I’ve been working to improve my stalking skills. It’s one thing to take photos of birds at the feeder; it’s more challenging to catch them in their natural habitat. They are less shy at the feeder.
This Towhee was looking around for food on the ground, and for whatever reason decided to check me out while standing on this rock. The vegetation makes a nice frame. He appeared to be looking right at me, but didn’t fly away. He hung around long enough for a few portrait shots.
A robin stopped by that same area; he blends in extremely well.
I spotted a Dark-Eyed Junco in a shadier area under a bush. He allowed me to get very close.
All photos were taken with the Sony A1 camera and the Sony 300mm f/2.8 with 1.4x extender (effective focal length of 420mm).