Bird photographer in training...

Everyone knows that to be a successful bird photographer you need at a minimum the following:

• Pro quality camera, lens and gear
• Proper clothing
• A keen understanding of bird behavior.

I got the camera.  I got the lens.  I went on the Internet and found a supplier of camouflage lens coats (see photo).  I went to Bass Pro and bought a camo t-shirt and hat that permits me to get closer to the birds that I wish to photograph.  By the way, Bass Pro is a "sportsman's" super store.  Frankly, as a naturalist, environmentalist and conservationist, the place kinda creeps me out.  The store is huge.  It is filled with animal trophies.  I'm sure the trophies (heads) looked much better on the live animals.  It is however one of the few places that I could get some camo clothing.  The camo section in Bass Pro is about the size of our local  grocery store.  I should add that it is a great place for fisherman to buy gear and for sportsman and sportswomen to buy gear for outdoor hobbies other than hunting.  I'll leave it at that.

Back to successful bird photography.  I'm working hard on the third point, that being understanding bird behavior.  The photo below demonstrates clearly where I am in my progress towards being a successful bird photographer.  Clearly I have a ways to go......  One positive, I am convinced that the camo clothing works as you can plainly see the birds did not seem to know I was standing next to them.  Unfortunately, I didn't know they were next to me......


Barry, intent on photographing some of the local water fowl, is sure he heard Mallards very close to his position.  Frustrated, he misses the shot.......