I have a backlog.

So, I have a backlog of pictures. According to the count on my camera, I’ve taken around 5700 shots, and I’ve had it about 3 years. Of those 5700, I’ve probably loaded 200 or 300 for various people to see. Just two weeks ago, I got two new (to me) lenses, a Sigma 50-500mm f/4.5-f/6.3 (the Bigma) and a Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Macro and with those I have been mildly inspired. Taking pictures has never been difficult for me, but once they’re on the memory card its a bit of a struggle to get them to interested eyes. So without further ado, my first sampling.

ACP and I went out yesterday with Wendy for a jaunt. I took the Bigma along, though it is a bit heavy for a walkabout lens, I am still trying to get used to it and need more practice. I took all of these pictures in aperture-priority mode. I set the aperture and let the camera figure out the other settings. The Bigma is notoriously softer wide open, so by stopping down a bit I can get the sharpest pictures. The first sign of animal life we saw was a mockingbird perched on a fence next to the power plant. He posed for just a few pictures, and this I think is the most interesting.

A Mockingbird

Just a bit later on, we saw a pair of Mallard ducks, and the sun came out. Here is the male in all his glory, including his reflection.

Male Mallard

Here are a few more pictures of the male along with his ladyfriend. He really started to glow when the sun came out. Beautiful!

Two Mallard Ducks

Mallard in the Sun

Mallards

Last, I was sitting at my kitchen table eating breakfast a few days ago, and I saw what I think was a female blue jay in the tree in our back yard. I had the Bigma right there, so I put it on the monopod and tried to get a few shots. Here is a crop of one of the best ones just to round things out.