I started these “Double the Pleasure” posts to give myself a chance to play with my new 70-300mm lens. I think I’ve decided this lens gives me better bokeh (a fancy photography term that comes from a Japanese word that means “blur”) than my everyday birding camera, but not as much zoom.
Let me show you what I mean by “better bokeh” by sharing two photos of three different birds. (I know, it’s breaking the rules to do three birds in a “Double the Pleasure” post, but I’m once again claiming bloggers prerogative!) In each of the pictures, the background is blurred which helps the subject grab your attention without as many distractions.
First the male Pine Warbler…
And then the White-breasted Nuthatch…
And last but not least, the Chipping Sparrow…
I’ve enjoyed the chance to play with this new lens; I hope you’ve enjoyed seeing the pictures that were taken in the process.
From now on, I will probably end up switching back and forth between my two cameras (a Canon T3i and a Canson SX50HS) since I don’t want either to feel left out.
Backyard Bird Nerd 
These came out beautifully, Kathy!
I suppose there’s a case to be made for both – sometime one wants the background to be clear so that your subject can be shown as part of it’s environment, and other times you don’t want any “distractions”.
Absolutely. In my backyard I like to blur the background if possible, but when I am out and about, I like to keep the other details. 🙂
I agree, these are very nice, but I enjoy seeing the environment and detail too.
As long as the subject comes out clear, I like both ways.
Wonderful images!
Thank you. 🙂
Beautiful I’m enjoying these cute birdies 😍 second one is looking like he’s gargling 😆 so cute 😍😍💕
He does!
Gorgeous photographs! Bokeh or no bokeh.
Thanks…today it’s back to the zoom. 🙂
Beautiful and you are having fun and breaking “rules”. 😝
A saying around our house (stolen from Pirates of the Caribbean) is “actually, they’re more like guidelines.” 😉
Perfect!
WOW WOW WOW beautiful birds!
Your photos are soooo AMAZING! 💕🐤 I enjoy seeing your birds and learning from you. Thanks Kathy! 🌈😃
You are too kind. But thanks! 🙂
Beautiful photos…all of them. I’m delighted for you that you have a wonderful new lens to play with. Thanks for sharing.
“Mo’ bokeh” was the reason I invested in a fixed 50mm lens shortly after I bought my DSLR. I am totally tempted by your zoom, but am wondering whether with a lens that long, do you have to also use a tripod collar?
I very very rarely use a tripod. Mostly just for landscape in low lighting. Everything else is handheld.
You must have stronger wrists than I do, then! 😉 Brava!!
You did great, Kathy, wonderful shots!
Thank you! That means a lot coming from someone who takes the amazing pictures that you do!
You’re photos are just as amazing! 🙂
Looks like you feed some of the same kind of birds that we feed. Lovely pics.
Do you live on the East Coast? I am in Georgia, and am pleasantly surprised at the number of birds that show up in my backyard.
Great shots! And beautiful bokeh in every shot!
Is it just me, or is that sparrow smiling?! Maybe that’s why I’m loving them so much! Amazingly crisp shots……must be the new lens? WOW love!
Pretty sure he was thinking, “If I smile pretty, maybe Laura will sketch me!”
Well, he was right! I was up much too late sketching them lol. I’ll drop you an email. Thanks for the amazing shots! (Do you ever get sick of hearing that?) 😎💛💜
I always feel humbled and grateful when someone likes my photos…but I never get sick of hearing it. If brings me joy to feel like something I did brought joy to someone else. 🙂
I feel like a broken record at times but I know every artist here would second my emotions. Blessings abound over here! Thank you. 💜