Spring blossoms greeted me this Saturday morning when I looked out the backyard. Tree limbs that were bare and dry during the winter have suddenly exploded in color and fragrance. Birds and insects hover, dart in and out of the branches, in search for the sweetest spot.

Spring blossoms were easy to photograph since they stay still except for the occasional gusts of wind and the shake from a bird’s flight.  The birds were much more difficult since they fly away at the slightest movement or the presence of humans.  My dog loves to chase after them and act like she is protecting her turf from the invading visitors.

Photographs were taken with a Nikon D750 camera mounted with a Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200 mm 1:2.8 GII ED lens.  I love that I can take the photographs from a distance and the bokeh effect that I get.  It is still a challenge getting the right composition and correct settings for the perfect photograph. 

Birds flock on the branches and on the ground surrounding the trees. They seem to be pecking on something and hop around frantically. I wonder if the birds are after what the flowers produce or after the insects that swarm.

Fruit trees develop more bloom and more birds arrive each morning.  It is a good sign that there is an abundance of blooms since it will mean that I will gather more fruits later.  The presence of the birds also mean that I will have a lot of competition for the fruits when it is time to harvest.

Light from the rising early morning sun creates a wonderful contrast of light and shadow for me.