Western Grebes “Rushing”
I’ve found the rushing behavior of Western Grebes to be one of the more difficult bird photography challenges of all. First of all you have to be there when it happens and I’ve only seen it a handful of times.
Category: Birds
The Seldom Seen Red Crown Patch Of The Western Kingbird
Many are surprised to learn that the Western Kingbird has a reddish-orange crown patch that bisects the top center of its head. The patch is usually kept concealed but occasionally they will quickly flash the patch at unpredictable moments, especially when other birds invade their territory. I’ve featured the crown patch on my blog previously but earlier this summer I had my best look at it so I thought I’d revisit the subject this morning.
Some Williamson’s Sapsucker Behavior
In early July I photographed a mated pair of Williamson’s Sapsuckers in Clark County, Idaho. As usual I was fascinated by their behaviors.
Centennial Valley Sage Grouse And Their Potential Listing As “Threatened”
About three weeks ago I was able to photograph adult female Greater Sage-Grouse and their chicks in the Centennial Valley of southwest Montana. This species is on the cusp of a threatened species designation so I’m always thrilled to be able to see and photograph them in their natural, wild habitat. Believe me, it doesn’t happen very often.
Some Interesting Poses From A Rufous Hummingbird
Yesterday morning I spent more time with the hummingbirds on Antelope Island. This female Rufous Hummingbird perched close and gave me some interesting poses.
Hummingbirds And The Way I Prefer To Photograph Them
Many photographers use elaborate setups and flash when photographing hummingbirds. I prefer au naturel.
Sphinx (Hummingbird) Moth In Flight – (5 images)
Today I digress from birds or even mammals. Our subject will have no feathers or fur – instead we’ll see paired wings, body segments, antennae and an incredibly long “tongue”. And we’ll have close-up looks at a fascinating insect in flight.
Sunbathing White-faced Ibis
When common birds perform uncommon behaviors it catches my eye. And hopefully my lens. This was a behavior completely new to me for this species.
Red-tailed Hawk Carrying Prey in Beak Instead Of Talons
In my experience Red-tailed Hawks in flight most often carry prey in their talons but this molting adult surprised me a little.
Cow Moose And Calf On Dairy Creek
Moose encounters aren’t everyday occurrences for me so three weeks ago I was delighted to come across this very dark cow moose and her calf as I explored the back roads on the border of southwest Montana and Idaho.
Snowy Egret – “Golden Slippers” Running On Water
The distinctive bright yellow feet and deeply contrasting jet-black legs of the Snowy Egret can really grab your eye when they’re visible above the water’s surface or even when the egret is in flight – so much so that both the bird and its feet are often referred to as “golden slippers”.
Fighting White-faced Ibises (11 images)
Generally the White-faced Ibis is non-aggressive as it feeds in large groups of its own kind. Even when they accidentally bump into each other there is usually no aggressive response. But there are exceptions…
Black-necked Stilt – An Optical Illusion
I tend to like quirky photographs that make me think for a moment or send mixed signals to my brain. Or both. For me, this image is one of those.
Extremes In Fish Size White Pelicans Will Attempt To Eat
American White Pelicans eat fish almost exclusively and the size range of fish they’ll attempt to swallow can be extreme. If they show poor judgment they can get into serious trouble.
Iridescence And The Role of Plumage Variations In Juvenile Magpies
Juvenile Black-billed Magpies have significantly less iridescence in their plumage than the adults so the amount that appeared in this young bird surprised me.
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The Seldom Seen Red Crown Patch Of The Western Kingbird
Many are surprised to learn that the Western Kingbird has a reddish-orange crown patch that bisects the top center of its head. The patch is usually kept concealed but occasionally they will quickly flash the patch at unpredictable moments, especially when other birds invade their territory. I’ve featured the crown patch on my blog previously but earlier this summer I had my best look at it so I thought I’d revisit the subject this morning.
Some Williamson’s Sapsucker Behavior
In early July I photographed a mated pair of Williamson’s Sapsuckers in Clark County, Idaho. As usual I was fascinated by their behaviors.
Centennial Valley Sage Grouse And Their Potential Listing As “Threatened”
About three weeks ago I was able to photograph adult female Greater Sage-Grouse and their chicks in the Centennial Valley of southwest Montana. This species is on the cusp of a threatened species designation so I’m always thrilled to be able to see and photograph them in their natural, wild habitat. Believe me, it doesn’t happen very often.
Some Interesting Poses From A Rufous Hummingbird
Yesterday morning I spent more time with the hummingbirds on Antelope Island. This female Rufous Hummingbird perched close and gave me some interesting poses.
Hummingbirds And The Way I Prefer To Photograph Them
Many photographers use elaborate setups and flash when photographing hummingbirds. I prefer au naturel.
Sphinx (Hummingbird) Moth In Flight – (5 images)
Today I digress from birds or even mammals. Our subject will have no feathers or fur – instead we’ll see paired wings, body segments, antennae and an incredibly long “tongue”. And we’ll have close-up looks at a fascinating insect in flight.
Sunbathing White-faced Ibis
When common birds perform uncommon behaviors it catches my eye. And hopefully my lens. This was a behavior completely new to me for this species.
Red-tailed Hawk Carrying Prey in Beak Instead Of Talons
In my experience Red-tailed Hawks in flight most often carry prey in their talons but this molting adult surprised me a little.
Cow Moose And Calf On Dairy Creek
Moose encounters aren’t everyday occurrences for me so three weeks ago I was delighted to come across this very dark cow moose and her calf as I explored the back roads on the border of southwest Montana and Idaho.
Snowy Egret – “Golden Slippers” Running On Water
The distinctive bright yellow feet and deeply contrasting jet-black legs of the Snowy Egret can really grab your eye when they’re visible above the water’s surface or even when the egret is in flight – so much so that both the bird and its feet are often referred to as “golden slippers”.
Fighting White-faced Ibises (11 images)
Generally the White-faced Ibis is non-aggressive as it feeds in large groups of its own kind. Even when they accidentally bump into each other there is usually no aggressive response. But there are exceptions…
Black-necked Stilt – An Optical Illusion
I tend to like quirky photographs that make me think for a moment or send mixed signals to my brain. Or both. For me, this image is one of those.
Extremes In Fish Size White Pelicans Will Attempt To Eat
American White Pelicans eat fish almost exclusively and the size range of fish they’ll attempt to swallow can be extreme. If they show poor judgment they can get into serious trouble.
Iridescence And The Role of Plumage Variations In Juvenile Magpies
Juvenile Black-billed Magpies have significantly less iridescence in their plumage than the adults so the amount that appeared in this young bird surprised me.