Butterfly Photography is in Prime Time -- The Mating Dance

Real happy with this photo. Our road, Old Erbie Road is lined with wildflowers now. These milkweeds drive the butterflies wild. I got this by waiting and watching. I am convinced the best way to get good butterfly pictures is to post yourself near a few pre-selected flowers and let the butterflies come to you. 

I much prefer to shoot butterflies in flight. When I get 2 at once it makes my day. This was shot 1/3,200 of a second at f 10, 400 mm, ISO 2,000, hand held. 

Nesting Pileated Woodpecker

This picture could be better, but it is one I have spent quite a bit of time getting. This pileated woodpecker built a nest out back in a dead pine tree. I spent at least 5 sessions sitting waiting for any decent picture. It seems like any time I would look away this bird would fly off. 

Things have changed now. I think there are babies and she comes back rather than flying away and staying away. This morning I finally got the picture. I will be working this nest for a while now. 

Ozark Rooster in Deep Snow

This is one of my roosters, Checkerbird, attempting to navigate in 5 inches of snow yesterday morning. He did a quick 180 and headed back into the coop as fast as possible. Those of us who have chickens will vouch that chickens are indeed "chicken". When in doubt they are afraid of everything.

This snow has all but disappeared in 24 hours. Water is flowing pretty hard everywhere. It is a good time to get waterfall pictures if you like austere winter photos.

Ozark Rooster in the Snow