Long-tailed tits

[nanila]

[Long-tailed tit on a toroid fat ball feeder, executing a bow.]

One of my Christmas presents from the bloke was a new lens for my dSLR, to enable me to photograph the many birds visiting the feeders in our back garden. I got him a new fat ball feeder and it's been brilliant for attracting even more of the bird population of our village. It may, however, bankrupt us as it takes 10 fat balls at a time and currently has to be refilled every three days.


[Pair of long-tailed tits on opposite sides of the feeder.]


[One more close-up of the bowing tit, who was showing off beautifully.]

All images can be clicked to embiggen. x-posted to common_nature; my apologies if you're seeing them twice.

Comments

[davidgillon]

Oh, those are rather gorgeous, and not a species I see in either Kent or Durham.

[nanila]

I love seeing them. They always arrive in flocks and are a bit skittish, so I've not managed to capture them before. They love the fat ball feeder so much, though, that they're not willing to abandon it unless I get very close indeed!

[cmcmck]

They's such pretty wee balls of fluff!

[nanila]

Yes! I love seeing them and the blue tits (so colourful).

[major_clanger]

Very nice! I'm sure the bird population of Worcestershire is extremely grateful (and perhaps increasingly rotund).

Photogeek question: what's the new lens?

[nanila]

I certainly hope they're grateful. :P The (rather large) seed feeder currently has to be refilled twice a day.

It's the Canon 70-200 mm f/4L USM. I'm really loving how fast and quiet the focus is. Also, it's not too heavy and doesn't require a tripod ring, which is good for me as I tend to carry my camera in one hand.

[major_clanger]

Oh, very nice!

I again took advantage of Calumet's cheap hire over Xmas/NY to try out something shiny and this time rented the 70-200 f/2.8L. I'll post some pics soon but I was very impressed, although I hear that the f/4L is just as sharp and in these days of amazing performance at high ISO ratings I'm not sure the extra stop of speed is that important (and the 2.8 is a huge lump of metal and glass to be hauling around.)

[soliano]

Nice. I have not heard of fat ball feeders. Of course in Florida, we don't have cool weather long enough to keep them from getting really nasty.

[nanila]

Yes, they only really go for the fat balls in a big way during cold weather. In spring/summer, it's just the seed feeders they want. Well, except for the magpies and the jays, who will eat fat balls all year round.

[lark_ascends]

Beautiful.

[nanila]

Thank you! I'm excited about being able to capture our visitors properly. :)

[weaverbird]

They are adorable! That new long lens is helping you with some really fine bird shots.

[nanila]

Thank you! Yes, it's a pleasure to learn to use. I hope to improve over the coming months.

[calissa]

What an excellent Christmas presents! These photos are absolutely gorgeous.

[nanila]

It was most generous and unexpected. Also, getting used by both of us! :) Thank you; we're enjoying being able to capture all our flighty visitors now.