Bruce's Birding Blog

Pretty Lady – Yellow Warbler.

2011-05-18T08:35:00.000-04:00

So often we consider the male to be the prettier bird, but this young lady holds her own when it comes to good looks. She has a soft delicateness to her. Normally Yellow warblers like to feed around 15-20 feet up in the trees and that makes them very difficult to get good photos of. They seem to hang out there just out of reach. Not this beauty. She was working the low lying shrubbery. In typical Warbler style, she paid no attention to me or the sound of the shutter going off. This outing was a unique encounter with which I will remember for quite some time, and I have pictures to help relive the moments!

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GB,

Bruce

Turkeys

2011-05-17T00:10:00.000-04:00

I got a new lens and wanted to try it out, so the first stop was to Blendon Woods MP. Here I found a very cooperative pair of Turkeys! I have wanted to get a photo of a Turkey displaying for several years and here was my chance!

Nice Beard too!

I'm seeing Gold

2011-04-24T21:33:00.000-04:00

All winter I watch and wait. While I think their winter plumage is pretty, the summer coat is specatcular. I'm talking about Goldfinches. To watch them change over the last month has been exciting. Each day I look out in wonder, are they there yet. I must admit, I have jumped the gun just a little as they are not quite 100% yet, but they are so close I could not wait any more. These will have to do for today!

And not to be left out is this beautiful female.

Thanks for looking!

Bruce

The American Robin!

2011-03-30T10:29:00.000-04:00

The American Robin! What a pretty bird. The American Robin is probably Ohio’s most well know bird. They are big and are highly visible as they search our lawns for worms. I got to believe that the one who coined the saying “the early bird gets the worm” was talking about a Robin. Despite their abundance, I don’t have many quality photos of these guys.

I was sitting over my feeders practicing for spring migration, when this guy made a brief appearance on the perch. Somewhat of a rare pose for a Robin, I am excited about this picture despite it not quite measuring up technically.

Another weekend in the backyard

2011-03-20T23:46:00.000-04:00

If you read my last post, you will know how excited I am about the direction my photos are going. Equipment and technique are coming together. I have been slowing down the shutter and letting the flash keep up. I think this is also helping. My keeper rate has seen a big jump! Big jump. I went out for very short sessions over the weekend. Here are some of the shots I got. I’m still looking for that special Chickadee shot. I was also hoping for a great Junco photo before they leave town. Well I didn’t get it yet, but I did get more House Finches, Goldfinches, a Downy and a Squirrel!

As before, these were all shot with a canon 40D, 100-400LIS, 580 flash on a Gitzo series 2 tripod, Jobu Design Gimbal head.

As always, Thanks for looking!
GB,
Bruce

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Downy

2

House Finch

3
House Finch (such a poser)

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Squirrel (Does this photo work? Is it too soft?)

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Gold Finch

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Carolina Chickadee (not so great shot, but these guys are so small and fast.)

What a difference an Arm makes

2011-03-18T12:03:00.000-04:00

What a difference an Arm makes. I have been greatly desiring more feather detail in my bird photos. I have/had mixed emotions about the sharpness of the photos I’ve gotten from the setup. So, last year I bought a Gitzo tripod and a Jobu Design Gimbal head. I saw huge improvements over shooting handheld or even shooting off a bogan 2031+ ballhead. However, a few weeks ago I ordered the “upgrade” arm for the Gimbal Head. This moved the mount from the side to underneath. It also allowed me to place the support on the right side of the camera instead of the left. This allowed me to place my left hand on top the lens instead of under.

I am amazed (so far) at how much better things look. Maybe I don’t need a new Camera or lens!? Nothing super spectacular except that! These are very common feeder birds, but the warblers are coming, and I’m getting ready. Of course, any suggestions to improve are not only welcomed, but encouraged!

These were all shot with a Canon 40D+100-400LIS on Gitzo tripod, Jobu Design black widow2 head using flash and sitting in a blind with a feeder setup. Post processed in PS Element.

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Northern Cardinal

2

American Robin

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Carolina Chickadee

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Dark-eyed Junco

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American Goldfinch

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Seed Pod

2010: A great finish to the year of photography

2011-01-18T12:12:00.037-05:00

I have had an exciting end to 2010. I belong to a local photography club. The club is filled with incredible photographers which is what drew me to the club in the first place. We meet each month and there is a photo contest each month. Most of the time the topic is “open nature” with a scavenger hunt judged in November. The December contest is always for the best leaf.

Each month we can submit 4 photos in the contest. The guest speaker for the evening is the judge. Although the prior years have given me some wins, I finally got a first place in May of 2010 with a photo of a Yellow-throated Warbler. This started a series of 3 first places in a row (May, June, and July). I was just amazed. The level of photographers is very high, so I am grateful I was able to see some success.

Here is my Yellow-throated Warbler shot that won in May:

Also won Photo of the Year!

In June, this photo of an Eastern Bluebird took first place.

In July I submitted 2 Gull Photos: This one here of the gull on the lakeshore, won 1st place.

Best Leaf!

I admit, leaves were not my forte. So I set out to learn. Fortunately for me, I am married to an awesome leaf photographer! Kelly taught me what to look for and gave me some tips on composition. We waited for a nice frost and went out to shoot leaves. I got four that I really liked and entered this one into the contest. It won!

Photo of the Year

This was the first year that the club decided to add a “Photo of the Year”. All first place wins were brought back to be entered in the contest. There were 18 1st place photos. My Yellow-throated Warbler (photo above) won Photo of the Year!

I finished the year with 4 first place wins, and ten additional wins (2nd-HM). I can't believe it. In 2009 I did not get any first place wins.

Photographer of the Year!

The club also decided to have a photographer of the year award. Each month the contest winners earn points based on how the photo finished. I had a total of 60 points from the monthly photo contest. This was enough for me to win “Photographer of the year”!

Swamp Sparrows

2010-10-10T23:24:00.002-04:00

I had hoped to get out in early June to shoot some Sparrows. Well, that simply didn't happen. So here it is October and I finally getting out looking for sparrows. Of course at this time of year, the big ticket is Nelson and Le Conte's Sparrow, but so far those have eluded me. This morning ( a beautiful 85 degree day in October) I went to a new little swampy area coined Snipe Marsh. There were sparrows there, however most of them stayed in the heavy cover. I did have a few Swamp Sparrows come out for a nice view. I love the pose and will be trying to get a few more like this!

A few summer time birds

2010-09-25T00:50:00.002-04:00

I didn't get many bird shots this summer, but here are a few. This first one is more of a documentry shot than a good bird photo. As much as I hate to admit it, this guy had me stumped. Here is an immature Orchard Oriole! I never saw the parents as that would have clued me in pretty fast. I saw these guys every week when I went out the wetland area at Highbanks to check bluebird boxes.

While photographing the Oriole, I found this Willow Flycatcher hanging out in the same thicket.

The wetland pond at Highbanks always has families of Wood Ducks on it. They are pretty skitish, but I snuck up on this guy.

Heading out to Glacier Ridge Metro Park a few day later, I was hoping for some grassland birds. It was not to be that day. A little late in the year, but I did manage this photo of a Killdeer!

Dragonflies and Butterflies!

2010-09-21T09:52:00.000-04:00

Wow, looking back at my blog, I see I have not updated it since the end of June. Probably because I just haven’t done much birding or bird photography this summer. It has however been a wonderful summer with a completely new avenue of photography. One of my summer hobbies is to be a Bluebird box monitor at Highbanks Metro Parks in Columbus, Ohio. Usually once June hits the photography subsides, but this year I discovered dragonflies and butterflies. What a treat. I took many pictures. I tried this before, but one thing that really made a difference was adding a 20mm extension tube to the setup. This allowed me to get much close and really had some success. I may need to change my blog title one more time!

This is the photo that really started me off this year. I got this shot at Highbanks Metro Park and was amazed at how sharp it came out. The extension tube was a key factor in it.

For butterflies, this was one of my first. I saw this Little Wood Satyr Butterfly when I approached box 12 at Highbanks. I love the heart shaped leaf that it is sitting on. I was not super close so I was happy to see it come out with nice detail.

For the next few weeks I even tried my hand at getting these little tiny guys in focus. This was not easy! They are so small. Half the time I’d walk right past them without even noticing they are there. When the focus locks, I’m a happy camper, or should I say a happy photographer!

Pickerington Ponds MP

2010-06-27T16:56:00.003-04:00

I've really enjoyed shooting the last couple weeks, but have not had much birding opportunity. A friend, suffering from an injury, wanted to go to the park. So, off we we went. It got hot early! It's late June in Ohio so the best birding is grassland birds, or in our case, Great Blue Herons. We went to Pickerington Ponds Metro Parks in Columbus.

Started off seeing Mockingbird fledglings. We could also hear a Common Yellowthroat, but as usual for these guys, he was hiding deep in the brush.

On to another area where there was a very active Great Blue Heron Rookery.

We took a walk around to the back side of the rookery and in the field we saw lots of Red-wing Blackbird.

We also could hear a Chat out in the field, but he never showed himself. What else is new! While watching for a glimpse of the chat we had a lovely Field Sparrow and Song Sparrow singing for our attention.

After the ranger stopped by and told us where he had seen a Baltimore oriole nest, we decided to head to a different tail. As we walk back we had several GBH flybys!

I was so excited to see a few of them come out!

We did not find the Baltimore Oriole, but enjoyed the trail none-the-less! We did flush a family of Pheasants.

It's not Florida...But

2010-06-16T23:17:00.001-04:00

When you live in Ohio you get used to the idea that the birds are very skittish. Herons and Egrets are no exception. However, when you get up to Lake Erie, things can get a little more relaxed. I keep thinking that someday I will go up there just to shoot (take pictures of) these beautiful birds. I went to Magee for Spring migration and mostly wanted to see and shoot warblers.

Driving back to the board walk, you will see lots of Great Blue's and Great Egrets! As I was driving along at the speed of a turtle, I spotted this guy fishing the canal.

The Catch:

Canals run along the back side of the boardwalk. Most times I get some close encounters with Great Blues. This year was a very memorial one.

A zoom is very helpful when these guys are so close. Here is what they look like at 400mm.

Fishing, he caught a unsuspecting Frog.

Cuyahoga Valley and Brandywine Falls

2010-06-15T08:38:00.007-04:00

My wife and I were in Akron visiting with friends over the weekend. On Sunday we had a chance to go to Cuyahoga Valley National Park. We have never been there. A national park only a couple hours drive and we had never been there? Yes, it was time to go - even if it was only for a few hours.

Falls are a favorite theme of ours when picking where to go on visits to a new area. So we stopped at the Hunt Farm Visitor Information Center and asked "where are the cool falls?" They directed us to Brandywine Falls. It is spectacular!!!

As you can tell, waterfalls are not our forte when it comes to photographing. The only camera we had was a very old 3.2 megapixel point and shoot, so we did the best we could.

This truely was an easy falls to get to. A board walk and a couple flights of stairs to the bottom. After enjoying the view, we headed to the top. We had to stop and take a picture of the warning sign.

Not always birds...

2010-06-09T00:19:00.000-04:00

Well, there are those who think I only shoot birds. This is not true at all. I actually only shoot birds 95% of the time. I love all wildlife. So just to show that it’s not all about the birds here are a few shots.

I really like flowers, they don't move all over the place like those pesky little birds. This one is particularly pretty!

Are squirrels not the best friend a person with a new camera. They are everywhere and I have lots and lots of pictures of them. Never have I taken one that I really like until this one.

Turtles are so cool. Imagine our surprise when we see this huge snapper crossing the parking lot. We didn't have any problem catching up to him.

I had such high hopes for this picture of a Painted Turtle when I took it.

An added bonus of Magee Wildlife Area is the oportunity to see snakes. I saw at least 3 different snakes, Water snakes, Black rat or racer (is there a different??) and this awesome Fox Snake!

High ISO

2010-06-02T08:33:00.000-04:00

While discussing photographic situations and problems with my friend Greg, we discussed the need for speed. Shutter speed that is. In photography it is truely a give and take world. A properly exposed picture is the right combination of shutter speed and aperture based on the sensitivity of the sensor. These three things play together. In perfect lighting situations, an ISO (the sensitivity) of 200, aperture of f7.1 and shutter speed of 1/1000 second would produce a nice image. As the light fades, we need to change these settings. When we increase the ISO, we introduce noise to the photo. F7.1 is the sweet spot for my lens, when I open the aperture up, the pictures loose clarity and with slower shutter speeds I run into camera shake and motion blur.

So what are the compromises. This year, I’ve been making an attempt to shoot off a Tripod as much as possible. That helps with camera shake. In this discussion with Greg, he suggested that shutter speed was more important than ISO sensitivity. So, I’ve been cranking up the ISO to see what happens. With the Canon 40D, I’ve been getting good results with very high ISO’s. Some photos have simply amazed me.

The leaves came out really early this year and the forests became very dark under a heavy canopy. As I went out searching for birds to shoot, I also looked for breaks in the canopy that might allow for better lighting. Traveling though Scioto Trail State Forest, I came across this stunning Rose-breasted Grosbeak. The lighting was just terrible. I turned up the ISO and held my ground with f7.1. Shooting on a tripod I got these 2 shoots. I am just simply amazed. . Camera: Canon EOS 40D; Exposure Time: 0.01s (1/100); Aperture: f/7.1; ISO: 1000; Focal Length: 400mm (640mm in 35mm)

Camera: Canon EOS 40D; Exposure Time: 0.01s (1/100); Aperture: f/7.1; ISO: 800
Focal Length: 400mm (640mm in 35mm)

Huddleland - May 9th

2010-05-26T16:39:00.000-04:00

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

2010-05-20T12:39:00.000-04:00

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

Shawnee State Forest (May 5th and 6th)

2010-05-20T12:23:00.001-04:00

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)

2010-05-06T23:50:00.001-04:00

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

2010-05-04T22:54:00.000-04:00

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

Common Grackles

2009-11-08T00:13:00.000-05:00

Since this Blog is suppose to be about birds, I thought I would post this picture from the weekend at Hocking Hills. This was the only bird photo I took.

Conkles Hollow, Hocking Hills Ohio

2009-11-07T23:57:00.000-05:00

I have always wanted to make it to Conkles Hollow in the fall. Seems like every year something gets in the way. Well this year we stayed in a cabin with some friends. What a great weekend. The color this year may be the best I've ever seem, and we hit Hocking Hills the perfect weekend.

Normally, I am shooting birds, or if I am lucky, a Buck. :) I must say I was very happy with the outcome.

Nice Deer at Blacklick Woods Metro Park, Cols

2009-11-07T23:26:00.000-05:00

I went out to Blacklick Metro parks in Columbus OH last weekend. As the day was ending, here is what show up. This guy is just huge! Not a great photo, but just look at the size of that rack!

Then comes in the challenger. He's really a pretty big buck, but not when standing next to the first guy.

Confrontation

The fight is on!

I know these aren't the best pictures. Shot when the light was really low, through a window and at 1600 iso.

I've seen deeer square off before, but never seen this level of fighting. It was so cool to watch.

Birding with my Wife and Niece

2009-09-23T23:24:00.001-04:00

On Sunday afternoon on my way home from the Midwest Birding Symposium, I met my wife and niece at Blendon Woods Metro Park in Columbus. We had a wonderful couple hours. First we got to see a flock of 8 turkeys. I taught my niece how to stock! FUN.

Then at the nature center we got to see a nice first year Bay-breasted Warbler. Just a beautiful bird!After watching the Bay-breasted, we headed out to the blinds.

Thanks for looking
Bruce Miller

Ring-billed Gulls in Flight

2009-09-23T21:22:00.000-04:00

This past weekend was the first time I was able to get out and shot at all since I was on vacation in Michigan last month. My camera is broken, so I borrowed a camera for the weekend trip to Lakeside OH.

The event was the Midwest Birding Symposium (MBS). I wasn’t even going to take my camera until I learn of the opportunity to attend a special program with the famed bird Photographer Artie Morris “Birds As Art”. The opportunity was too much to pass up. I’ve been a big fan since I first heard of him! Great guy as well as great photographer. I did learn several tips that I think will improve my photography and I got had a blast shooting gulls.

There were many more neat things going on this weekend, although I must confess, I missed the Kirtland Warbler on Friday. Ugh. Two missed rarities in one week. The speakers were all great. I so enjoyed every program I went to. Kudos to the Ohio Ornithological Society and Bird Watchers Digest. I will definitely be back to the next one and will be looking into other similar events in the future.

Rest of the pictures here

Trip to Northern Michigan

2009-08-20T10:19:00.001-04:00

Back from a 10 day trip to Northern Michigan. First we went to Sleeping Bear Natio nal Shoreline where we had a wonderful couple days. Then drove up to the Upper Peninsula for 3 days.

On the first day in the U.P. we went to Whitefish Point. The beach here was beautiful! There was a short walk out to an observation tower. Several hawks flew by while we ate our lunch on the tower. I can imagine this spot is awesome in migration! We then headed for the water to fulfill our quest to have put our feet in all five great lakes. The water was cool, but not bad. Quest fulfilled! That afternoon we headed out to Tahquamenon Falls. The upper falls were spectacular! We ran out of daylight and did not have time to hike the trail between the falls. I’m sure it would have been really nice (and buggy).

Next day in the U.P. we went to Seney National Wildlife Refuge. Of course we didn’t get up as early as we would have liked, but it was real foggy and overcast. So the morning was extended for us. I got my first ever look at a American Bittern!

We were just rounding a corner and I was telling my wife that it was ok if I didn’t get one (it was the target bird of the day and I’ve chased reports of these guys all over Ohio) when there he was! He was in his spooked stance when we spotted him. We got out and enjoyed great looks of him as he stood motionless. After a few minutes, he decided everything was ok and resumed fishing. We watched as he caught 3 fish. I took the opportunity to move closer and he was ok with that too. After 30 or more minutes he move back into the weeds and was gone.

The last day in the U.P. was totally Awesome, except that I got wiped out. Over 8 miles of hiking and trudging through deep sand really wore me out. We had a blast though! Hiked to see 4 falls Munising Falls, Miners Falls, Chapel Falls,and Sable Falls. Past Chapel Falls was Chapel Rock. Well worth the hike, which in itself was really nice.

On the way back to Traverse City, we stopped at Sault Saint Marie. There we mostly checked out the Soo Locks. Very Cool! After watching several smaller boats go through we walked a ways along the shoreline and checked out a huge ship. Circling back we stopped for lunch and milled through the shops on the main drag. As we were getting ready to go, we saw a barge going into the Soo Lock. So we ran in to see the event.

Back to Traverse City to stay for 3 more days. The next day found us Kayaking the upper Platte River. Nice journey with more Kingfishers on it than I think I’ve seen in my lifetime! We got poured on from a pop up shower.

On Saturday, we spent a nice afternoon with our host Ellen in the city. While downtown, there was an arts festival going on, so of course we had to stroll through the booths. Several very good photographers there. I’m inspired to print out some prints on Fine Art Paper.

After a quick nap, we were off to climb the dunes. They don’t really go on forever... only a couple miles!

Since Kelly knew I really wanted to see a Piping Plover, she suggested we start the last day out looking for them. We were able to locate some and I was very happy! Onwards we traveled to the north in search of rocks. Yes, Kelly loves to look for rocks.

It was an awesome trip! We took lots of photos.

Photos can be viewed here: http://redtail.smugmug.com/Vacation/Michigan-2009/9349775_WZXgs#625582501_mt6fj

Fledglings Fledge

2009-08-06T09:57:00.000-04:00

It is truely the dog days of summer. Birding is much slower now, and that's ok there are other things to do. I did go out to check my bluebird boxes this past saturday and got to see my box 10 fledge! Very cool. This guy here was a little more reluctant than the others and possed for me.

One more look around and he was gone.

I missed getting a flight shot as he took off for the very first time ever.

This was the first time I've been lucky enough to see bluebirds take their first flight. So very cool.

2009-07-10T09:56:00.001-04:00

At the Monthly Photo Contest at Lens & Leave Photo club, I got 2nd and 3rd place with two of my photos.

This Indigo Bunting got 3rd place.

This Black and White Warbler took second place.

2009-07-08T22:09:00.000-04:00

No time to get out and shoot at all, but I took the opportunity when this Cooper Hawk showed up in my yard.

A little more post processing

2009-05-27T21:57:00.000-04:00

I posted the previous Pewee picture on Fred Miranda's web site. I got some nice feedback including a recommendation to clone out the leaf on lower right of picture. So I did this and softened the hot line on the left side. I think the new post-processing is worth re-posting.

Next night, not as good

2009-05-22T10:52:00.000-04:00

With memories of Wednesday night floating through my head, I headed up to Highbanks Metro Park last night (Thursday). First I checked my Bluebird boxes. Excitingly I have one box with babies in it that are just about ready to fledge. That should happen this next week. Another box has 5 Bluebird eggs in it with the proud parents standing guard. Tree Swallows are buzzing over the paired boxes every time I come out, but no nest yet. I would love to see an active Tree Swallow nest right next to an active Bluebird nest.

So on to taking pictures. With migration pretty much over with, I’m looking to the nesting birds. Easy to find as they are very active and vocal right now. Inspired by Wednesday night I had dreams of grandeur, Bluebirds, Common Yellowthroats, Orioles, Buntings and the like all dancing through my head. I did see an Orchard Oriole (first of the year and nice tick mark for the birding side of me) and a Baltimore made a brief appearance just outside of photo range. This was a sign of things to come as none of the birds I speak of had any interest in having their picture taken. As dusk seemed to be settling over the land I packed up and headed for the car. I should do this much earlier as this seems to be the time when things happen. The light is almost gone, but I’m shooting off a tripod, so I can go to a much lower shutter speed than when hand holding. I’m thinking, maybe I have a chance at something. Hearing Towhees I decide to see if I can sneak up on one. Yea I know, just a towhee, but hey sometimes you get what you can. That’s when I got the chance meeting with the bird that makes my favorite call, the Eastern Wood Pewee! He stops for just a moment, and I snap off a few shoots. Despite the high ISO and the really slow shutter speed, 2 pictures came out pretty nice! Pewees are somewhat plain, but a favorate bird none the less. What they lack in color, they make up in character.

Wonderful Night Shooting Birds

2009-05-21T09:05:00.000-04:00

Wednesday night everything seemed to work. I scouted out this little patch of woods/scrubby secondary growth area and noticed that there was an abundance of Indigo Buntings there. Also present there were a few other of my favorite birds like Common Yellowthroat and Brown Thrasher. So with just a spectacularly beautiful evening of weather, I thought it would be a nice night to take some pictures. The buntings were everywhere in this small patch. I would have thought them to be territorial, but they seemed more communal as they zipped to and from. Seemed like every tree had a singing Bunting. This is a very good thing for a photographer/birder! I managed a couple nice shots.

Sometimes they would be low like this guy and sometimes higher in the tree, like this next example. This does cause problems, as it requires different settings on the camera. Sometimes I think, "I'm only going to shoot at one level and if the bird is not at that level, I'm not shooting" So far that has not worked. So, I come home with lots of silhouettes, or blown out pictures. The background is a little blown on this one, but it’s not bad. I think I’ll take it.

So now I'm happy, ready to head home. I'm getting hungry and I'm tired of picking ticks off me! So I head for the car. As I'm almost there I see this little baby Song sparrow, looking closer, there's lots of little baby Song Sparrows. Hopping around on this mulch bed. So I decide, why not set up here. Surly one of these little guys will present a shot. Well this ended up being the place. While I'm watching these little guys move incredible fast, who shows up on a perfect little perch not more than 10 feet from me, but one of the resident buntings!

Then the adult Song Sparrow puts an appearance on this same perch.

I had 2 more memorable visitors while I was sitting here. The first was a Cedar Waxwing, and then a Willow Flycatcher. What a night. I went home very hungry and very happy.

I did not end up getting any great pictures of the baby Song Sparrows. They were moving so fast and blended into the background so well that I never really got locked on, but that's ok!

No Birding this weekend

2009-05-17T20:43:00.000-04:00

What's wrong with me. It is still May and I did not go out birding at all this weekend. Normally this is the biggest weekend of the year for me to bird. But I decided to work on my house. Yesterday didn't turn out as planned. I was just getting productive when my brother called. His water heater went out. So, I helped him for the rest of the day. I was planning to go out for a few hours this morning, but just did not make it. I did get some stuff done on the house. A little bit more I suppose and just a little closer to being done with the wiring!

On another note, I listened to the Reds Game as I worked on the wiring today. I haven't paid any attention since the beginning of the season because they sucked and I lost interest. Then, I hear they are doing well, so 3 days ago I start paying attention again, just in time for them to be swept by San Diego. :(

First of Year

2009-05-16T01:04:00.000-04:00

This evening I heard that old familiar "Peeeant". Looked up to see a Common Nighthawk. They will be out for my viewing nearly every night, now through the summer. They nest up the street on the roof of Kingsdale Shopping Center.

New Yard Bird!

2009-05-15T23:12:00.000-04:00

This morning I step out the door to go to work and what do I hear? The all familiar call "pee-ah-wee". Truly one of my all time favorite calls. The Eastern Wood Pewee!!! Sitting in my neighbors tree. If I can see it from my yard it counts as a yard bird. Very cool new yard bird. That makes two in less than two weeks. Just the other day, same thing happened. As I was leaving for work, I heard a Chestnut-sided Warbler. He was a little harder to find. Way up in the already too leafed out tree. That is now only 3 warblers for the yard, but who knows maybe there will be more.

Here is what a Chestnut-sided looks like. I took this picture last year at Magee.

For those who do not know what a Pewee looks like, here is a link to one. I thought I had a picture, but couldn't find one? http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Eastern_Wood-Pewee/id

Birds at OSU West Campus Mid-Day

2009-05-15T16:30:00.000-04:00

Working over at West Campus today. What a great place to sneak out at lunch time to bird. Was already getting warm by then, but the birds were crazy. In roughly 15-20 minutes, I had Common Yellowthroat (nice view of the ever so pretty female), countless Indigo Buntings (Kelly would have been in heaven), a Philadelphia Vireo (I think), Female Redstart, Song Sparrow, Brown Thrasher, Yellow Warbler (oh gorgeous) and a Tennessee Warbler (singing away)! No sign of the potential Connecticut from yesterday.

Birding news

2009-05-14T10:31:00.000-04:00

Maybe I should talk about birding a little as this is my birding blog.

Well, hardly been out, but I did do a drive through at Pizzuro Park at lunch time the other day. Saw the following notable birds:
Great Crested Flycatcher
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Scarlet Tanager
Indigo Bunting
Baltimore Oriole

I did not get any pictures. That might be because I did not even have my camera with me. :)
But here are some older shots of these guys:

I did hear a Northern Parula, and a Yellow-throated Warbler, but I don't list what I don't see.

Not bad for a quick drive through.

I will be off to Highbanks this evening! I can't wait. Hopefully, the rain will be gone by then.

Dinner with my Mom for Mother's Day.

2009-05-14T09:01:00.001-04:00

Last night I had a wonderful time. Kelly and I took my parents out to dinner to celebrate Mother's day. Since we went to Fremont over the weekend, we decided to take my mom out last night. We went to the newly opened Montgomery Inn in Dublin. I of course got ribs, my parents split a combo meal that included ribs, brisket and pulled pork and Kelly had the spinach salad with salmon. Despite splitting a meal, my parents still had leftovers. I tasted the brisket and thought it was good. The ribs were excellent. Kelly's salmon was under cooked but still good. The whole salad looked a bit on the skimpy side and a little bare. Kelly was mildly disappointed. Overall the meal was very good, but really overpriced. The atmosphere was good. The place was crowded, but not too loud. We were seated by the window, and had a very nice view over a pond. The restaurant sits up on a hill, so the view was elevated. It was very nice and added to the experience.

Of course, the company was wonderful. I always enjoy going out to dinner with my parents. We had a nice time!

Happy Mother’s Day!

2009-05-13T16:16:00.000-04:00

From Saturday May 9th.
Dinner plans! Kelly (my wife) and I took my mother in-law out to dinner for Mother's day. We had wanted to see her over Easter, but did not get to. So the plan was to go out Saturday night. To our delight, Peg (my Mother in-law) was do very well health wise. Se gave us a little scare a few months ago, when she went into the hospital because she was having so much trouble breathing. Honestly, I thought her breathing was better than in the past.

God Bless Her.

Trip to Magee

2009-05-12T16:21:00.000-04:00

This is my first day of blogging. I really don't know what to talk about. This past weekend was amazing. Kelly and I went up to Magee. We left home at 12:40 and showed up at the the Magee Boardwalk around 3:00 or so. Long drive. Getting out of Columbus was a drag. Really set us back.

Once at the boardwalk all was good with the world again. You know pulling in that it's a good day when the road is lined with photographers. Birds were heavy. Greeted by one after the other. One of the first was a Blackpoll. Always good to see these guys. I don't see too many Blackpolls each year, so it's a treat the couple I get. They ended up being everywhere on especially one Sunday. WOW!

We finished with a nice number of warblers for only 3 hours on the boardwalk. Historically short amount of time to be there, but we had dinner plans.