A few recent gleanings...
Dec 16, 2020 20:13:19 #
I've enjoyed beautiful days outdoors this week and was lucky to capture some pleasing (to me) shots that I thought I'd share with you today. All were shot using a Nikon D500. Some were taken using a Tamron 70-200 zoom while my Nikkor 200-500 telezoom was in the shop. Luckily, Nikon Service did a very creditable job of repairing and returning the 200-500 telezoom in less than 3 weeks. I got it back yesterday and immediately went out to take some test shots. I'll identify the species and the lens used for each of the attached photos. Hope you enjoy them. Please take good care of yourselves and find some creativity and enjoyment in each day.
The first shots captured a resident Osprey bringing its meal to a roost about 45 feet above the ground. This bird is very used to humans watching it eat. There were 7 or 8 photographers watching this bird and snapping away as it landed, then slowly moved the fish from its left to its right talon and continued eating.
Swinhoe's White-eyes are an Asian species that has escaped here in Southern California. There is a significant population in Orange County as well as in Texas and Florida. This small bird is very quick and active, making it difficult to get good photographs. The only decent shots I could get of this bird were taken very quickly through branches. I love how the bird is peeking out at me. Topaz Sharpen AI helped to focus and sharpen this image because I just missed sharp focus in the camera.
The Common Goldeneye may be common in your area, but it's a seasonal visitor near the SoCal coast. For me it's an uncommon visitor. This individual has been hanging around at Bolsa Chica Preserve for a couple of weeks and was only about 15 feet away when I snapped this shot.
Egyptian Geese are another transplant that has taken up residence in many Southern California parks and preserves. This individual went to try and score a free meal from a family that was throwing out food to the ducks, gulls, pigeons and geese in the park. While Egyptian Geese are unique and attractive to look at, their call is really harsh.
The Ring-billed Gull is one of our year-round gull species. The ring around the bill doesn't usually develop until the 2nd or 3rd year.
The Red-whiskered Bulbul is another nonnative species that has found a home here in Southern California and in Texas. I first saw this species in the Los Angeles County Arboretum a few years ago. On Monday I first heard their pleasant song then saw 6 of them in the reeds and tops of trees.
Finally, White-crowned Sparrows leave the coastal area during the hot summer and early fall months, returning from higher elevations as the temperatures drop. They have returned and are found in many different ecosystems and areas right now.
By the way, most of these photos look decidedly better if you click the Download link beneath each picture. Thanks for looking.
jak
The first shots captured a resident Osprey bringing its meal to a roost about 45 feet above the ground. This bird is very used to humans watching it eat. There were 7 or 8 photographers watching this bird and snapping away as it landed, then slowly moved the fish from its left to its right talon and continued eating.
Swinhoe's White-eyes are an Asian species that has escaped here in Southern California. There is a significant population in Orange County as well as in Texas and Florida. This small bird is very quick and active, making it difficult to get good photographs. The only decent shots I could get of this bird were taken very quickly through branches. I love how the bird is peeking out at me. Topaz Sharpen AI helped to focus and sharpen this image because I just missed sharp focus in the camera.
The Common Goldeneye may be common in your area, but it's a seasonal visitor near the SoCal coast. For me it's an uncommon visitor. This individual has been hanging around at Bolsa Chica Preserve for a couple of weeks and was only about 15 feet away when I snapped this shot.
Egyptian Geese are another transplant that has taken up residence in many Southern California parks and preserves. This individual went to try and score a free meal from a family that was throwing out food to the ducks, gulls, pigeons and geese in the park. While Egyptian Geese are unique and attractive to look at, their call is really harsh.
The Ring-billed Gull is one of our year-round gull species. The ring around the bill doesn't usually develop until the 2nd or 3rd year.
The Red-whiskered Bulbul is another nonnative species that has found a home here in Southern California and in Texas. I first saw this species in the Los Angeles County Arboretum a few years ago. On Monday I first heard their pleasant song then saw 6 of them in the reeds and tops of trees.
Finally, White-crowned Sparrows leave the coastal area during the hot summer and early fall months, returning from higher elevations as the temperatures drop. They have returned and are found in many different ecosystems and areas right now.
By the way, most of these photos look decidedly better if you click the Download link beneath each picture. Thanks for looking.
jak
Osprey meal at Bolsa Chica Preserve (Tamron)
(Download)
Osprey meal #2 (Tamron)
(Download)
Osprey meal #3 (Tamron)
(Download)
Swinhoe's White-eye (Nikkor 200-500)
(Download)
Common Goldeneye female (Tamron)
(Download)
Egyptian Goose (Tamron)
(Download)
Ring-billed Gull (Tamron)
(Download)
Red-whiskered Bulbul (Tamron)
(Download)
White-crowned Sparrow (Nikkor 200-500)
(Download)
Dec 16, 2020 20:24:56 #
Dec 16, 2020 20:36:06 #
Great photos, I also enjoyed the information you gave along with the species ID. I am a birder and will someday come to Southern Cali to try to find that bird! Thanks for taking the time to post these photos and info. Great job.
Dec 16, 2020 20:54:57 #
Dec 16, 2020 21:07:52 #
Had no idea there were so many non-native bird species in California. Well taken photos! Thanks for sharing.
Dec 16, 2020 21:18:18 #
Fantastic set. jak and seems like I can almost touch the downloads!
Dec 16, 2020 21:52:22 #
Dec 16, 2020 22:02:56 #
Dec 16, 2020 22:55:01 #
Flying Three wrote:
Striking!!!
Why, thank you very much, Flying Three. Be safe and well. jak
Dec 16, 2020 22:56:32 #
ShelbyDave wrote:
Great photos, I also enjoyed the information you gave along with the species ID. I am a birder and will someday come to Southern Cali to try to find that bird! Thanks for taking the time to post these photos and info. Great job.
Thank you for taking the time to view and read my post. Best to you and have a healthy, happy week. jak
Dec 16, 2020 22:58:36 #
UTMike wrote:
Another excellent set, jak!
Humble thanks, Mike. Please take good care of yourself and have a great week. jak
Dec 16, 2020 23:03:50 #
Zooman 1 wrote:
Had no idea there were so many non-native bird species in California. Well taken photos! Thanks for sharing.
Zooman, frankly, I’ve just been learning about many of those species myself. You can also add the Pin-tailed Whydah, Scaly Breasted Munia, Bronze Manikin, Orange Bishop, and weavers. Keeps things interesting. Thanks for the kind words. jak
Dec 16, 2020 23:05:11 #
Swamp-Cork wrote:
Fantastic set. jak and seems like I can almost touch the downloads!
Corky, so good to hear from you. Such kind words. Thanks and take good care of yourself. jak
Dec 16, 2020 23:07:18 #
NMGal wrote:
Downloads are fantastic.
Thanks NMGal. Glad to hear they came out well. Stay well and have a good week. jak
Dec 16, 2020 23:08:50 #
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