Chestnut-cheeked Starling

[Ding Carpio]

Here I am again, rising from the grave.

Working from home this morning and been on my PC since 3AM. Decided to take a break a little past eight and rest my eyes as I have coffee on my balcony overlooking those late blooming trees that were once the favorite of cuckoo doves.

A what-seemed-to-be dark cloud dove deep into the trees. Commotion. Even the single noisy Black-naped Oriole fled.

Grabbed my camera. Changed the lens. Stormed downstairs. No CF card! Loaded.

No time to go back for tripod nor monopod. With shaking hands wedged against the fence, got these:





But the only ones I got of the male which actually has the chesnut cheek is this.





Huge flock flew away.

Aaargh!

Back to work now.

But tomorrow's a Saturday. Will stake it out.

[Dennis Alfaro]

but still, great reflex to have a shot
very nice Ding!

[Michael R. Anton]

Nice!!!

[Ely Teehankee]

Even stainless steel will rust. Good to see that you get the itch. Tomorrow could be a better day. I have never seen one so it would be nice to see you post one. Good luck Ding & Mabuhay.

[tina mallari]

So nice to see that you still have that birding itch hidden somewhere Ding :-D That house of yours is such a blessing kasi so many trees around... oh don't like the snakes though - HAhAHhaHAhahA

Those are very nice captures for someone who did not use a tripod. You are truly blessed !!

[Bob Kaufman]

Some guys just have all the luck!

Ding, heed the call of the birds, they are coming to you to reawaken your passion. ;D

[Mark Itol]

Hehehe, you can't resist the itch, Ding! Very nice!

[Ding Carpio]

Thanks, dear friends.

The Big Boss up there's been nice to me. Been hearing some strange chirps lately. Will probably walk around the neighborhood early morning and see what blessings abound.

[Sylvia Ramos]

Really nice Ding!! Looking forward to more bird pics from you!