Huddleland - May 9th

My friend Greg owns property in the Hocking Hills region. Greg is an excellent photographer, but has never paid any attention to birds, until now. We went there on Saturday May 9th to see what was there. It was a beautiful day, but very windy. The wind was so bad that we basically setup where we could find the least amount of wind. We were there all day and had a great time. Our first stop of the morning provided us with a wonderful little Blue-winged Warbler.
After enjoying the company of this fine fellow for about an hour or so, we headed off. There was a place where Indigo Buntings, and White-eyed Vireos were singing up a storm, so we sat down. As we were sitting there wondering why the Buntings and Vireos were not coming out to play we noticed a beautiful Common Yellowthroat. He was very cooperative and gave us wonderful views.
The day was wrapping up with very unsuccessful attempts to get photos of a singing Hooded. What else is new? We also attempted our luck on a pair of Ovenbirds, but they did not seem interested in having their picture taken either. So we decided to take a last spin around the property on ATV's. They are so much fun to ride. As Greg took me to the creek with a small falls in it, we found a pair of Louisiana’s making a nest.

By the time we got to the Creek it was very overcast. It was very dark and the canopy above did not help. I vowed to return on a day when the sun was out. It was neat to watch the pair gathering up nesting material.

Delays in posting

I'm still about 2 weeks behind, please be patient with me and stop back often.

Shawnee State Forest (May 5th and 6th)

For the second week in a row I got to work in souther n Ohio for 3 days. A birders dream come true! Again, after work I went to Shawnee State Forest. I do truely love this place. Last years fire, pushed me to the East side of 125, but this year I went back to my favorate places. The first night, the birds just did not want to come close, so I really did not get any pictures. The socond day however was totally different. I found a great little spot that was holding the newly arriving Chats. Once again these guys showed up seeminly over night.


Yellow-breasted Chat. Just a little fired up.
















In this same area was a pair of Scarlet Tanagers hanging out.

Lastly before the evening set, I saw this Hooded. These guys are so dificult to get a shot of. Even though he was a little far, and I had to leave a little more enviroment around him, I am still pleased with the shot.

To end this even of wonderful bird shooting, I was blasted with the sound of Whip-Poor-Wills!

Jackson County (Apr 28, 29)

I got to explore the Cooper Hollow WA for two evenings after work. This is a beautiful place. I found the expected birds and had a very nice time. One of the highlights was running into the most flashy White-eyed Vireo I've ever seen. This guy forgot he was known for his elusiveness and just came right out to sing. Add some excellent evening sun and I got a couple good shots of him!

Yellow-throated Warblers and Blue-winged Warblers seem to be the popular bird of the spring. Everywhere I go, there they are!!

I always take time out to shoot a passing deer. In the spring, these guys can look so scraggly!



Not only did the early leaf out that occured this year make it harder to see the birds, it also blocked a lot of light. Lack of light always seems to be my enemy.





On the way home from Jackson Friday night, I stopped at Scioto Trail SF. I enjoyed running into some birders stopped on a bridge over the Scioto. They were checking out the mass of Cliff Swallows. I was greatful to see them too. It's been a few years since I last saw a Cliff.
The Scarlet Tanagers were no where one day and the next day they were everywhere. The woods were filled with they're Chick-burs.

Spring is here

I havn't posted since Fall. Wow, that's just too long. I didn't really do a lot of shooting over the winter, except in my backyard. Well, at least until now. Last weekend I went to Shawnee State Forest with a couple guys from Lens and Leaves Nature Photography Club.

We were greeted right off the bat with a singing Blue-winged Warbler. A perfect place too. He was right along the creek bed, with a row of Dogwoods and other trees to perch on. Having 3 of us in individual chair blinds, we had plenty of room and as the bird moved up and down the row, he gave each of us nice looks. Of course, he only landed on the “perfect” perch for about 5 seconds. Here he is, singing away, like it’s spring or something.

After the Blue-winged gave us a card full, it was time to move. We did try (with no success to get another bird to this area). We decided to move to the other side of the creek and see if we could entice a waterthrush out into the open. No luck so we started to pack up. As we were putting our stuff in the truck, Kelly pointed out a beautiful Yellow-throated Warbler right there. So, he was our next subject. These pictures turned out the best of the day.

On to a new spot. As we drove, listening for a next subject, We ran into a group of birders and stopped to share notes. They pointed out a spot where they had seen a waterthrush, so we headed out in that direction. This next spot did have a waterthrush. As a matter of fact there were lots of birds at this place. Besided the Louisianna Waterthrush, there was an Ovenbird, B&W, and Worm-eating. The only pictures I came away with were of the Worm-eating Warbler. An awesome bird no doubt!

The day was getting on and everyone seemed to want to see a Prairie. So, off we went. Come to the top of a hill and as we approached we could see that there was a clearing. We knew, this was perfect habitat. Not more than a split second after thinking that, did we here this guy singing. He was not a very cooperative guy. Surprisingly enough he was hangin in the woods right next to the field. Not a lot of shot opportunities, so this was the best I could do.

All in all, we had a great day. Even when it seems like everything falls into place, I only end up with a few good shots. But if it weren’t a challenge then it wouldn't be worth it!

God Bless,
Bruce