For me, male Marsh Wrens in springtime epitomize the word “frenzied” as they flit from cattail to cattail defending nesting territory, attracting and mating with multiple females and building many “dummy” nests. And their singing is almost constant.
Most of the Sandhill Crane behaviors I observed last week were typical for the species but one was quite unusual.
Two weeks ago I reported a banded Tundra Swan I photographed at Salt Creek WMA. It wasn’t long before I received some interesting information back about that bird from the North American Bird Banding Program.
Mating behaviors of American Avocets are complex, ritualized, predictable and quite fascinating.
This was the strangest behavior I’ve ever seen from a meadowlark, though it was difficult to capture photographically.
These large geese are very impressive up close, especially during their mating rituals.
Around here Black-billed Magpies are among the first species to begin nest-building activities. It tickles my fancy to see another sign of spring after this miserable winter.
Though I regularly watch birds as they preen it’s not often that I’m able to actually see the preen (uropygial) gland.
The song of the meadowlark often stirs fond memories and thoughts of peaceful and melodious spring mornings. But for birds that song represents the tension of competition for territories and females – anything but tranquility.
“If you’ve dated a redhead raise your glass, if not . . . raise your standards” – Anonymous.
Redheads (of the duck variety) begin to pair up on their winter range and some of the birds now migrating through my area have already formed their monogamous pair bonds.
Because of their comical tendencies, expressive faces and uninhibited behaviors juvenile Burrowing Owls just may be the most interesting and entertaining birds I photograph.
This is a look and pose I’ve noticed fairly often from Red-tailed Hawks in conditions like this but I rarely see the same from a harrier.
By definition there is often a price to be paid for ethical nature photography since the image you get may not be the one you envisioned or hoped for.
