Wow. I'm new to FM, and first time to humbly post on this inspiring forum + this thread is soooo spectacular.
Lots of these happy little guys at my pond this summer, but he was probably the best. I had a red one that seemed to get jealous of my photographing the others; he'd buzz my head repeatedly until I followed him to a stalk. He then let me get within 2" of him in all directions for a variety of close-ups!
Wow, there are some amazing photos in this thread. I didn't spend as much time with the camera in 2006 as I would have liked, but I plan to change that in 2007. Here's my humble contribution. While I was sitting on my deck last August photographing hummingbirds this cooper's hawk landed in the tree right next to the deck. No doubt it's watching the feeders below for a snack to come along.
I looked at all the photos in this thread. Just amazing and beautiful work from everyone, newbie or not.
I find looking at great photos like these an excellent way to learn, I always check the EXIF data for exposure settings and look at the composition and light.
I don't know if this is my best of 2006, but it's my favorite. I just love the dracula like pose.
