Jake's Backdoor Hippie-palooza, 2014 Edition

[wud]

That's not a reflection - it's the total lack of anything behind the windows. You can see the sides of the other two buildings running down along the inside. They're in the middle of a complete renovation - the only thing they kept was the front.

Haha! Well..... then it is what it looks like then.

 

[BackdoorArts]

Baa-Baa Black & White Sheep

 

[hark]

The chipmunk shots are fantastic especially since you used high ISO's for them. It really goes to show how well high ISO's can perform!

 

[BackdoorArts]

The chipmunk shots are fantastic especially since you used high ISO's for them. It really goes to show how well high ISO's can perform!

That's the D800 in bird mode. Manual at whatever speed I choose (usually 1/800 to 1/1250 depending on the light) and f9 - f11 depending (sweet spot for the 150-500) and auto ISO. No complaints. Even at that speed the little bugger moved a bit.

 

[hark]

That's the D800 in bird mode. Manual at whatever speed I choose (usually 1/800 to 1/1250 depending on the light) and f9 - f11 depending (sweet spot for the 150-500) and auto ISO. No complaints. Even at that speed the little bugger moved a bit.

And you handhold that huge 4+ pound lens? :eyetwitch: And here I thought the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 was heavy!

 

[sonicbuffalo_RIP]

Loved the chipmunks, but where's Alvin? The bluejay picture was just perfect. Great color detail.

 

[BackdoorArts]

And you handhold that huge 4+ pound lens? :eyetwitch: And here I thought the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 was heavy!

Yes, and it's on the heavier D800. It's one of those things that defies the 1/focal length rule. If I'm not at 1/640s or faster when fully extended I'm not guaranteed to be sharp, even with VR/OS. Sure, I can do it, but not consistently, and not shooting critters.

 

[BackdoorArts]

Our resident Red Squirrel popped out 6 young ones this year, and they've only now started making their way around into the yard. They're much bigger this year than in years past, and a larger bunch, so I suspect the mother kept them in a little longer to let the smallest one get to size.

Here's a bunch of shots I did quick in LR only to appease friends on Facebook who required them of me. Need to revisit a few in PS to get 'em "right".

Using one of our "recycled" frying pan birdbaths

No, that is not what they're doing!!

The Mama

 

[hark]

Those Red Squirrels are so cute! I've only ever seen the grey squirrels here, but the coloring of those is pretty.

 

[sonicbuffalo_RIP]

awesome shots....love the squirrel with all of his feet in the air!

 

[RockyNH_RIP]

Great squirrel shots Jake!

Pat in NH

 

[BackdoorArts]

Thanks. The Red Squirrels are very much loners and extremely territorial once they leave the nest, and over the course of the next two months we'll see one eventually assert dominance and drive the others off to find their own territory. It gets loud, aggressive, and can often be hysterical to watch as they stand just feet from each other screaming at one another. We had one when we first moved in for a year or two, but then nothing for about a decade. They've been back in full force for 6 or 7 years now. They are very unafraid, and will get within 5 feet or so of us when we're out filling the feeders, making sure that they're the first one on.

 

[hark]

Jake, since the mother had the territory before the young ones, do they try to take it over from her and chase her off? If not, does she allow them to use the territory with her?

 

[BackdoorArts]

Jake, since the mother had the territory before the young ones, do they try to take it over from her and chase her off? If not, does she allow them to use the territory with her?

From what I can tell the males tend to be a little more nomadic while the females find an area, make a nest and stick around. We've had mothers give up the yard and others fight to keep it. Usually they'll stick around 2 years. Not sure on the life span of these guys, but I suspect that has a lot to do with when they turn over. By the fall you won't see more than 2 at a time, and in the spring it's just the mother feeding while the babies are in the nest. They store up a TON of food, and walnuts in particular, as evidenced by stockpiles I've seen them make in our woodpile.

 

[nidding]

Great shots Jake.

Very inspiring

 

[Vixen]

Love the flying squirrel You guys are so lucky to have squirrels

 

[BackdoorArts]

Love the flying squirrel You guys are so lucky to have squirrels

"Lucky" depends on your squirrels. They can be quite a nuisance and get into homes and attics a lot if you're not careful. In the country where we are, there's more for them outside than in, but just having them on feeders is enough for some people to complain about them. Us? We love sharing their world, but when they start climbing the door jamb to tell us we haven't filled the feeders we're not necessarily thrilled with them.

 

[BackdoorArts]

Abandoned Bluebird Nest

 

[sonicbuffalo_RIP]

How 'bout some scrambled eggs?

 

[BackdoorArts]

The one on the right is already scrambled. Two were dry, the other two not. We think that they got too cold one night - the birds abandoned the box shortly after.