This male Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) seemed to be pretty happy to have found a batch of little red berries on which to munch on Friday at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. I am not sure what those berries are, but they undoubtedly were a welcome source of energy for the little bird on a frigid morning.
I am in somewhat of a contemplative mood this morning on the final day of 2017. Five or so years ago, before I started to get more serious about photography, I might have looked at this image and wondered how it would be possible to capture a shot like this. How could I get close to such a small bird? How could I compose a pleasing image? What would I need to do to separate the subject from the cluttered background?
At the start, I needed to think consciously about all of these factors and it was somewhat overwhelming. Now, thankfully, I have had so much practice that most of these factors are second nature to me and I know how to produce an image like this. There is, of course, still lots of room for improvement, for sharpening my eye and my skills, but objectively speaking I have can see a gradual progression in my photography.
What does 2018 hold for me? I have no formalized plans, no set goals. I often describe myself as an “opportunistic shooter”—I like to walk around and photograph whatever I happen to spot. Location, though, does really matter and I anticipate visiting a few new places this coming year. I am starting to realize that I enjoy my wildlife photography most when I am more or less on my own. Popular locations often have too many other people for my personal sense of comfort. When faced with the choice of going to a place with more wildlife (and more people) or one with less varied wildlife, I increasingly find myself opting for the more isolated area.
Best wishes to all of you for a blessed 2018. Happy New Year.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
The day that I wandered into your world of enchanting photography was a true blessing. I show your posts to my almost 4 year old Grandson, Benjamin, everyday. These are valuable learning moments that we joyfully share. As 2017 turns into 2018, I would like to say…Thank-you from both of us! Happy New Year too!
I was filled with emotions as I read your comment, Ellen, early on New Year’s Day. I am not a professional photographer–I record with my camera because I love expressing myself through my photos. Sometimes I feel like I am facing the world with a child-like sense of wonder, enthusiasm, and curiosity and I try to convey that feeling in my postings. I am overjoyed that you are sharing the postings with your grandson. Best wishes to you and to your family for a blessed new year.
This is a gorgeous photo, Mike! I love those colours! Happy 2018 to you! 🙂 I will look forward to more of your wonderful blogs!
Mike, that’s a perfect shot and narrative to end 2017 with. Happy 2018 and let’s see where it leads us all
Thanks so much. Happy New Year to you too.
Beautiful image of the Blue Bird and the berries, Mike! Best wishes for 2018 and I look forward to following your photographic journey.
Thanks so much, Ellen. Best wishes to you as well for a wonderful 2018.
I think your berries are sumac. I’d bet smooth sumac (Rhus glabra), as it’s native in your area, although it could be another species. In any event, those look like sumac berries to me. The rusty background really complements both the berries and the bluebird.
I just bumped into this article about unusual places to visit in Vienna and thought you might be interested.
Thanks for the link. I’ve visited only 4 of the 43 places mentioned in the article, so there are lots more places to explore if/when I get back to Vienna.
We should start seeing Western Bluebirds here in Sabino Canyon soon. Happy New Year, Mike.
Our bluebirds remain here in force, despite some bitter cold weather. Best wishes for a wonderful new year for you, Kenne, in Arizona.
Happy New Year Michael….. Promise me you will put together a selection of your photos for a coffee table book. Look into it!!! Your photos are magical and very professional!!!!
Thanks so much, Sally. No promises for a book, but I do need to stop and take a moment sometimes to look back at what I have photographed. Sometimes I caught up in enthusiasm for getting the next shot that I forget that I am accumulating a pretty nice set of images as I go along. Happy 2018 to you and to John, with wishes for health and happiness and abundant blessings.
nice photograph and blog Mike !
Troy
Thanks so much, Troy. My blog allows me to express myself creatively through my words and photos and has become an almost daily part of my life.