Out and about--what I've found to photograph
Dec 23, 2020 16:14:32 #
I've been out a few times recently just to get out and see what I could find to photograph...in the avian world. Yesterday we went to the South Coast Botanical Garden in Palos Verdes...originally in search of a Broad-winged Hawk. No luck with that, but I did come across some nice photo ops.
The first two shots show Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, a small, active bird that is often hard to photograph because of its tendency to quickly hop among the branches of thick bushes and trees. They aren't particularly frightened of human, though, so you can get lucky and catch them during momentary stops out in the open. These were only 6-8 feet from us. The second shot didn't quite freeze the action, but I'm pretty happy with it.
The Red-breasted Sapsucker was probably 125-150 feet away, high in a tall tree. I caught it flying in and beginning a long climb up the main trunk of the tree. The light was pretty good, so I got some pretty good shots...but they had to be enlarged (cropped) significantly, hence a bit of noise. Unlike the gnatcatchers, it stayed up in the same tree for quite a while.
We were told to look for the Broad-winged Hawk in an area called the Dry Lake Bed. When we got there, we were greeted by the Say's Phoebe, perched on the dirt or atop short stalks. Phoebes are very active flycatchers that perch on low branches (Black Phoebe) or atop stems and stalks while watching the sky for flying insects. They launch themselves after a meal and frequently return to the same perch to either consumer their meal or look for more prey.
Dusky-capped Flycatchers are uncommon in our area, so when they appear birders tend to congregate in the area to get a look. This bird was actually seen earlier in the day at Hartwell Park in Long Beach. Again, the shots were taken from a considerable distance and against a bright sky resulting in some loss of detail and a bit of noice.
The yellow-jumped warbler is a very common seasonal resident in Southern California. Leaving for higher, cooler climes during the summer, they return in late fall through springtime in the coastal elevations of SoCal in significant numbers. You can see the yellow rump peeking through the wings on this bird. You can also see that this bird is molting, losing feathers at the base of the beak and on the forehead. Still it was a nice subject to photograph.
So I hope you have found something worth viewing. Please stay healthy, find creative and enjoyable things to do during this holiday time, and happy shooting.
jak
.
The first two shots show Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, a small, active bird that is often hard to photograph because of its tendency to quickly hop among the branches of thick bushes and trees. They aren't particularly frightened of human, though, so you can get lucky and catch them during momentary stops out in the open. These were only 6-8 feet from us. The second shot didn't quite freeze the action, but I'm pretty happy with it.
The Red-breasted Sapsucker was probably 125-150 feet away, high in a tall tree. I caught it flying in and beginning a long climb up the main trunk of the tree. The light was pretty good, so I got some pretty good shots...but they had to be enlarged (cropped) significantly, hence a bit of noise. Unlike the gnatcatchers, it stayed up in the same tree for quite a while.
We were told to look for the Broad-winged Hawk in an area called the Dry Lake Bed. When we got there, we were greeted by the Say's Phoebe, perched on the dirt or atop short stalks. Phoebes are very active flycatchers that perch on low branches (Black Phoebe) or atop stems and stalks while watching the sky for flying insects. They launch themselves after a meal and frequently return to the same perch to either consumer their meal or look for more prey.
Dusky-capped Flycatchers are uncommon in our area, so when they appear birders tend to congregate in the area to get a look. This bird was actually seen earlier in the day at Hartwell Park in Long Beach. Again, the shots were taken from a considerable distance and against a bright sky resulting in some loss of detail and a bit of noice.
The yellow-jumped warbler is a very common seasonal resident in Southern California. Leaving for higher, cooler climes during the summer, they return in late fall through springtime in the coastal elevations of SoCal in significant numbers. You can see the yellow rump peeking through the wings on this bird. You can also see that this bird is molting, losing feathers at the base of the beak and on the forehead. Still it was a nice subject to photograph.
So I hope you have found something worth viewing. Please stay healthy, find creative and enjoyable things to do during this holiday time, and happy shooting.
jak
.
Blue-gray Gnatcatchers
(Download)
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher taking flight
(Download)
Red-breasted Sapsucker
(Download)
Say's Phoebe
(Download)
Dusky-capped Flycatcher
(Download)
Yellow-rumped Warbler
(Download)
Dec 23, 2020 16:19:38 #
Appy
Loc: Flint Hills (Ks)
Your pics are always superb. Love the flycatchers. They are among the hardest working birds I've seen.
Dec 23, 2020 16:24:00 #
Jak,
These are lovely. #1 & 2, imo are right where they should be as 1 & 2. You seemed to have caught them conversing.
These are lovely. #1 & 2, imo are right where they should be as 1 & 2. You seemed to have caught them conversing.
Dec 23, 2020 16:24:18 #
Dec 23, 2020 16:31:05 #
Dec 23, 2020 18:10:54 #
Another superb set, jak, thanks so much for sharing! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Dec 23, 2020 19:01:59 #
jak86094 wrote:
I've been out a few times recently just to get out... (show quote)
JAK, a fantastic set in every way possible.
Greg
Dec 23, 2020 19:12:50 #
Dec 23, 2020 19:49:20 #
Appy wrote:
Your pics are always superb. Love the flycatchers. They are among the hardest working birds I've seen.
Thank you very much, Appy. Yes, Flycatchers and their kin are always very active and interesting to watch. I appreciate the kind words. Have a great week and stay healthy. jak
Dec 23, 2020 19:51:06 #
WDCash wrote:
Jak,
These are lovely. #1 & 2, imo are right where they should be as 1 & 2. You seemed to have caught them conversing.
These are lovely. #1 & 2, imo are right where they should be as 1 & 2. You seemed to have caught them conversing.
That's just what I thought, Bill. It would be interesting to know if they were a family and just how much they could communicate with each other. My favorite was #1, too. Have a great week and stay well. jak
Dec 23, 2020 19:51:54 #
Dec 23, 2020 19:52:48 #
flyguy wrote:
Very nice!
Wow! Three thumbs up. Thank you very much, flyguy. Take good care of yourself and have a wonderful week. jak
Dec 23, 2020 19:54:01 #
UTMike wrote:
Another superb set, jak, thanks so much for sharing! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Hi, Mike. Thanks very much. All the best to you and yours for a wonderful Christmas and great 2021. jak
Dec 23, 2020 19:55:20 #
lxu532 wrote:
Beautiful!
Much appreciated lxu532. Thanks for viewing and commenting. Have a wonderful week and may 2021 be fruitful and creative for you and yours. jak
Dec 23, 2020 19:56:35 #
CLF wrote:
JAK, a fantastic set in every way possible.
Greg
Greg
Greg, it's always nice to hear from you. Thanks for taking the time to view and then comment on my submissions. I hope you have a great end to 2020 and fantastic 2021. Please stay healthy and find joy in life. jak
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