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Birds
Great Black Backed Gull – Which Do You Like Better?
01.13.12 | Permalink | 9 Comments

I thought this Great Black Backed Gull was a beautiful bird from the moment I saw it.

Great Black Backed Gull Portrait

The light that was falling on it was a little harsh but in certain spots you could see great detail in the bird. As you can tell the bird is a large gull. In fact, the Great Black Backed Gull (try saying that fast 10 times) is the largest of all gulls in the world.

Great Black Backed Gull Full View

Of the 3 images, which do you like best?

Great Black Backed Gull Long

Images captured with Nikon D700, 600mm f/4 on Lexar Digital Film.
Birds
Purple Sandpiper
01.11.12 | Permalink | 4 Comments

On my recent trip to Barnegat Jetty, I had the good fortune to add a new species to my files, the Purple Sandpiper.

Purple Sandpiper Kissed by Sun

What really amazed me about these birds is how gentle they seem.

Purple Sandpiper Seeking Shelter from the Wind

As I stated in my post last week, the wind this day was ferocious with gusts of 30 mph. It is truly amazing how these birds can find safety from the wind let alone cling to the rocks. The downside of them finding shelter was poor, indirect light. We didn’t have a chance to photograph one Purple Sandpiper that was in the sun all day. That said, getting some good clicks of a new species for the files makes any day a good day!

Images captured with Nikon D700, 600mm f/4 with TC-e14 II on Lexar Digital Film
Birds, Monday Musings
Monday Musings – Backyard Bird Photography Studio
01.09.12 | Permalink | 1 Comment

After I published the image of the Northern Flicker last week, I received a lot of email asking about the perches and feeder locations I was using.

So I thought I would post a few images of the feeder and perch setup for everyone to see.

Ranch Feeder and Perches

Both Feeders

Clinging Bird Perch

The light is good for afternoon shooting this time of year and I usually find that staying on the cameras side of the fence makes the birds feel more comfortable. From where my camera is (these are iPhone captures), I can also shoot from inside the garage through a window using the garage as a blind which can be very convenient on cold days .
Birds
2012 is Starting off as a Great Birding Year!
01.06.12 | Permalink | 4 Comments

Over the Christmas break, I thought I had seen a Northern Flicker flying around the yard. Then one day I was sure I had seen one on a perch by the feeders. I know they are considered a common bird but they are difficult to get good glass on…..until recently!

Northern Flicker Facing Right

Northern Flicker Facing Left

I wish I could blend these two images into one. If you look closely at the tail feathers for the bird facing right, you will see a yellow tint. The east coast variety of Northern Flicker is called yellow shaft due to the yellow feathers. The eastern version also has a red crescent on its nape, which the west coast version does not.

Which of the 2 images do you like best?

Images captured with Nikon D700, 600mm f/4 w/TC-e17 II on Lexar Digital Film
Birds, Travel
Barnegat Jetty
01.04.12 | Permalink | 4 Comments

I have wanted to visit Barnegat Jetty (Barnegat Lighthouse State Park) for several years. Fortunately I was able to meet up with Denise Ippolito just after Christmas for a day photographing Barnegat’s wonderful birds. Denise is the leader of many Barnegat Jetty workshops (she has one that starts this Friday, check her website for details) and is also the author of a very popular Barnegat Jetty Site Guide

There are hosts of birds and wildlife that call the jetty home during the winter. Harlequin Duck, Long Tailed Duck (formerly Oldsquaw), Common Loon, Red Throated Loon, Red Breasted Merganser, Surf Scoter, Black Scoter, Common Eider, and Brant. Shorebird species include; Purple Sandpiper, Dunlin, Ruddy Turnstone, Black Bellied Plover, and Sanderling . I have been told that Harbor Seals have also been seen at the jetty. The stars of the jetty for me this trip were the Harlequin Ducks.

Harlequin Drake

These ducks are difficult to come by during the winter unless you travel to coastal Maine where a large portion of the North American population spends their winter.

Harlequin Drake on the Rocks

I was lucky to be able to capture some decent images given this was my first time to the jetty. Swimming images are fairly common but I am told that ducks on the rocks and good flight captures are tough to come by. I really like the flight capture below.

Harlequin Drake and Hen in Flight

I will post images of some of my other captures from my visit over the coming days.

Images captured with Nikon D700, 600mm f/4 on Lexar Digital Film
Birds
Birding is Fun – Birder Profile
12.16.11 | Permalink | 2 Comments

As many of you know I love to do research. I have been doing quite a bit of research on wildlife and birds in general over the last few years. I started following some new birders via their websites, the result of both in person meetings at birding events, Facebook (BwBTC) and Google+. Those people are Mia McPherson, Kathie Brown, Steve Creek, Scott Simmons and Dan Huber.

As I spent more time researching their websites, I was drawn to a common online magazine that they were all contributing to. That magazine or portal is Birding is Fun. Birding is Fun is a great place to learn about birds, gather information, and be presented with resources to further your birding education. So far I am really impressed with the people involved with Birding is Fun and look forward to learning more from their contributors. I am honored that they presented my profile on their website today.

Birding is Fun, Vincent Mistretta Profile
Birds
Weekend Bird Viewing
12.12.11 | Permalink | 2 Comments

It is amazing how many House Finches have been present at the feeders this year. Last years honors for family of the year were split between White Throated Sparrows and Dark Eyed Juncos. Neither of those species are yet to be found but we do have about 8-12 House Finches.

Male House Finch Profile

Male House Finch with Seed

Male House Finch Day Dreaming

While I have had fun with all of the birds in my yard, I am hoping for some more variety over the coming weeks. I bought enough bird seed this weekend for more variety!

Images captured with Nikon D700, 600mm f/4 w/TC-14e II on Lexar Digital Film
Birds
Blue Jay Morning
12.07.11 | Permalink | Comments Off

Blue Jays are difficult to photograph at a home studio. I have found over the last 3 years that no matter how long I stand still, make no noise or even move, the Blue Jays won’t return to the feeders I am photographing. That is however, until 3 minutes after I go back inside . I have been fortunate to have 2 pairs of Blue Jays staying around our home this winter and laying glass on them is one of my priorities!

Blue Jay with Nut

Blue Jay On Perch

One of the ways I have combated this issue is by changing my feeder locations to take advantage of some natural blinds on my property. So far the results of these new locations are very promising with one exception. The sun goes down on this area very early in the afternoon which deprives me of the sweet afternoon light.

Images captured on Nikon D700m 600mm f/4 VRII and TC-14e II on Lexar Digital Film
Birds, Monday Musings, Wildlife
Monday Musings – Follow Up
12.05.11 | Permalink | Comments Off

I received some very interesting correspondence regarding last Monday’s post (link here). The responses were mostly complimentary but some seemed to infer a message that I was not trying to convey. After reading all the comments on the post and some direct emails, I think I was not clear in my message. So I will be blunt today. I love birding and bird photography. My post was only trying to share the fact that I have differing expectations when I undertake one vs. the other. I wasn’t trying to infer that one needed to take sides or that one activity was superior to the other! There were some comments about both birders and bird photographers (mostly photographers) not behaving properly and maintaining a philosophy of “get the shot at all costs”. I have seen this behavior myself and think it is wrong. We as birding/wildlife advocates need to do whatever we can to stop any behavior that would jeopardize the welfare of the wildlife we are observing. I have always practiced “No image is worth the welfare of the subject” during my wildlife photography and viewing attempts.

Tufted Titmouse with Seed

One interesting perspective came from Robert Mortensen over at Birding is Fun (link here). I really enjoyed how he used the umbrella to describe different aspects of birding that make up its own ecosystem. I think that umbrella could be expanded to encompass all wildlife, not just birding. But Robert’s post started me thinking a little differently. I have a few ideas that I am going to let germinate but plan on sharing with all of you shortly. Again thanks for the great “debate” and all the comments. I’m glad so many of you enjoyed the topic and hopefully you are thinking differently about this as well!

Black Capped Chickadee with Fall Foliage in Background
Birds
Who Says Birds Don’t Have Feelings?
12.02.11 | Permalink | Comments Off

House Finch Kiss

Mourning Dove Pair

I know, I know…..its corny, I just couldn’t resist.

Have a great weekend!

Images captured with Nikon D3x, 600mm f/4 w/TC-14e II on Lexar Digital Film.