I’m working on a project. It’s the beginning of what I hope will become a new book with a little cardinal friend.

Last May the kids and I bought a bird feeder for Grandma’s house. To our surprise the first guests to her feeder were cardinals (and of course squirrels).

I bring my camera when ever we visit, but I haven’t been able to get a shot.

This week I tried again. My sweet boy built me an impromptu bird blind. I love his creativity. The cardinals and I both knew I wasn’t very camouflaged, but they seemed to not mind me and my camera as much with palm branches over head.

I sat patiently, hunched up by the palm and up against the Bougainvillea while avoiding the thorny branches. I sat with the ants and lizards, between the clouds that threatened rain all day, and the ground crew that came by with riding lawn mowers and deafening weed-whackers just as the birds appeared and then quickly disappeared.

I made friends with a kitten and talked to the mourning doves.

And waited…

and then I finally got my photo!

This is the first time I’ve tried to camouflage myself. I’m used to the more social pelicans and seagulls who don’t mind an audience. I’m pretty happy with the results.

With the cardinals moving about so quickly in between the thick brush I decided to hand hold my camera instead of my using my bulky tripod.

What tricks do you have for getting tough nature photos?