2011-05-04

ISO 400, f/5.3, 1/500s, D3100 w/55-200mm lens

On the way home from preschool today, we drove past a local water reservoir, as we often do ... looking for geese and other birds and seeing how high/low the water is.  We saw what we think is a Blue Heron as we drove over the bridge, so we parked the car, I changed to my 55-200mm zoom lens, and we quietly walked back to the bridge.  However, we weren't quiet enough because he flew away before I could even get a shot off (too many bushes/trees in the way).  So we went back to the car disappointed.  

While I was putting my camera back in the bag, Alex says, "Look Mommy!" because this little guy had appeared in the woods right beside where we were parked.  I believe it is a Ruffed Grouse, which is Pennsylvania's state bird.  He was pretty curious about us as we sat there for a few minutes and watched him and took pictures.  When I finally started my car to leave, he quickly made his way over to check us out.  I had to wait to drive away until I could see him again, as he had gone in front of/under my car.  I thought that was odd. You would think the car starting would have sent him running.  Anyway, I was excited that he came so near because I got some really close shots of him.