Beauty and the Birds

Northern Cardinal

2007-11-10T13:24:00.000-08:00

The Northern Cardinal is one of the most stunning birds of color in North America. The male Cardinal is a beautiful solid red. The Cardinal is plentiful in the Eastern and Central portions of the USA. On any given day or time I can spot a Cardinal in or around my yard. This abundance makes it seem common. On the West Coast of the US this is not the case. Many people there have never seen this beautiful bird as it has not yielded to the call of the West.

American Avocet

2007-11-09T14:30:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite birds is the American Avocet. I took this image on a trip to Kansas this year. I made a visit to the Quivira National wildlife Refuge near Hays Kansas. This was my first opportunity to take a picture at close range of an Avocet in breeding plummage. The Avocets were very photo friendly. I captured them in several unusual poses. This was one of my favorite. Quivira is a most unusual Refuge. There are many species of birds to see and I was succesful in capturing images of several. There is also other wildlife. Deer were plentiful. I would highly recommend a visit to Quivira at any time of the year. Fall is probably the best time for ducks. Avocets, Black-Necked Stilts and a variety of herons and egrets are plentiful in the spring and summer. If you haven't visited a wildlife refuge it could be one of the best outings you will ever make. There are many spread out over the whole country.

Early Bird

2006-05-31T13:50:00.000-07:00

The Eastern Bluebird is easily one of my favorite birds. Unlike the migrant birds the Bluebird stays put the entire year through cold and heat. I like the Bluebird so much that I make nesting boxes so that my property will be more attractive to them. I even give a few boxes to my friends so that they can also enjoy the Bluebird. Aside from its gorgeous color the Bluebird also has a very melodious voice. I enjoy sitting on my porch swing and listening to their serenade. My Bluebirds seem to prefer that I keep the lawn closely cropped. I think a short crop helps them easily spot tasty meals of grasshoppers and crickets. The male Bluebird at left was patiently waiting his turn to share a tasty morsel with his offspring. The female was sitting on a powerline letting me know her displeasure of my close proximity to the nesting box. Some people open their Bluebird boxes periodically so that they can monitor the nesting cycle from egg to fledgling. I generally open mine only for cleaning before the start of a new nesting season. Enjoy the fun, put up a Bluebird box.

Eurasian Invasion

2006-05-27T11:08:00.000-07:00

The image at right is of a Eurasian Collared-Dove and was taken at a small park in Titusville, Florida. This Dove is not a native of North America but was introduced from Europe. Like its human predecessors it is now rapidly colonizing North America. It originally took hold in South Florida. It is now seen up into Tennesse and as far west as Texas with its range continuing to increase. It is slightly larger than the native Mourning Dove and somewhat lighter in color. Some people theorize that it is using the rail system to expand its range as small colonies seem to turn up near railroad tracks. It would seem a bit odd that a bird would prefer rail travel over air travel. I much prefer the Eurasian Collared-Dove over other introduced species such as the obnoxious English Sparrow and European Starling.

Regal Egret

2006-05-27T08:46:00.000-07:00

There are seven species of White Herons in our country. They are the Great Blue Heron ( White Morph), Little Egret, Great Egret, Reddish Egret (White Morph), Snowy Egret, Little Blue Heron , and Cattle Egret. Some are only white in their juvenile stage. Unless you know the distinguishing characteristics of each species you could easily get confused. The image at right is of a stately looking Great Egret. Characteristics that distinguish the Great Egret are its yellow bill and its all black legs including the feet. It is sometimes confused with the smaller Snowy Egret which has a black bill, black legs and yellow feet. The Egret at right is displaying its breeding Plumes which seem to give it a few extra legs. Other distinguishing characteristics of the Egrets include their behavior when feeding. The Great Egret is likely to strike a regal pose and move slowly when stalking its prey. The Snowy Egret is more apt to hunch over and dart about chasing a meal.

Lewis & Clark

2006-05-21T16:30:00.000-07:00

The exploration of the Louisiana Purchase Territory by Lewis & Clark is legendary history. They discovered many species of previously unknown plants and animals. One of the new species of birds that was encountered is seen at left, and is known as the Clark's Nutcracker. I was on Trail Ridge Drive which is the main road through Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. I was aware that the Nutcracker frequented a pullover area known as Rainbow Curve. The Nutcrackers and Stellar Jays at this site thrive on being fed by visitors. One tasty morsel they seem to delight in is Ritz Crackers. The Nutcrackers especially will often take an entire Ritz from your hand. At Rainbow curve you are just over two miles above sea level. Even in mid summer a warm jacket is usually a highly desired item at this elevation. Just beyond Rainbow Curve you ascend into the Tundra area of the Park at elvations over 14,000 feet. There are some walking trails at this elevation. Be mindful however that with even the slightest exertion you may become winded due to the thin air. The awesome views available will register permanent images in your memory bank.

His Majesty?

2006-05-20T09:23:00.000-07:00

Terns are in the Gull family but are usually smaller and more slender and have straighter bills. I guess you could say they are more aerodynamically shaped and this reveals itself in their flight patterns. There are some 18 species of Terns including the Skimmers and Noddies. You will not see all 18 in one area, so if you want to see them all it will require much travel. This Royal Tern was sunning himself on the Gulf Shore of St. Josephs Peninsula State Park near Port St. Joe, Florida. The Royal Tern is one of our two largest Terns and also sports a Crest. A few other Tern names are Elegant, Sandwich, Sooty, Caspian, and Aleutian. Most Terns will search for small fish often diving headfirst from a hovering position into the water. Skimmers prefer flying low over calm water, slicing their lower mandibles through the surface to snag a small fish.

Blue Heron Sunset

2006-05-12T16:41:00.000-07:00

I love Sunsets, and for that matter Sunrises as well. I am awake for more sunsets though. A Beautiful Sunset is always a pleasure to behold. A Beautiful Sunset with an isolated person, immovable object or other living creature is just outright inspirational. I have captured Sunsets with people, birds, boats, trees, and other objects included. I think my favorite though are the Sunsets with birds. I went looking for this Sunset. This Great Blue Heron is one of many that frequent the waters below Chickamauga Dam in Chattanooga Tennessee. My challenge was to get them together in one frame. It was enjoyable moving slowly along the shore, stumbling over rocks, and attempting to frame the heron and sun for my perfect Sunset image. I like the results and hope you do too.

Anhinga

2006-05-10T17:08:00.000-07:00

Anhinga is a word from the language of the Amazonian Indians. The Anhinga is a bird native to North and South America. There is also an Eastern Hemisphere species of Anhinga. The Anhinga has a characteristic not seen with other water birds such as ducks and geese. Its feathers are not water proofed. After each venture into the water the Anhinga must "sit out" for a spell with wings spread to allow drying by the wind and sun. It is a diving bird and spears fish with its long bill. It will then toss the fish into the air until repositioned for a head first meal. I caught this Anhinga on film while driving along a road on Merritt Island NWR near Titusville Florida. Another name for the Anhinga is "Snake Bird" as when it is swimming it often will have only its long neck extended above water looking somewhat snake like. This particular Anhinga is a male in breeding plummage.

Bouldering?

2006-05-07T07:43:00.000-07:00

Bouldering. What is it? Simply put, it is climbing on "Small Rocks" that are 10-30 feet tall without the use of ropes. I personally do not participate in this sport but "My Three Sons" do. They and several of their friends really seem to enjoy this activity. The bird at left is a Ruddy Turnstone. It enjoys climbing on rocks along coastal waters. I was chasing this particular Turnstone along a Jetty in Panama City Florida. The rocks on Jetty's are only about 2-3 feet in height. This is more to my skill level. The Turnstone seems very adept at making its way around, over, or under these rocks. I finally caught this Ruddy on film near the pinnacle of his ascent. I am quite sure he was delighted when I moved on to another subject. You are likely to see other sea loving birds on Jetty's, especially Pelicans and Gulls. One of my favorite Jetty's is off of Pleasant Town on Cape Cod. The Jetty stretches for miles and actually connects to the mainland. Just watch the tide so that you don't get caught far out on the Jetty.

" Its a Sea Gull"

2006-04-30T09:48:00.000-07:00

Even before arriving at your chosen seaside you often see the flying antics of a "Sea Gull" announcing the immediacy of your chosen destination.. However, most people would be hard pressed to identify the species of the Gull announcing the attainment of the sought goal. Within the 50 US states there are some 27 species of gulls. Of course not all species are represented at every seashore. For the East coast the two most prevalent gulls are the Laughing Gull and the Ringbilled Gull which is represented in the photo provided. While most often seen on the coast gulls often move inland during the winter months. You may see them at local lakes or even on large paved parking lots where they gather in large numbers. Who hasn't enjoyed feeding gulls leftover bread pieces by tossing them up in the air on the beach or from the bow of a boat on the open water. Gulls are very adept at making in flight catches. At times I have felt threatened by the mass of gulls that sometimes accumulate during this feeding process. It just wouldn't be the same without gulls at the beach.

Snagged

2006-04-27T16:44:00.000-07:00

This image is of a Tri-Colored Heron. It was taken from inside my car on a drive through Black Point Drive in Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. The snag was right by the road. I slowly moved the car to within 10-15 feet of the snag and then framed and focused this keeper. I had many opportunities such as this on my drive through the refuge. I have now made two trips that met with similar photographic success. There were other opportunities for photography in the area such as Blue Heron Wetlands back in Titusville. The sunsets in this whole area were absolutely fabulous. At the wetlands I had two Sandhill Cranes stick their heads inside the van. I later learned they had been born at the wetlands and had never seen fit to migrate. Plenty of wildlife viewing available in the Titusville area.

"Its not all about Birds"

2006-04-15T04:30:00.000-07:00

"Its not all about Birds" is a quote borrowed from my favorite Bird photographer Arthur Morris ( Birdsasart.com) . While birders and bird photographers may at times seem focused only on the bird population its not nescessarily so. As for myself, I have an interest in the whole of Nature. I photograph not only the birds but any other wildlife that might present itself for a portrait session. Butterflies are one of my favorites. They are however more difficult than birds. I have chased them from one end of a field to the other and back. I have also encountered much frustration when just as I am ready to press the shutter button my prey is off to the next appealing nectar reservoir. Actually many of my images are just blurs as the prize subject flutters away in the middle of an exposure. And then you have the wind to further complicate matters. So you finally have a stationary subject but its resting place is waving gallantly like a flag. Not for the impatient is this butterfly photography. The photo at left is of a Black Swallowtail. One of my favorites but not one to spend much time at leisure. As I write there are 6 to 8 Tiger Swallowtails fluttering around the multitudinous blooms of our Lilac bush , tempting me to a test of nerves.

Prehistoric?

2006-04-04T17:31:00.000-07:00

I remember the first time I saw this prehistoric creature. Actually there were about 20 of them checked into a small roadside pond. My son and I stopped on the roadside sending them all skyward. They circled elegantly above us with outstretched white wings that were tipped in black. In small groups they slowly returned to the black muck of the pond. We were able to get good looks at them and their large prehistoric looking heads. It was several years later that I had this opportunity to put a specimen of the Wood Stork on film. I had seen several at a pond in Titusville Florida and managed a stop by one afternoon. This lovely fellow along with several others were present. The sun and clouds were playing hide and seek. I kept the Stork in my sights and when the sun shone on him I had the image I desired. The Wood Stork is a beautiful sight from the neck down. The rest takes some getting used to. Even with its prehistoric look the Wood Stork is one of my favorite birds to see in the Southeast. Perhaps, the reason is that they are slowly disappearing due to habitat loss. Who will deliver the babies then?

Bird on a Wire

2006-04-03T16:44:00.000-07:00

Birds just seem to love sitting on a wire. Fences and powerlines seem to be favorite perching sites especially of the smaller birds. When I took this photo of a Yellow Rumped Warbler I was actually chasing a Blue Bird down a fence row trying to capture it on film. It turned out that the Blue Bird was an uncooperative subject on this Fall day. I had given up the chase and was about to walk away when the Yellow Rumped flew up from the grassy ground onto the barbed wire. This took me totally by surprise and it seemed a long moment before I slowly raised the camera to frame this image. The shutter snapped, and the Warbler was off for greener pastures leaving only this evidence of its wire sitting. Fence post are another favorite perching site as will be seen in a later posting. The Loggerheaded Shrike has devised an inventive use for barbed wire fencing. It will impale its prey on the barbs before partaking of a tasty meal. Just a interesting tid bit, so to speak.

Flapping in the Breeze

2006-04-02T11:05:00.000-07:00

One of the first things that attracted me to birding was ducks, wild ducks. Seeing them for the first time through binoculars and then a scope I was amazed at their variation of colors, shapes, and sizes. Part of the challenge of bird photography is getting close enough to get a recognizable image of your subject. Often this is pure luck. Other times you get your desired image due to good planning. In the image at left of a Lesser Scaup it was kind of a combination of the two. I knew Scaup sometimes were present on a small pond in a recreational park in Titusville, Florida. I planned a stop there during a time of day when the lighting was good for photography. The luck was that a Scaup was present and that it was close enough to the shore that I could get a decent closeup image. The additional luck was that he was in a mood to lift himself up out of the water and flap his wings allowing more of an action shot . When the lighting is right the head is a glossy purple . The eyes are bright yellow and the bill is a cool shade of blue. I have always thought "blue-billed duck" would have been a better name. These ducks are often seen in large floating groups called "rafts". The Lesser Scaup has a slightly larger cousin called the Greater Scaup. For many, it is often difficult to tell them apart. There are differences, such as head shape. A study of your field guide will be useful in making the proper ID. I can only wish that all photo subjects would be as cooperative as this Lesser Scaup.

Fort Travis

2006-04-02T05:25:00.000-07:00

My wife and I made a trip to Houston Texas one spring spcifically for birding such locations as High Island, the Bolivar Flats, and Anahuac NWR. At the Western end of the Bolivar Penisula we found a treat in the Fort Travis Seaside Park. We had a picnic lunch while sitting on the seawall and oberving gulls, terns and ducks. We were extremely fascinated by one group of ducks that were unlike any we had previously seen. We studied the ducks and our field guides trying to determine the species. They turned out to be Fulvous Whistling-Ducks. We then turned our attention to walking the grounds of the old fort. There was a huge green grassy area that stretched from the fort to the seawall. We soon noticed a group of 3 long-billed birds meticuosly searching through the grass. I crawled on my belly through the grass to capture the above Marbled Godwit on film. For me, the time spent on the grounds of the fort was probably the most relaxing time of our whole trip. The Fort is just a few minutes away from Bolivar Flats where a short time later we were able to observe thousands of milling shorebirds. Got to get back to Texas.

Ding Darling

2006-04-01T16:12:00.000-08:00

Ding Darling Natonal Wildlife Refuge is on the West coast of Florida on Sanibel Island just off the coast from Ft. Myers. In times past it has been a haven for large waterbird photography. In the past three years things have changed due to what some feel is mismangement of the refuge and damage from hurricanes. The number of birds utilizing the refuge has greatly dwindled. This of course has meant great disapointment for photographers. The photo at left is of a Great Egret in flight at the refuge. It is one of my favorites and the image was published in a book called "Sanibel and Captiva Island a photographic portrait". There were literally dozens of photographers on the little winding road that runs through the refuge. It was amazing to watch feeding White Pelicans, Great Egrets, Snowy Egrets, Roseate Spoonbills and more while at the same time positioning yourself for that great shot. I feel fortunate to have been there in its prime and am hopeful for its future.

Texas Scissors

2006-04-01T15:41:00.000-08:00

The bird at left has long been one of my favorites. The first time I saw one I had no idea what it was. My wife and I were driving through a state park in Oklahoma with our three sons on a 6 week motorhome trip. A bird flew across in front of us and I asked "what was that?" My wife answered "A Scissor Tailed Flycatcher". This was years before we started birding and I of course did not believe her. After a little research it was determined that it was indeed the aforementioned bird. Once I started photographing birds the Scissor Tailed was on my want list. On a business trip to the Dallas/Fort Worth area years after my first sighting my wish came true. I was actually driving to the airport for my return trip to Tennessee. On a busy four lane highway I started seeing Scissortails sitting on the roadside fences. I pulled off the highway as soon as possible and got out the camera. There were several birds in that particular spot and they were cooperative with my photo efforts. Its not until those long tails are spread apart in flight that you visualize the scissors. I got so involved with the photo session I had to speed up my drive to make it to my flight ontime.

Sleepy Time

2006-04-01T12:47:00.000-08:00

I caught this Reddish Egret sleeping on one trip through the Black Point drive on Merritt Island. I have a couple of shots of him looking first to the left and then to the right before tucking in for the evening nap. I can honestly say I never thought of sleeping in this awkard looking position. When feeding, the Reddish Egret is actually a very active bird often chasing down its prey. While I do consider myself an avid birder I also like to take the time to oberve behaviors. I do keep a life list and enjoy seeing it grow. More than the ticking off of a list I take pleasure in the surroundings and environment of the habitat. I may not see as many species of birds in a day as other birders but I am sure I could tell you more about the species that I saw than many other birders that do it for the LIST. I was never very good at drawing or painting. I was actually awful. It was not until I purchased my first camera that I felt I could contribute in an artful way. I first started with landscape and flower photography as well as a few weddings and environmental portraiture. It wasn't until I started photographing birds that I felt a true calling. I haven't shot anything in a couple of years but I am feeling the urge to get back among the avian world with my camera. Look out Florida, here I come.

Fiery Sunset

2006-03-31T18:36:00.000-08:00

I took this photograph just before sunset while standing on the shoreline somewhere on Merritt Island near Titusville Florida. To the best of my knowledge these are Sanderlings which are one of the many species of shorebirds you are likely to encounter on this Island. It was truly a magical evening with the fiery glow in the sky and water. In addition to these Sanderlings there were groups of Great Egrets passing by as well as other shorebirds which I could not identify due to the lack of details in the silhouette views presented to me. This was my second trip to the Island and I was just as fascinated with the birdlife as on the first visit. Certain areas on the Island are populated with Florida Scrub Jays. I was unsucessful in my search for these unique birds. I was not too disapointed however as I had seen some scrubs back on the road passing through the Ocala National Forest. Unfortunately the lighting was poor as were the resulting photo's. I hear there is some great shoreline and birding on the Atlantic side of the Island. Next visit perhaps I can check it out.

Its Down There Somewhere

2006-03-27T16:14:00.000-08:00

I Took this White Ibis photograph at my favorite bird photography site. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is located across a long bridge from Titusville Florida. While there are many opportunities for great bird photography on the Island my favorite area is the Black Point Wildlife Drive where I took this picture. This drive is several miles long and meanders through both salt and fresh water marsh. You are likely to see such odd looking characters as the Roseate Spoonbill and Wood Stork among many other water birds and shorebirds. On the fresh water side keep a look out for sunning or cruising alligators. You may see a feeding Osprey or two. Tri-Colored Herons and Reddish Egrets are seen as well as Great and Snowy Egrets. Drive slowly, stay in your vehicle and you will get excellent close up looks at these great birds and many others. It takes about an hour if you drive slowly and enjoy the many views of nature offered on this drive. My first time at Merritt Island I drove through Black Point three times in one afternoon. Only the setting sun prevented me from a fourth time.

Signs of Spring

2006-03-25T09:13:00.000-08:00

My favorite time of year is definitely Spring. The arrival of the first blossoms of Crocus and Daffodils in February brings the realization that the cold and often dreary months of winter are once again doomed. My disposition improves and my energy level increases. Spring also brings back our migrating bird populations. I thoroughly enjoy watching for returning Warblers, Shorebirds and other Passerines. In the accompaning photograph are two signs of Spring. The pink blooms and the Ross's Goose together made this spring an enchanting experience. This particular Goose was an unexpected visitor. In my area there had only been 1 other Ross's Goose reported over many years. He dropped in on the ponds of a local Nature Center and stayed for several weeks. The general thought was that he was sick or injured and was just needing to recuperate. I went to his location at lunch one afternoon. I saw the Goose and I saw the pink blooms. I asked, "why don't you swim over under those blossoms"? In a few minutes he did exactly that and I took this photograph. It was the last frame on the roll as I had used the other frames to document his presence. Of all the pictures I took of Mr. Ross this last frame was the only keeper. Anyway, I still remember the warmth and beauty of that spring afternoon and the cooperative Ross's Goose.

On the Wind

2006-03-21T16:48:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite birds to watch is the Brown Pelican. If you have ever been to a beach it is almost certain you have seen one or more of them. I am always fascinated when I glance up from the sandy beach and spot a group of Pelicans. They are usually soaring just above the waves in a symmetric formation. With no movement of their outstretched wings they just deftly glide along on the wind. It makes me envious of the ease of their aerial mobility. Another interesting sight is when a group of Pelicans are feeding. One will hover momentarily above the waves then fold its giant brown wings and drop head first like a rock splashing into the surface. More likely than not it will emerge with a fish between its massive bills. If it fails the Pelican rises from the water and performs the dive again. Looking at this Pelican resting on a fishing pier piling in Titusville Florida it is difficult to imagine its agility in the air. An awesome bird, the Pelican.

Bird Observation

2006-03-11T13:34:00.000-08:00

I have been observing birds essentially my whole life. It was not until I participated in my youngest son's 6th grade project on birds that I began to really appreciate their beauty and antics. His assignment was to photograph or draw 20-25 species of birds. He chose to photograph as I had a Nikon camera and a medium long lens and he hated drawing. After we reached 60 something birds my son decided enough was enough. Nine years later I am still going strong. I have now observed over 400 species of birds. That may sound like a large number but considering there are over 9000 species worldwide, its just a drop in the bucket so to speak. I will be sharing some of my photographs of birds and perhaps of places I have visited while in search of birds. My hope is that you will enjoy viewing the birds as much as I did photographing them although nothing beats getting out in the field and seeing them for yourself. The photograph with this post is of Dancing Great Egrets at the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island, Florida.