The following is a letter submitted to the "mailbag" at Birdtalk magazine:
In response to your article “Lights, Camera, Action” (December 2006), I am offering a piece of advice for all aspiring avian photographers: allow your camera to chirp like a bird! I created a camera obsession in my two peach-faced lovebirds, Joey and Ernie, by setting my Canon to “pet sounds” mode. Months later, if my birds see the camera, or even hear the familiar whirring of the zoom, they will stop whatever adorable antic they are up to, and immediately fly to the camera and peck at it with curiosity. Sometimes I wonder if Ernie thinks the camera is a very odd looking birdie. Photographing the birds has definitely taken on an air of intrigue and suspense in our household – the camera is first turned on in another room, and then snuck in behind our backs and pulled out at the last possible second. I have included a picture of Ernie sitting atop the camera.
Celina Gatley, British Columbia (Canada)
P.S. I really enjoy reading your delightful magazine, and my lovebirds always appreciate looking at the beautiful centerfolds. Keep up the good work!
It should be noted that while this letter was being written, Joey pecked at the camera several times trying to knock it over. (He is very much into a "I drop it, you pick up. Repeat ad nausem." phase right now). Both birds have since settled down onto my right arm (two inches above wrist) for a quiet afternoon nap as I type out this post. I think they like the gently swaying caused by my typing - Joey is even in the "tuck" position.
