[keithric]

What an awesome day you had!
I can only echo the many compliments already paid to your ever-improving work
(did I say "work"? How could this activity ever be deemed "work"? ).
I'm particularly impressed by your stellar Steller's.
Have yet to get decent shots of these guys myself; your efforts inspire to say the least!!

[birdergirl]

Thanks so much Keith for the encouragement and nice words!

Steller's have been a hard bird to get good photos for me since they hardly sit still so it was nice to have two of them be so cooperative!

Cheers.

[Cjacques294]

Impressive birding session Mel, a true bird whisperer. I can also see that you are taking giant steps with your photography. Congratulations!

[birdergirl]

Thank you dear Chantal! That means so much coming from a photographer I admire!

Cheers.