Lunchtime!

I've been so envious of all the spectacular bird shots that I've seen since I started this project. I love the way folks have captured expressions, color, habitat. But, in the middle of the city in winter, I don't see birds beyond pigeons or crows. I had been photographing pigeons huddled in the cold in the plaza by the main Chicago library when all of a sudden they flew at me. I ducked and turned around to see that someone was dumping bread crumbs (leftover lunch?) into this cement pot. About 40 birds had taken off to fly over there, then they lobbied for the coveted positions in the pot, hopping on and shoving one another off. Lesson for today: it's hard getting an action shot that has any interest to it when the subjects are pigeons! It's hard to see the details unless it's viewed in the largest format possible.

[Jan K]

This is great. Pigeons and crows are fun birds to take pics of - they are so entertaining.

[Paul "Snapchap" Everest]

Love what you have done here. Pigeons are great because they are tarts (like seagulls) if you have any sort of food whatsoever, you can attract hordes of them.

[Judith Johnson]

Great action shot. I find bird shots difficult but you've done a good job here.

[Gerry Duffy]

Quick thinking -- and quick camera work. Pretty neat

[kali]

love the one with its wings outstretched and the one on the left with the orange thing in its mouth, same colour as the feet

[Taephy]

It's always nice to eat with friends!

[Junko Y]

I know exactly how you feel -- I've been admiring all the fabulous bird shots people have taken and wanting to do the same some day. But this is a great shot, too! It tells a story, and I'm starting to realize how important story in photography is important to me. But back to the photo, I especially like the "sculpted-ness" of the composition. The birds with their heads bent into the pot make a great base for the one just landing, wings outstretched perfectly posed for this photo. And the one with the sweet potato fry in its beak? Great expression of "caught" with the prize while none of the others got it.

Great example of "city birds"!

[Junko Y]

Check this one out:
http://365project.org/imagenation/365/2013-01-22

[Paul Wright]

Do you know something? I don't know why but this is just really works for me... it' just reminds me of a song can't remember which one it is excactly but it is one about feeding the pigeons, obviously!! Well done on the quick thinking...