Bird Photography – The Nature of Birds
I see greater wisdom in the eyes of some birds, than in the faces of some men —ThirdSon

The close observation of watching birds over the years has enlightened me in a way where traditional teaching has been void.  Bird activity and behavior has demonstrated that a higher form of cognitive processes are being executed in those small heads of theirs, than what I have been led to believe.

Birds Photography - Great Horned Owl - Photo by Ike Austin

Birds Photography - Green Heron - Photo by Ike Austin

I have witnessed birds that appear to be more engaged in something more like contemplation, compared to just mindless idleness and sitting on a branch.

Birds Photography - Osprey - Photo by Ike Austin

Certain other birds often exude an equally fierce posture equal to that of human protectionism if they feel their young are threatened.

Photography Birds - Red Tailed Hawk

I would be standing motionless inside the house, hiding behind a double pane glass patio door and this certain Red-tailed Hawk would would instantly react to the silent opening and closing of the lens aperture and he’d give me that human-like look of annoyance then fly off; actually maintaining a sustained looking back at me while flying off.

This hawk would always take the time to survey all the windows in the house. If I pick a new spot, the hawk will look until he finds me. On the other hand, if I stay completely away from any of the windows, the hawk will sit on the branch for hours. Want to hear the strangest part about this hawk, if my wife comes to the window by herself, the hawk will not fly off.

Bird Photography - Mallard Ducks

I understand that some Mallards will maintain a mating pair for a couple of years. There was this one time I saw a thrashing of water, an intense commotion taking place on the other side of the wetland. A predatory bird had snatched a Mallard Duck.  After the incident the helpless squawking Mallards settled down, I was quite astonished to notice the emotion of remorse being expressed as the group of Mallards; sat huddled in a tight group,  motionless and quiet for that entire afternoon close to the seen of the crime.

Bird Photographs - Swan

Nature Photography – Michigan Birds

Nature Photography Birds

Nature Photography by Ike Austin – Birds of Michigan Series
Photography that is Therapy for the Soul 

Birds Photography Night Heron