I have to confess Bo, this little one was too befuzzled to mind that I was right next to it. In fact, it had its' eyes closed trying to stop the world from spiining, I'd bet.

It has such a beautiful, soft look to the feathers, that I had to have a remembrance. I am even happier that it is a picture of one that survived.

We try to discourage them from flying toward the window with hanging things and decals on the glass, but it still happens. I wonder if they fly into walls and such as well?

We are about 20 feet from the stream and pond from which they like to drink, but it does not seem to be enough distance. Anyone have suggestions?

We have some who show up regularly. They are bigger, make a different sound and have a black ring around the neck.

Steve,

What camera did you use to take the picture, that has excellent color and focus.

I wish I could say it was my new Nikon D80, but alas, I don't have it yet.

It was taken with an old Sony Cybershot. I had excellent lighting, a great model who was not trying to move at the moment, so I was able to get up close with no zoom.

I also have to admit to using my editing software. No color editing, just brightness and contrast.

I brighten most of my pictures for the web because they view differently on different screens. What looks fine on mine is usually very dark for many screens.

Thanks for asking.