Look closely, and you'll notice that a touch of fall color is beginning to appear in the great outdoors.
How I got this photo: Blue jay in fall foliage
August 28, 2014 at 2:38PM
Depending on where you live in Minnesota, the grand show might be only a few weeks away.
So if you enjoy photography, and your goal is to secure a stunning image of your favorite bird species amid the brilliant red, orange and gold of autumn, now is the time to prepare.
It takes some planning.
Over the years I have landscaped my yard with a variety of trees and shrubs, each with the purpose of attracting birds and other wildlife. I also use nine different types of bird feeders; each has a purpose. My goal is to draw as many different species of birds as possible, so each feeder contains a different attractant — from suet to sunflower seeds, and everything in between.
I also mount the feeders on poles, which allows me to freely move the feeders about my yard as the various trees and shrubs begin their color change. I can relocate the feeders close to the most vibrant vegetation. Birds will often land in the trees or shrubs before flying to the feeders.
I like to locate my feeders close to my plant of choice a week or so ahead of time to allow the local birds to become accustomed to the new location. This also allows me to observe the birds' movements; birds approaching feeders often seem to have a favorite branch or branches they land on first.
At the same time, I also place a tent blind — again, to allow the birds to become accustomed to the new surroundings.
When I was planning this photo of a blue jay perched in a red oak tree, I thought the combination of red, white and blue would make a delightful picture. Blue jays like corn and sunflower seeds, so I made sure the feeders were kept well stocked. Then, when the time was right, the fall color at its peak and the morning light "just so," I simply slipped into my blind — and waited.
Blue jays are wary birds, and often fly away at the slightest hint of danger. The fact that I had prepared my "outdoor photography studio" ahead of time allowed me to get a number of "keeper" images on that fall morning — not just of blue jays, but other bird species as well.
The blue jay photo, though, is my favorite.
Bill Marchel, an outdoors writer and photographer, lives near Brainerd.
about the writer
None of the boat’s occupants, two adults and two juveniles, were wearing life jackets, officials said.
