Just before sunset, a male Brown-headed Cowbird stopped by for a bath. Sprays of water exploded in the sunlight as he boisterously splashed about. I felt like I was being treated to my own personal fireworks display.
Every good show has a finale; here’s what his looked like.
He resurfaced long enough to enjoy his self-made shower, and then off he flew.
And all I could say was, “Encore! Encore!”
Backyard Bird Nerd 
Excellent captures Kathy! 🙂
Neat shoot!
Thank you…he was fun to watch. 🙂
Amazing pictures! I want to get a bird bath!!! 🙂
Okay…you MUST get one…I think you will love it. 🙂
Wow, fireworks! 🙂 You have such wonderful photos, I have to ask: What type of camera do you use, and at what shutter speed for something like this? And do you usually use a tripod for your bird photos? (if not, you must have a VERY steady hand, LOL)
I use (and love) a Canon SX50HS for my bird photos. It is honestly a power shot on steroids! It is easy to carry and has great zoom. I fluctuate between AV, TV, and Manual modes – for most of these pictures, the shutter speed was at 1/200 sec. The bright light through the water made for the fireworks.
I don’t (yet) own a tripod. I take a monopod if I am trying to get a waterfall or something like that, but for birds, I move around too much (and so do they!) to set up a tripod.
Thanks for the kind words and the interest. 🙂
I have a bird bath but it does not get much use even though the bird feeder does well. I’m wondering if it could be too close to the house? I have a very small backyard… any advice?
You know, some of mine are pretty close to the house, but they are also close to branches or bushes. I think the birds like knowing they have a place of escape. As long as I keep the water fresh, they seem to keep coming.
I’ll never think of birdbaths in the same way again! Sensational ;-D
Amazing, simply amazing!!!