Hi Guys! I spent the night in the hospital, courtesy of an over-active blood pressure and high cholesterol. Yes! Hospital stays always make for a fun time. Fun! Fun! Fun! Kind of like a cruise. Same constant unwanted attention; yet, minus the big body of water, food and ambiance.

I managed to capture several massive flocks of Egrets flying Southeast from the window of my Palo Pinto General Hospital jail cell. Probably running from the fires at Possum Kingdom Lake. Not much else flew by. The nice ladies in the colorful shirts finally got me to stay in bed and I stared at the walls for several hours. Anyhow, after a long night of playing (being) human pin cushion, I attained my freedom and left for home. It is a positive thing that the Charge Nurse, doctor and staff were sad to see me leave the floor and the premises. =/

Captain Morgan and I yard sat in the yard and communed with nature for a few hours. Nothing more calming than sweating profusely while waiting on something of interest to fly-by( BIRDING – gotta love it ). It is starting to cool off now, but I lost the light under our canopy of trees. So here I am once again.

The return home – While I sat on the porch step, a House Finch came by to say hello and duck for cover. A Mississippi Kite was hunting just overhead. The Finch heard the camera but did not move. Once the Kite passed, the Finch hauled himself over to the nearest tree limb to watch me at a distance. The mighty Titmouse and and the usual Mockingbird came by. I believe these roost nearby cause I KNOW THESE TWO BIRDS. That sums up my day of relaxation. Sleepy and buzzed… Hey… don’t judge! Medicinal purposes until I see a cardiologist. Missed items include a few sparrows, wrens and a beautiful set of Cardinals. The tinking of my glass as it was placed next to me must have – hiccup – scared ‘em off. PRO HINT – don’t drink margaritas while birding. The mixer WILL interfere with your successful outcome. Just sayin.

Enjoy the photos! I sure enjoy taking them. The move from the XS-1 over to the T3-i was a good decision.

Tufted - Titmouse

• Aperture: ƒ/6.3
• Camera: Canon EOS REBEL T3i
• Taken: 14 August, 2012
• Copyright: {@ZABINSKY} 2012
• Focal length: 180mm
• ISO: 800
• Shutter speed: 1/320s

Northern Mockingbird

• Aperture: ƒ/7.1
• Camera: Canon EOS REBEL T3i
• Taken: 14 August, 2012
• Copyright: {@ZABINSKY} 2012
• Focal length: 300mm
• ISO: 800
• Shutter speed: 1/160s

House Finch Hiding - Kite overhead

• Aperture: ƒ/7.1
• Camera: Canon EOS REBEL T3i
• Taken: 14 August, 2012
• Copyright: {@ZABINSKY} 2012
• Focal length: 300mm
• ISO: 400
• Shutter speed: 1/250s

Kite gone - Finch makes escape

• Aperture: ƒ/8
• Camera: Canon EOS REBEL T3i
• Taken: 14 August, 2012
• Copyright: {@ZABINSKY} 2012
• Focal length: 300mm
• ISO: 800
• Shutter speed: 1/250s

Mississippi Kite - Kite hunting overhead

• Aperture: ƒ/8
• Camera: Canon EOS REBEL T3i
• Taken: 14 August, 2012
• Copyright: {@ZABINSKY} 2012
• Focal length: 300mm
• ISO: 400
• Shutter speed: 1/2000s