Just a couple of bird photos...
Sep 5, 2020 02:33:23 #
I'll let the photos speak for themselves. We're not quite into the fall migration here in Southern California, but a few migrants have started to arrive. Along with native species, there are still good opportunities for photography one is willing to go out and spend the time looking. All were taken with a Nikon D500, Nikkor 200-500mm telezoom, set on Manual, exposure approximately 1/2000 sec, f/5.6 or 6.3, Auto-ISO.
jak
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jak
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Loggerhead Shrike
(Download)
White-tailed Kite
(Download)
Western Grebe
(Download)
Pied-billed Grebe
(Download)
Green Heron
(Download)
American White Pelicans
(Download)
Great Blue Heron
(Download)
American Coot
(Download)
Sep 5, 2020 02:57:09 #
You are up late jak and so am I! Glad I viewed this set as my nightcap, beautiful work as always. I like the Kite and Shrike a lot. Your work is exemplary and very enjoyable.
Stay well,
Phil
Stay well,
Phil
Sep 5, 2020 03:02:16 #
Nice set! Excepting the Great Blue Heron, they would all be unusual for me to spot here in southern PA.
Sep 5, 2020 05:24:35 #
Sep 5, 2020 05:35:13 #
Much more than "Just a". Great viewing. Haven't seen a White Kite before. Duckling brings a smile. 
Sep 5, 2020 06:27:12 #
Sep 5, 2020 07:57:24 #
Nice collection. That White Tailed Kite is beautiful, never seen one.
Sep 5, 2020 11:40:32 #
Sep 5, 2020 12:53:31 #
rockdog wrote:
You are up late jak and so am I! Glad I viewed this set as my nightcap, beautiful work as always. I like the Kite and Shrike a lot. Your work is exemplary and very enjoyable.
Stay well,
Phil
Stay well,
Phil
Thanks very much, Phil. Yes, I was up late just finishing my post on some of these pictures. Your kind comments are very much appreciated. We have seen quite a few Kites here in recent weeks. The one I photographed was just 1 of the four we saw that morning. I'm pretty sure it's a family. In Spring we saw two and obvious nesting behavior. As for the Shrike, when I find one I consider it a very successful birding session. For several years I looked and looked where other birders reported sightings...no luck. Finally, late last year I saw one and have seen several since. Thanks again for the kind words. Stay cool and have a safe and healthy week. jak
Sep 5, 2020 13:01:13 #
Another excellent set, jak! I am awaiting the migration through Bear River MBR.
Sep 5, 2020 13:05:48 #
niteman3d wrote:
Nice set! Excepting the Great Blue Heron, they would all be unusual for me to spot here in southern PA.
Thanks very much for the kind words, niteman3d. The Great Blue Heron is an impressive species and is found throughout the US much of the year. Some of the other species could also be found in southern PA, at least part of the year. That would be true of the Pied-billed Grebe, a relative of the kite (Swallow-tailed Kite), the Green Heron (in Summer), and the American Coot. The others may not be that easy to find, but you'll have other species of interest. Find a wildlife preserve, especially one with ponds and islands and reeds and take a walk just to see what you find. Meanwhile, thanks again for the kind words. Stay well and have a great week. jak
Sep 5, 2020 13:06:18 #
Sep 5, 2020 13:10:21 #
Delderby wrote:
Much more than "Just a". Great viewing. Haven't seen a White Kite before. Duckling brings a smile.
Thank you, Delderby. That is a very nice comment. I'm glad you enjoyed your view. Interestingly, the White-tailed Kite was just one of four, a family group, that we saw last Wednesday. We watched the parents in that area last spring as they occupied a nest out in the preserve. In early summer, we started seeing the fledglings testing their wings and practicing the "kiting" behavior by which they earned their name. When hunting, they will hover in place over their prey while they decide whether to try for a meal. They are a beautiful bird and fun to watch. Thanks again. Hope you are well and that you have a creative and fun week. jak
Sep 5, 2020 13:11:00 #
nimbushopper wrote:
Nice set!
Thanks very much, nimbushopper. Nice to hear from you again. jak
Sep 5, 2020 13:15:28 #
Retired CPO wrote:
Nice collection. That White Tailed Kite is beautiful, never seen one.
Thanks CPO...I appreciate the kind comment. Yes, the Kite is one of my favorite species...they are very beautiful. They are fun to watch in flight tool. For a raptor, they are extremely adept flyers, kiting (hovering) over possible prey when they are on the hunt. They tend to fly 40-50 feet above the ground rather than soaring on thermals. This was one of a family of four that we have watched nest, fledge, and now fly in an undeveloped area near the University of California, Irvine. There are a few other known pairs in Orange County, so it's not too unusual to get a chance to see them here. Thanks again and have a great, healthy, creative week. jak
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