Behaviors – Page 40 – Feathered Photography

Female Belted Kingfisher Shaking Her Head

A subtle variation in head-shaking style between species that most bird lovers have probably noticed but I suspect few have given any thought to.

Topsy-turvy Red-breasted Nuthatch

I take an inordinate number of garbage photos of this species for every decent shot I get.

Mountain Chickadee Acrobatic Feeding Behavior

Given their nearly identical, interesting and even amusing feeding technique Mountain chickadees almost seem like wannabe nuthatches.

Red-breasted Nuthatch Just Hangin’ Out

Yesterday morning I often had more birds in front of me than I could aim my lens at. That hasn’t happened in a very long time..

Red-tailed Hawk Perched, Taking Off And In Flight

Raptors have several behavioral quirks that bird photographers who lust after takeoff and flight shots should be very familiar with because they signal imminent takeoff. Yesterday morning near Farmington Bay WMA this immature Red-tailed Hawk knew all the choreographed moves and performed most of them on cue.

Red-breasted Nuthatch – Your Choice Of Compositions

Once again I couldn’t decide so you get both.

Red-breasted Nuthatch Working Over Dougas Fir Cones For Seeds

Last year in this general location in the mountains I could only get harsh sidelight on the feeding nuthatches but yesterday morning I had a great light angle. It made a big difference.

Greater Yellowlegs With A Fish

Plus: Incontrovertible evidence that birders really do have a sense of humor.

Short-eared Owl With Prey Flying Straight At Me

I think this photo is pretty intense.

Western Grebe Trying To Walk With Little Success

Grebes of all species very rarely try to walk or even come out of the water onto a solid surface. Because of their unusual anatomy standing and walking are almost impossible tasks but this one made the attempt anyway. The results were hilarious.