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Okay, Karen, I’m going to be a little nosy now. How many photos do you need to take to sift out enough of the best ones for a post?

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There's also how many I have to take vs how many I do take...I could be more selective!

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That's an interesting question. I'd say the answer is "far fewer photos than I take", lol. I honestly have no idea! Ratios are tricky. I mean, if I'm trying to capture swallows in flight, the take to keep ratio is extremely low (1 in 100 maybe?). If I'm photographing a tree or flower it's really high. Overall my photos taken to photos kept ration is probably something less than 1 in 10. My photos kept to photos posted ratio also varies by season but it's also probably something less than 1 in 10. So if a post usually has 10-15 photos in it then it's probably 1000-1500 photos taken? Again though, it's pretty widely varied!

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Also - I think this shows you that I learned photography in the age of digital! With film it would be a whole different ballgame.

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May 24·edited May 24Liked by Karen Davis

We took lots and lots of game photos when we lived in Africa, and the only places where we could get film developed was in South Africa, so the turn around times was like 4 or 5 weeks. Digital photography definitely requires much less delayed gratification.

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Yes! And is much less expensive. And with cameras that now shoot 10 frames/second (or faster, I know mine is almost considered "old" at this point), you can take a lot of photos really fast!

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The birds’ coloring notes and detail are so helpful. Photos of birds in flight are amazing!

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Thank you Linda

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Hummingbirds do the Hokey-Pokey! Love it

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Thank you Paul

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Thank you for lifting my spirit with the joy of your talent and wonderful pics. The little hummer dancing to get his morning started is perfect! I just ordered some natural Mosquito repellant (Murphy's Naturals Plant-Based D.E.E.T. Free Lemon Eucalyptus Oil insect repellent) . They have been chasing me inside here, too. I will let you know how effective the spray is.

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Thank you Sandy. I have used that product, it works ok. Because I don’t want to spray myself with something every day, I wear insect shield (permethrin treated) pants, shirt, buff on my head and neck, and I spray my socks and shoes with permethrin monthly. Everything but my face is covered. Still, sometimes if there’s a lot of mosquitoes it’s not quite enough. A little breeze helps immensely!

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Thank you for the info Karen. All good to know. 🙂 I do try to take advantage of windy days to work in the yard. I might try setting up a box fan for when I weed the flower beds. Wishing you and your new garden a very good 3-day weekend!

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Unbelievably good photos, Karen! The terns and the swallows especially. What skill and patience you have!

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Thank you Jeffrey!

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The Barn Swallow incoming? More than a bonus, Karen. Such an awesome pic. I also enjoyed all the others and had a good snack, indeed. Thanks for sharing your gift 💝.

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Thank you Daniela

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Thanks for the food for the soul.

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Thank you Perry

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of interest?

How do birds get their colors? A guide to your vibrantly hued, winged friends

https://www.usatoday.com/story/graphics/2024/04/27/how-do-birds-get-their-colors/73285448007/

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That’s interesting! Thanks for sharing it!

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Caption for the barn swallow incoming: Am I cleared for landing? And the halo sunrise was a wonderful gift to start a difficult day. Thank you Karen. And yes we have started sweating into summer, too soon.

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I love the caption! Sending love for whatever made it a difficult day. Thank you Sharon.

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May 21Liked by Karen Davis

Love the halo sunrise and foggy morning 👍❤️

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Thank you Sharon!

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May 21Liked by Karen Davis

Love the halo sunset.

Oh, the sunlit Tree swallows, looks like an intricate wood carving!

And the “carrot-beaked” Caspian tern. Maybe it shares some ancient lineage with the snowman ( in Vermont , a snowman isn’t a true snowman without a carrot nose).

Yes , very well nourished, thank you. Speaking of, I think I’ll go eat a 🥕.

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Thank you Lor!

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Your “Art” has a ripple effect. I share them with my wife who spends way too much screen time in her retirement volunteer job. She has decided she is missing out on “way too much” and we are scheduling weekly hikes together. Thank you Karen ‼️

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I love this Clark! Happy hiking!

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May 21Liked by Karen Davis

Your photos are like a feast for my soul, Karen!!! It's still amazing to me how you said in that interview about not knowing anything about birds before--you are a literal expert now! :D I love how you catch the many different poses and positions of all these flying friends--it's really like they are showing you their personalities!

The sunrises are always a beautiful treat, too! Thank you so much for this today, and every day. Xoxox

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Thank you Roxy!

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May 21Liked by Karen Davis

💚💚💚💚

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Thank you Michael

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Food for the soul, absolutely! Your essays are always healthy snacks, Karen :) 💕

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Thank you Sydney!

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