Seven photos, six species.
Occasionally I post a grouping of bird photos that didn’t quite make my ‘A List’ but I think they still have some redeeming qualities. Each of the following seven photos was taken in the last three weeks at places like Farmington Bay WMA, the Wasatch Mountains and the Stansbury Mountains.
1/640, f/5.6, ISO 800, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
A Red-breasted Nuthatch doing that upside down thing so typical of the species. I wish I’d been closer and had better light but at least most of the bird is sharp and I got light in the eye.
1/2500, f/5.6, ISO 1250, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, canvas added for composition, not baited, set up or called in
An immature Red-tailed Hawk in full flight. I’m always pleased to get a raptor in flight with its feet tucked rather than hanging down like they typically are immediately after takeoff. An interesting wing position like this is a bonus since buteos in full flight are often gliding or soaring with their wings in a more horizontal position.
1/5000, f/7.1, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
A Snowy Egret coming in for a landing. The distinctive ‘golden slippers’ of the species are covered with mud but I do like the shadow on the wing.
1/3200, f/7.1, ISO 800, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
A Warbling Vireo peeking out at me from the willows. I have very few photos of this species so I’m pleased to have this one in my portfolio.
1/2500, f/6.3 ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
A Wild Turkey that approached my pickup so closely all I could get was head shots. I like seeing all this detail in that less than attractive head.
1/3200, f/7.1, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
Another immature Red-tailed Hawk, this one soaring almost directly overhead. I don’t post many photos like this with plain blue sky backgrounds but in this shot I like the detail revealed because many of the ventral surfaces are well-lit. Typically all we can see is shaded surfaces in raptors soaring overhead but when I took this shot the morning sun was still low in the sky.
1/3200, f/7.1, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
A pissed off White-faced Ibis threatening another ibis that had invaded its space. The second ibis is just out of frame to the left. I like the action and the colors revealed by the sunlight hitting the left wing in particular at just the right angle.
Even though several of these photos were taken at Farmington Bay WMA I may not be going back there for a while. Duck hunting season opened yesterday and it’s my understanding that Farmington had more hunters than birds. I’m not a fan of all that pandemonium.
On the other hand hunters often scare birds into ‘safe areas’ on our refuges that are accessible to photographers. I’ll just have to see how it all plays out this year.
Ron
Love Love Love!! More B list please 🙂
Birdpourri! Birdpourri! *dances around the living room* *well, not exactly dances because of the wonky knee* 🤔
These are all beautiful shots — including the turkey. Those olive greens in the ibis’ feathers are remarkable!
Still can’t wrap my head around hunting in a refuge.🤬
Thank you, Marty. Technically, based on the name I guess Farmington Waterfowl Management Area isn’t a refuge. But Bear River MBR (the R standing for refuge) certainly is. Doesn’t make sense…
My head struggles with the same thing Marty – and I am happy to join your wobbly dances.
Ooooh. Ahhhh. And thank you.
The only downside to this post (for me) is your mention of recreational hunters. Hiss and spit is the nicest thing I can say.
Which reminds me of the contradiction of hunting at a ‘refuge’…
These are all wonderful! I like the close up of the turkey, such a typical inquisitive turkey look!. I did not notice many “Waterfowl Resting Area” signs on my bike ride on the refuge Friday. Most of the ducks I saw were out to the west in the new area they have flooded and in the reedy area of the duck club. To my delight, not as many ducks this year.
April, that newly flooded area to the west has seemed to have the most birds for quite a while now.
Picky, picky. I see nothing wrong with these B list…wonderful photos!
Thanks, Jean.
WOW! I really enjoyed the collection of all these feathered finds! We had the pleasure of visiting Farmington this past summer, however I didnt see as many birds. You certainly have the magic touch and see and patience to capture that special movement!.
Linda, believe me I sometimes get skunked at Farmington too. It isn’t as productive as it used to be.
Too much growth and loss of habitat to support the larger number of birds. Sadly it will never be the same.
Fantastic amazing series Ron! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Charlotte.
Indeed quite a table you’ve laid out for us. Lots of food for thought. An array of habitats, behaviors, diets…. “forms most beautiful and wonderful…”
Loved the Darwin quote, Lyle.
These are beautiful photos of beautiful birds. Once again, Thank You.
Kaye,
Park City, UT
Thanks, Kaye.
What a wonderful variety of colors, poses, body-types…….I’m so glad
for you that you got such good opportunities with the vireo, and with it,
the lovely surrounds–my personal favorite of your delicious “smorgasbord”.
I’m pretty fond of that vireo too, Kris – probably in part because that species has been so elusive for me.
Truly a visual smorgasbord this a.m. I’ve never seen that particular ibis…those wing colors look particularly interesting as does it’s face. The turkey has a look that says ‘oops, didn’t know you were in there’. Nice close-up showing the feather pattern on the neck. Certainly not a super attractive bird but then if one were to compare it to a turkey vulture…it would be a winner. 😏
Kathy, the face of this species of ibis looks quite different from this during the breeding season when there’s a white border around its red face.
Great “Mixed Bag” Ron. Love those little Red Breasted Nuthatches….. The Egret with the shadow of it’s head on it’s wing and the pissed of Ibis and it’s wonderful colors are also beautiful. Having the ventral surfaces of the hawk lit up is good – “down in the hole” we don’t tend to see that. Vireo looks like a water color painting with it’s subdued colors. What can I say about the Wild Turkey. 😉 There have been indications here that hunting my be a real circus in some areas with more “hunters” than usual – more stressful and dangerous for all involved…….
Any relation to a Laura A Dudley?
Thanks, Judy. Nope, I’ve never heard of Laura but I can’t swear I’m not related.
Have never seen a Red-breasted Nuthatch – neat photo. Nice collection of very good photos. Love the turkey closeup and the pissed off Ibis. All the Snowy Egrets here have muddy legs from their wadding in the shallow muddy water. Both the Snowy and Great Egrets just recently arrived here. Also a group of Pelicans just showed up.
Everett, as you’ve mentioned in the past your pelicans are likely from our rookery on Gunnison Island. Tell them hi for me. 🙂