Pic of the Day

Grasshopper Sparrow, Ammoramus savannarum

Winfred Thomas Agricultural Research Station 

Nikon D800, Nikkor 500 f/4, 1/1000 sec. @ f/9

Pic of the Day

Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Pheucticus ludovicianus

Point Pelee, Canada; Shows rose colored breast.

Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Pheucticus ludovicianus: Hartwick Pines State
Park; Grayling, Michigan

     Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Pheucticus ludovicianus – Hartwick Pines State Park; Grayling, Michigan:  The rose-breasted grosbeak is a common visitor to my bird feeder for about two weeks in April, and for two weeks that span late September and early October during the fall. 

     I am always excited when the grosbeaks arrive; they bring brilliant contrast and color to my feeders with their dapper plumage.  Back in my bird-banding days I would often catch the hefty birds in my mist nets.  Grosbeaks have strong beaks that are ideally suited for cracking hard seed shells, as well as drawing blood from a bird-bander’s finger. 

When I would find a rose-breasted grosbeak in my mist net, I would take a small stick, about two-inches long, and hold it in front of the grosbeaks, beak.  The grosbeak would immediately reach out and bit the stick, latch onto it and not let go.  I could then retrieve the bird from the mist net, and band it without the bird biting me;……..those were the days!

     Grosbeaks that I see at my feeders in April are stopping to refuel.  They are migrating, heading north to breeding grounds in our northern states and Canada.  This past June, I was in Michigan where rose-breasted grosbeak nest.  While on the Kirtland’s warbler tour I ask the guide about good birding locations in the Grayling area.  She had lots of locations to tell me about, but the one that sounded the most interesting was Hartwick Pines State Park.   Hartwick Pines is the largest state park in Michigan and has a large variety of birds.  She told me I could get good photographs of rose-breasted grosbeak there.  That was all it took.  I did not have a wide variety of rose-breasted grosbeak images in my files, so I was off to Hartwick Pines. 

     When I arrived, it was more that I could have imagined, both rose-breasted and evening grosbeaks were flying to and from the feeders, landing on branches within easy photographic range.  Other birds taking advantage of the easy pickings at the feeders were hairy woodpeckers, scarlet tanagers, blue jays, and ruby-throated hummingbirds.  Hartwick Pines is a great location to see these two grosbeak species and a priority stop if you plan on visiting the Grayling area.  I’ll post an evening grosbeak soon.     

Top Image:  Nikon D300, Nikkor 500mm f4, 1/250 second @ f9, Tripod

Bottom Image:  Nikon D7000, Nikkor 500mm f4, 1/60 second @ f 4, Tripod

Common Yellowthroat Warbler, Geothlypis trichas

Song Sparrow, Melospiza melodia

     Common Yellowthroat Warbler, Geothlypis trichas (Top), and Song Sparrow, Melospiza melodia (bottom) – Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge, Montana:  The common yellowthroat warbler is without a doubt the most wide-ranging warbler in North America.   I have encountered the common yellowthroat from Florida to Alaska, and from California to New Brunswick.  I have never noticed a difference in the appearance of this species. 

     The song sparrow on the other hand is a species whose range is almost as extensive as that of the common yellowthroat warbler. But, the song sparrow varies greatly in color across its range and is divided into 39 distinct races. 

    Both species inhabit similar habitat, so, it is not surprising that I found this common yellowthroat and song sparrow sharing the same patch of cattails in Metcalf NWR, just outside of Stevenville, Montana. 

     To photograph these birds I used a technique called “pishing.”  Using my van as a blind, I pulled along side a patch of cattails that looked perfect for the warbler.  Once I stopped I readied my camera through the open window of the van and began making a, PISHing sound.  Pishing is a real art, which yellowthroats, song sparrows and many other species excitedly respond.  The more I pished, the more interested the warbler was, and it was soon joined by an equally inquisitive song sparrow.  Both birds searched the cattails close to my van looking for the source of the sounds.

     In this case the yellowthroat was the first to respond, then the song sparrow. Though I was targeting yellowthroats, I was more than happy to get the song sparrow as well.  Both birds put on quite a show, providing great poses for frame filling shots.

Common Yellowthroat: Nikon D7000, Nikkor 500mm f4, 1/500 sec. @ f8, Handheld on beanbag.

Song Sparrow:  Nikon D7000, Nikkor 500mm f4, 1/1,000 sec. @ f7.1, Handheld on beanbag

Trip Update & Who's Looking:

     After 42 days and 11,000 miles we have arrived home.  What a GREAT TRIP!  We had a fantastic time.  I added 23 new birds to my life list, and got some shots that I am really happy with.  I will begin posting in a couple of days.  I need a little time to get things squared away here at the house before I start posting.  The yard is a mess! 

   In the mean time, I would like to welcome viewers from the Netherlands Antilles and Laos to the blog.  These two nations have become the 112th and 113th countries from which viewers have logged onto Bobby's Photo Blog.  Welcome to the Blog and please come back often.   Bobby

  

    Lewis’s Woodpecker – Stevensville, Montana:  For three days I drove Glacier National Park, The National Bison Range, and Metcalf NWR looking for Lewis’s Woodpecker.  Lewis’s Woodpecker is an uncommon bird in its range, and I was told by park rangers and other birder’s that, “you don’t find Lewis’s, they just happen.  They move around a lot.”  
     The Lewis’s Woodpecker was first collect by Meriwether Lewis on the 1805 expedition into the recently acquired Louisiana Purchase territory.  The bird was named for its discoverer. 

Unlike other woodpeckers the Lewis’s does not usually dig into a tree for insects, but fly catches.  I have observed the bird perched in typical woodpecker posture, then, leap into the air to hawk insects.  It is most unusual behavior for a woodpecker.

     After chasing the bird for three days I did not think I would find one, then I stopped and talked with another photographer while shooting at Lee Metcalf NWR.  I asked him if he had seen a Lewis’s.  He told me he had seen one that morning on a road west and north of Stevensville.  With his directions I took off looking, and to my great surprise I found not one, but three birds just a half a mile north of where he told me to look.  As I watched the birds I was incredibly excited.  The Lewis’s is a “Lifer” for me.  Seeing the bird itself was enough, but I had not only seen the bird, I saw one fly to nearby cavity.  I had found nesting birds, and an opportunity to shoot photos.

    The nest was situated in a cottonwood stump about twelve feet off the ground.  There was also a drive into pasture about 20-25 feet from the nest that I would pull into.  The nest was perfectly situated for me to use my van as a blind.  I have enjoyed two good mornings shooting this wonderful, and some what rare bird.  I was just hoping to see this beautiful bird, but I have been fortunate to photograph it as well.  What more could I ask for!


Top Photo:  Nikon D7000, Nikkor 500mm f4, with 1.4 teleconverter, 1/1000 sec @ f8
Bottom Photo:  Nikon D 7000, Nikkor 500mm f4, 1/000 sec, @ f7.1

Pic of the Day

     Tree Swallow – Magee Marsh, Ohio:  On the last morning at Magee Marsh I stopped to shoot the active black-capped chickadee nest shown in the previous post.  Much to my surprise I found a tree swallow clinging to the chickadee’s nest entrance.  The tree swallow spent at least ten minutes looking in, and around the cavity.  At one point the swallow entered the cavity for a few seconds and then climbed out.   Finally the swallow flew to a branch just above the cavity entrance and perched.  It appeared to me that the swallow had taken over the cavity. 

     No sooner had the swallow flown to the branch, the female black-capped exploded from the nest, alighted on a nearby branch and was fed by its mate.  The tree swallow, like lightning, swooped to the cavity entrance and alighted.  The chickadee retaliated and drove the swallow away, then entered the cavity.  Though the tree swallow had not taken over the cavity, it was trying to usurp the nest site.  For the rest of the morning the swallow kept returning to the nest tree. Wish I had been able to stay around to see how the drama ended.


Nikon D7000, Nikkor 500mm f4, 1/60sec. @ f8

Pic of the Day

     Magnolia Warbler – Magee Marsh, Ohio:  If you been following the blog you know that I have been at Magee Marsh on the south shore of Lake Erie photographing migrating birds.  This image is a sing male magnolia warbler.  Magee is a great place to get close to the birds, but the backgrounds can be tough.  This image was taken as the bird moved through the bushes a eye level, but out-of-focus branches create real distractions.  I used a shallow depth-of-field to minimize the distractions.  In this case it helps, and creates a pleasing image. 

Nikon D7000, Nikkor 500mm f4, 1/200second @ f8, fill flash (approx. 12 feet from subject)

Pic of the DAy

     Eastern Kingbird – Camas National Wildlife Refuge, Idaho:  Going through my files I found this image of an Eastern Kingbird.  Most kingbirds I have photographed have been on fence post or barbed wire.  I was excited to find this bird perched on a reed and even more excited that it did not fly away when I stopped to take this, and many other photographs.

     I have plans to head north soon and photograph neotropical species before they cross Lake Erie.  I’m looking forward to seeing and photographing lots of warblers, tanagers and other passerines. 

Pic of the Day

     Roseate Spoonbill –­­ Saint Augustine Alligator Farm; St. Augustine, Florida:  On my first day at the alligator farm the evening light became quite spectacular.  About thirty minutes before sunset a storm blew-by just south of the farm filling the sky with dark clouds. The sun, shining from the west, illuminated the farm with soft golden light that bathed the bird as it perched high on a snag preening its feathers.  The dark clouds provided a perfect backdrop.  The light was splendid, and revealed every detail in the spoonbills feathers.


All Three:  Nikon D7000, Nikkor 500mm f4, 1/640sec. @ f7.1

Pic of the Day

     Roseate Spoonbill -- Saint Augustine Alligator Farm; St. Augustine, Florida:  Another image from the alligator farm of the breeding spoonbills.  This bird stands just a few feet from its nest only ten feet or less from the boardwalk.   In the early morning spoonbills, herons and egrets in the rookery spend a lot of time preening, and provides ample photographic opportuinities. 

Nikon D7000, Nikkor 300 2.8; 1/320sec. @ f6.3

Pic of the Day

     Roseate Spoonbill – Saint Augustine Alligator Farm; St. Augustine, Florida:  Roseate spoonbills have been nesting at the Alligator Farm for a few years.  This spoonbill had built its nest within ten feet of the boardwalk, making the birds easily accessible.

     A cypress branch obscured most of this bird, and that was what sparked my interest.  The branches in front of the bird lent an intimate view.   I took many images as the bird preened its gorgeous pink plumes, but it was not until the spoonbill tucked its beak under its wing that the image achieved its full potential. 

Nikon D7000, Nikkor 500mm f4, 1/4,000 sec. @ f5

Pic of the Day

     Cattle Egret in breeding plumage – Saint Augustine Alligator Farm; Saint Augustine, Florida:  This past week I made a quick trip to the alligator farm in St. Augustine, Florida to photograph the heron rookery.  My primary purpose was to photograph cattle egret in breeding plumage.  I had been to the farm numerous times, but could never find the right egret, in the right breeding plumage, in the right setting.

     The cattle egret is not a native species to North America.   It is an African species that was introduced into British Guiana sometime in the 1940’s.  Though no one knows exactly how the bird arrived in the western hemisphere, it is suspected by some that the egret was blown-over in a hurricane. 

     Cattle egret first appeared in the United States in some numbers around lake Okeechobee in March of 1952.  Sam Grimes, A well-known bird photographer of the 40’s and 50’s suspected the birds nested around the lake and set out to find a nest and breeding bird to photograph.  In May of 1953, he successfully photographed the first known cattle egret nest in the United States.

     After many years of searching for just the right bird, in perfect breeding plumage, in just the right setting, I finally found this bird last Friday morning.  I like it! It just might be the one!


Nikon D7000, Nikkor 500mm f4, 1/400sec @ f5, Tripod

Pic of the Day

     Dogwood Blossom – Horse Cove, Alabama:  On the day I shot the Azaleas (see post for March 24),  I also shot a few dogwood blooms.  Some years the dogwoods around my home do not bloom, but this year it seems that every dogwood in the forest is in bloom. They're just beautiful!

Nikon D7000, Nikkor 500mm f4, 1/80th second @ f7.1

Who's Looking

     Welcome viewers from Gabon!  You have made Gabon the 110^th country from which viewers have logged onto Bobby’s Photo Blog.  I hope you like the blog, and please come back often.  Bobby

Who's Looking

     I would like to welcome viewers from Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Sudan to Bobby’s Photo Blog.  These two countries are the 106^th and 107^th countries from which viewers have logged on.  Welcome to the blog and please come back often.  Bobby

Who's Looking

     I would like to thank the viewers from the Dominican Republic for logging onto Bobby's Photo Blog.  The Dominican Republic becomes the 86^th country from which viewer have logged on.  Welcome to the Blog and please log on often.  Bobby

Pic of the Day

     Greater Roadrunner – Catalina State Park; Tucson, Arizona:  Well, since I have had to return home due to family medical issues I thought I would post some images from my files.  Hopefully I’ll be back on the road around Thursday and shooting soon after that.

     This image of a Greater Roadrunner was photographed at Catalina State Park in Tucson, Arizona.  Roadrunners are fascinating birds.  When I see one, I think this is how a small Jurassic dinosaur might have looked.  They are members of the family Cuculidae, which include the cuckoos, roadrunners and anis.  The roadrunner is a large ground dwelling cuckoo that races around the desert and scrub seeking lizards, snakes and insects to devour.

     Using my van as a blind I followed the roadrunner as it searched for prey in the parks desert scrub.  After 30 minutes or so of hunting among the branchy willow the roadrunner walked into a grassy field and then into an open area allowing me to take a few unobstructed shots that showed off its blue and red feathered supercillium, long legs and thick, heavy bill.  The roadrunner really does look prehistoric!

Nikon D300, Nikkor 500mm f4, 1/250sec. @ f7.1, handheld resting lens on pillow while shooting form the window of an Astro van.

Pic of the Day

TARANTULAREX

     Oklahoma Brown Tarantula -- Tallgrass Prairie Preserve; Pawhuska, Oklahoma:  Before arriving at the Tallgrass Prairie near Pawhuska, Oklahoma I stopped in Wichita Fall, Texas to see my aunt and second cousins, so I did not arrive at the prairie until almost sunset this evening.  Once I arrived in Pawhuska, I went directly to the prairie to check out the flowers.  I am a little early, though flowers are in bloom.  The next two weeks should be great flower photography here on the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve. 

     While driving out of the preserve I saw a large insect, bug, something crawling across the road.  It looked like a spider, but it was huge.  By the time I stopped I was a hundred feet past it, but backed-up to check out the "something."  To my surprise it was a tarantulas.  I had never seen a tarantula in the wild before.  It was moving fast and I had interrupted its evening outing.  To keep the interruption to a minimum I grabbed the iphone and took this snap shot.  I placed a quarter beside the tarantulas for size comparison.  This was sooooo cool! 


Taken with an iphone

On the road

I am heading to the Tallgrass Prairie, then further west. I will post updates after i do some shooting. Bobby

Pic of the Day

     Red-eyed Vireo – Magee Marsh, Ohio:  This is one of two shots I took of a Red-eyed Vireo at Magee Marsh during the spring migration.  The vireo is searching for insects under the tree leaf.  All the warblers and vireos I saw were feeding on very small insects from under the tree leaves. I do not know how many warblers were in the woodlands the day that I shot this image, but they seemed to be everywhere and were constantly feeding all day.  I can’t begin to fathom the weight of insect biomass that was consumed during my three-day stint at the marsh, though I am sure a study as been conducted on the topic. To see the 1^st Red-eyed vireo image and text I posted click on this link: http://bobbyharrison.blogspot.com/2011/05/pic-of-day_15.html

Nikon D7000, Nikkor 500mm f4, 1/125 sec. @ f8