Thursday, Sept 03, 2026

[Dave]

Good day, folks.

Today marks another successful year long orbit around the sun for me. My 77th.

For nearly a week I've been unable to login here - the site kept timing out before a connection could be made.

Here's an old favorite - I can't determine exactly when it was taken but I believe it's at least 10 years ago.

It's a Black Phoebe, one of my favorite birds to watch and photograph.

The name isn't accurate; in the right light it's clear that the bird isn't a flat black. Instead it sports a nice gradation of rich browns.

I admire these small birds: they are energetic, a bit cocky, and full of curiosity.

   

Things I like about this photo:
  1) I think the composition is solid.
  2) The sharpness looks about right to me (I managed to control my tendency to over-sharpen).
  3) The exposure seems about right to me.
  4) I really like the blue halo around the bird's head.

One thing I might want to correct:
  1) The bit of roof extending from the lower left works OK to lead the eye into the image but I sense that it might be drawing too much attention. Maybe I should reduce the value contrast here, and also blur it a little bit so it isn't so prominent.

[Rich]

I can see why it is a favorite of yours. Well seen and expertly photographed! I agree about the blue halo. Yes, your repair ideas for the roof would throw the attention to the bird. Maybe even clone out the webs or whatever is below the edge.
My daughters dog, a beagle, is named Phoebe!

EDIT to add: JUst like the birds personality ; they are energetic, a bit cocky, and full of curiosity, so is her dog!

Dave, pull out your watercolors and paint it!

[Dave]

Thanks Rich for the kind words and wise advice. I noticed the cobwebs or whatever but didn't find them distracting. However, you are correct that cloning them out  would improve the image.

About getting out the watercolors - odds are that this is unlikely to happen. My hand tremors haven't increased much in severity, but they occur every day; consequently my attempts to paint have become much more frustrating than successful.

[Rich]

Forgot to wish you a Happy Birthday! Hope you had a good one! I always like to wish friends to Carpe Diem!

[Dave]

Thanks Rich.

I don't make a big deal of birthdays anymore other than gratitude that I've beaten the odds to still be around and able to do most of the things that are important to me.

I found two more old photos of a Black Phoebe, both taken years ago in my front yard as he watched me watching and photographing him from just a few feet away ...

   

   

[Rich]

Nice!
First one is very stately looking.
Second one, Whatcha doin!

[Dave]

Thanks Rich.

The times (fewer than 10) when a feral creature allowed me this close will remain special memories.

[Man From Ironbark]

Good to see you survived another year Dave.
Striking shots of the black pheobe (which I know nothing about) Having read a little I see that my first assumption was correct. The pheobe is a flycatcher. We have a couple of black and white flycatchers One is called the willie wagtail, the other the scissors grinder or restless flycatcher. Both birds have similar habits and nests to your black pheobe.

[Dave]

Hi MFI. Good to hear from you, and I'm glad you're still alive and kicking - that's usually better than the alternative..

Thanks for your kind comments about my Black Phoebe photos.