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I've heard tales of the spectacular "Mertensia Park bluebells" for years. But despite my best efforts to juggle work and home schedules, life never lined up so I could experience them first hand. At last I was able to visit this week — twice — and discovered hidden treasures and peace of mind both times. Healing, even. I took my Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM   along to see how it would handle closeups and longer distance shots, and it was good to forge a relationship with what I've previously considered to be my uni-tasker.  Walk with me....  

These on-the-fly bluebird captures were a total gift. Taken at very long range with a Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary zoom lens, they're essentially unedited (apart from cropping and a very slight boost of texture.)  I think he was more at ease from a substantial height and distance so he took a quick moment to enjoy the view.  So did I. I love this guy who, as it turns out, is quite aggressive about defending his territory from the sparrows. You've got to admire that.  Good looks and an attitude, too.