jak86094

...and in SoCal, Summer is the slow season for capturing rare or uncommon species of birds...but that doesn't mean there are no subjects for wildlife photographers as even common species sometimes make great models. Today's posts make good examples of this as all of these species are common or year-round species. I've been working on reducing noise by shooting at slower shutter speeds and feel like I'm making progress. Hope you enjoy.

I know the last photo has no birds...but it was taken during a birding survey last week, and I thought it is worth sharing. I watched as the crab used its large pincers to slice away a long strip of flesh, maybe 1-1/2" wide, from the ray's bottom. Three more crabs were waiting their turn at the ray, fighting for priority when this one finished.

As usual, all were shot using a Nikon D500 attached to a Nikkor 200-500 zoom, handheld, using Auto-ISO but otherwise shooting using Manual. These were all taken over about a week's time as multiple locations.

jak

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American Avocet at San Joaquin Marsh WS, Irvine, CA

(Download)

Willow Flycatcher at UCI Wetlands preserve, Irvine, CA

(Download)

Great Blue Herons at Lower Mesa of Bolsa Ecological Reserve, Huntington Beach, CA

(Download)

Spotted Towhee at San Joaquin Marsh WS, Irvine, CA

(Download)

Yellow Warbler at Milesquare Regional Park, Fountain Valley, CA

(Download)

Osprey and chick at San Joaquin Marsh WS, Irvine, CA

(Download)

Snowy Egret at Bolsa Chica Ecological Preserve Interpretive Center in Huntington Beach, CA

(Download)

Hooded Oriole at Milesquare Regonal Park, Fountain Valley, CA

(Download)

Striped Shore Crab on Round Stingray at Bolsa Chica Ecological Preserve Interpretive Center in Huntington Beach, CA

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Western Bluebird at Huntington Central Park - West, Huntington Beach, CA

(Download)

vicksart Loc: Novato, CA -earthquake country

Very nice set. Thanks for sharing.

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

Thanks for sharing this excellent varied set, jak!

flyguy Loc: Las Cruces, New Mexico

Very nice set of shots.

Vector

Nice pics!

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Wow, the osprey nest looks barely there. Do you know if a windstorm took out some of it? Or maybe is that couple's first nest? The ones I've seen on platforms in central/eastern WA are massive.

Re your crab and ray, fascinating and unique!

jak86094

Thanks for the kind remarks. jak

jak86094

Thanks. Nice to hear from you, Mike. As for the varied set, so far in June I've seen 81 species...all here in Southern California. Most migrants have left the area, including those that just migrate up into the mountains. Breeding season is waning as well, which means that birds are losing their breeding plumage. But I am still fascinated by the variety that remain and the variety and changes in plumages. Thanks again. jak

jak86094

Thanks very much, flyby. I appreciate the kind words and thumbs-up. Have a great week. jak

jak86094

Thanks very much, Vector. Have a fantastic week. jak

jak86094

Thanks, LFM...Ospreys are fascinating. 15-20 years ago, there were very few nesting pairs here in SoCal. I overheard a conversation the other day about how one man began placing nesting pads in fairly public places, including the parking lot at Orange Coast College. It took several years, but the number of nesting pairs seems too e increasing yearly. Only one of the two nesting pads at San Joaquin Marsh WS was used this year...which is the one these photos are from. But there are several others that I am aware of that have hatched nestlings this year. None of the nests I've seen are particularly large, though some moreso than the one pictured. We've seen several Bald Eagles in the area this year...mostly immature...but we're hoping that soon we'll start to see nesting locally. They nest out on the Channel Islands and up at Big Bear Lake, but not yet in these suburban areas.

I always appreciate your comments and insight. Thanks for taking the time. jak

NMGal Loc: NE NM

Wonderful series.

jak86094

Thanks very much, NMGal. I've enjoyed many of your recent postings and appreciate your taking the time to comment. So far I've seen 81 species this month, all locally. I keep going out, knowing it's unlikely I'll see anything rare but hoping to get good looks and nice photos of the birds I do see.

Have a great week. jak

joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA

Exceptionally skillful shooting
🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆

jak86094

That is very kind and very much appreciated. Have a great week. jak