Dove update

I had a peek at the Dove's nest today and found that there are 2 squabs. They grow rather quickly don't they! Mama or Daddy showed up and fed them some pigeon milk

Cool fact: Mourning Doves feed their nestlings crop milk or "pigeon milk," which is secreted by the crop lining. This is an extremely nutritious food with more protein and fat than is found in either cow or human milk. Crop milk, which is regurgitated by both adults, is the exclusive food of hatchlings for three days, after which it is gradually replaced by a diet of seeds

A couple of minutes later, the parent flew off to find more food.

Nest Surprise

I was out in the backyard this evening and noticed mama robin was out of her nest, being curious, I reached out and stuck my camera over the nest to see how many eggs might be there. When I looked at my screen I was surprised to find they already hatched! Although of the three, one doesn't look like it made it. I moved out of the area and mama returned a minute later.

Squab has arrived.

Yesterday morning I checked on the nests and nothing new to report. After lunch however I checked the Dove's nest and papa was sitting tall and proud with a grey ball of feathers lying in front of him. How do I know it is dad? from my exhaustive Googling I found that the male takes the day shift and mama does the night shift. Want to know more? go here.

Nest updates

Not much new to report. In the backyard, the Dove and the Robin are sitting comfortably in their respective nests keeping those eggs warm, Should be some hatching going on soon! Also it appears there is another nest in the front yard, belonging to a robin as well. It's pretty well hidden so I can't report much on that one. My contributions to the nest building it appears, were completely ignored. I will try a different approach for next year, perhaps something a tad less colourful?

G'mornin' Dove

I mentioned in the last post that a Mourning Dove has taken residence in the trees in the back yard. I took a little walk around the area where I thought the nest was and couldn't see it, I took a couple steps forward and I was face to face with a little pair of black eyeballs looking right back at me. I googled for some info and on their nesting habits and if I am correct, there should be a couple of nestlings, also called squabs hatching later this week. Stay tuned!

Nest Project 1st update

The robins have started gathering nesting materials today and are building in the backyard. Also a Mourning Dove has started building a nest in the back yard but neither has shown any intrest in my contributions thus far. Perhaps they are waiting to build the nest before decorating?

Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day

Sunday is Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day, I made a crude pinhole out of the body cap from my digital SLR and played a little. This photo is the best result of my 1st attempt.

Here are couple of other pinhole resources, including the SPAMera! or you could even turn your bedroom into a camera obscura. If want to get really involved, there is software too.

Collaborative art project

Yesterday I cut various strips of fabric and spread them throughout my front and back yard in hope that Robins and other birds might use some of it in building their nests. I plan to observe and photograph them as they gather nesting material and build their nests. I've done my bit, now lets see if the robins want to collaborate...

Lorem Ipsum

Ever wonder what Lorem Ipsum means? is it just gibberish? or does it have a purpose? check out this site to find out all the history of the dummy text used in creating layouts. It even has a generator to make your own!

Amazing Portfolio

Check out Dave Werner's Portfolio a recent design graduate. It is an excellent example of the blurring of Graphic design, illustration, photography, video and interactive web media. Check it out!

Strobist, a must see camera flash resource

The strobist is a relatively new blog that covers the effective use of small camera strobes. Lots of resources covering technique, equipment and D.I.Y. accessories.

Go fly a kite!

Check out this site for some great aerial photos taken from a kite. Photographer Scott Haefner shows his work but also the gear used to acheive his results. Be sure to check out the 360 panoramas.