And lots of migrating Turkey Vultures.
1/3200, f/6.3, ISO 800, Canon R5, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
Birds were scarce in Box Elder County yesterday morning but I did find a flock of migrating White-crowned Sparrows. They were mostly juveniles and they were very shy but this one came in close enough (barely) to allow me a flight shot that I like.
“He” was partially sidelit but his head was turned just enough to put good light on his face and I like his flight posture. He’s sharp enough and perfectly placed in the frame relative to the foliage and twigs that relieve some of the monotony of all that blue sky.
The most interesting thing I saw yesterday was a large flock of Turkey Vultures. The last time I was in the area I don’t believe I saw a single vulture but yesterday I found a group of about 40 of them, on the ground and close to the road. I expected to find an animal carcass nearby but I didn’t, so I believe they were flocked up for migration. The strong cold front of the day before (I saw 37° F. yesterday morning) probably played a role in their flocking behavior.
It’s that time of year.
Ron
Birds are an aerodynamic wonder. And a joy. Thank you for this delightful capture of the lbj. I am hoping that the picky one finds a photo or two of vultures to share too.
I’ll work on it, EC, Even though it may be a little like making a silk purse out of a sow’s ear… 🙂
Fablous flight shot!
Charlotte Norton
Thanks, Charlotte.
This LBJ is a sight to see — all those different browns and buff tones! Definitely like the flight posture and the composition of the shot. Hope you got a few shots off with those TVs! Love me a good condor or vulture!❤️❤️❤️
Finally saw a White Pelican out here on Friday morning. (I wonder if he was lost, as I never see them 😉). He was just gliding over the flood control channel near our house. Hoping this isn’t a one-off!
Marty, I got lots of shots of the vultures. I’m just not sure yet if any of them are any good.
Congrats on the pelican!
Even if they’re not good (Mr. Nit Picker 😉❤️). I don’t get to see any vultures near me, so I have to live vicariously.
Marty, see my response to EC, above…
Whoa, 37??? I thought it was cold here, but it was 44—–why was it so much colder at your place?
Sue, that wasn’t at my place. It was up north in Box Elder County. It’s nearly always colder up there. One morning a few winters ago it was 22 below when I was crossing the Bear River bridge at Corinne. Don’t think I’ve ever seen it quite that cold here.
Excellent photo and report. Yes, we are expecting the WC Sparrows any minute, and when they come we get maybe a thousand of them or more and they are almost everywhere. And yes I think your Vultures are moving south. I have seen quite a few lately that are most likely in migration mode.
Thanks, Everett. White-crowned Sparrows may be common but I sure enjoy them. Adults and juveniles look so different from each other it’s almost like seeing two different species. I see that as a bonus.
Now I have to respond again. Just read Kris Eberhard’s comments about the Turkey Vultures warm ups from the pine trees at Granite Mountain. I live in Prescott and have watched that and taken photos a few times and it is a very interesting process to watch.
Everett, I thought of you when I saw what Kris said.
Lovely capture of the White-Crowned Sparrow ! And that grouping of turkey vultures sounds impressive…..I guess if they were all on the ground there wouldn’t be much opportunity for an interesting composition. I’m thinking of a big white pine spar in Prescott in which migrating turkey vultures would perch on all levels and spread
their huge wings to warm up in the rays of the rising sun–an unforgettable sight !
“I guess if they were all on the ground there wouldn’t be much opportunity for an interesting composition.”
Kris, they were doing a lot of intermittent flying, low to the ground and buzzing other vultures on the ground. So I got lots of flight shots but it was later in the morning so the light was a little harsh. I have lots of photos of them but I’ll have to look at them more carefully to see if I have any shots I like well enough to post..
“It’s that time of year.” For us here in So Cal it’s getting there. One of the things I look forward to, and consider a sign that the seasons have changed, is the arrival of White-crowned Sparrows in the yard. They are not here yet, but I suspect it will not be too long now.
What a lovely flight shot of these beautiful sparrows. Looking forward to their arrival.
Thank you, Michael. They’re on their way.
Pretty sparrow even if you got minimal cooperation from it! 😉 Appears he has a yellowish breast……
Birds are on the move. Our Robins were long gone but had a large flock of them passing through yesterday.
“Birds are on the move.”
They sure are, or they’re preparing to be. Around here there are huge flocks of White-faced Ibis getting ready to head south.