Once again, a little photo-geekiness from me this morning. I know that some regular readers of Feathered Photography (especially those who are photographers themselves) sometimes wonder why I tend to use such fast shutter speeds so I thought I’d attempt an explanation.
Whenever Burrowing Owls take up residence in a burrow close to the road on the island they quickly become “discovered” and vulnerable.
Western Meadowlarks are now singing by the gazillion from their elevated perches on Antelope Island so I’m getting some opportunities for take-off shots.
Male Sage Thrashers perform what is called the “Bilateral Wing Display” during courtship and territory establishment. Yesterday morning I was able to photograph the behavior on Antelope Island and though I wish I’d been a little closer I had decent light, a pretty good view of the bird and he performed for me for several minutes so I shouldn’t complain.
I have to constantly remind myself that just because a particular bird is common doesn’t mean that it isn’t a worthy photo subject. I seldom post images of species like House Finches, American Coots and Horned Larks simply because they’re ubiquitous and that’s my shortcoming, not theirs.
Typically this is a shot I would have missed because I’d have anticipated the wrong direction for take-off.
Grasshoppers are not typical prey for Prairie Falcons. Studies indicate that the main foods taken are other birds (Horned Larks and meadowlarks are favorites), small mammals and lizards but in a pinch they do consume flying insects, including grasshoppers. This bird was intent on doing just that.
I’m delighted to see government agencies and conservation groups working together to protect vulnerable nesting birds.
I’ve seldom seen parental duties so enthusiastically and evenly shared as in this mated pair of Williamson’s Sapsuckers.
Before we get to the main event of this post I must report that a pleasant surprise awaited me on Antelope Island yesterday morning.
One of the species whose return I most anticipate in the springtime is the Sage Thrasher.
I enjoy the variety of getting different numbers of birds and varying backgrounds in my swan flight shots.
A simple image but the light on the grebe and the dark, moody setting appeal to me.
Usually any photo opportunity I have with Golden Eagles is fleeting but this bird and a companion were the exception.
