Except for a seemingly small but very aggravating detail this second photo might have been among my favorite songbird shots of all time, largely because of degree of difficulty and four unlikely strokes of good luck.
Out of the many thousands of Yellow Warbler photos I’ve taken this summer this one from yesterday morning will likely turn out to be my favorite. But the reason for that strong preference will require an explanation because it’s personal.
Most bird photographers who try to photograph swallows in flight give up in frustration and I tried for several years before doing exactly that. They’re just too darned fast and erratic in the air.
The moral and ethical behavior of my own species often appalls me but a very recent event has reminded me that I shouldn’t color with a brush too broad.
With their eyes completely surrounded by white and an orange bill I think Clark’s Grebes have a slightly more elegant appearance than the nearly identical Western Grebe. But I love spending time with both species, especially when they’re back brooding chicks.
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