The bird known as Gazelle had her agent contact me late yesterday afternoon. She complained that her client’s reputation as a Dark-Eyed Junco, and image as a beautiful, multidimensional creature were seriously jeopardized by the release of my “completely unacceptable and unauthorized photographs”. She called my photos shabby, grainy and insulting to the very nature of the Dark-Eyed Junco. She informed me that Gazelle would be more than happy to come in studio to sit for a few portraits if I would treat her with the consideration and care a bird of her elevated neighborhood status deserved. Terms were reached. Gazelle proved to be a most accommodating model.

Gazelle claims Derek Zoolander ripped off “Blue Steel” from her. The resemblance is indeed remarkable.

She is a cheeky little thing. Kept insisting I shoot her from her “good side”.

After spending some time with Gazelle, I can’t say I blame her agent’s reaction to my initial photographs. They were incredibly degrading for a bird of such obvious talent and poise. Now that we’ve rectified the situation, I’m hopeful this will be the start of a beautiful friendship.

Still just three eggs in the nest, and Gazelle has spent most of the last few days keeping cozy in the nest. According to my research, Dark-Eyed Juncos typically have a clutch (ooooh, look at me using fancy birding terms) of 3-6 eggs. So I think Gazelle is finished with a family of three munchkins.