Birding by Camera | Adventures in Nature Photography
Some 2014 Favorites
2014 seemed a bit more frustrating than usual to be in the field. The weather seemed to be more uncooperative than recent years—lots of clouds, rain, fog, heat, and (of course) bugs. The ridiculous rate of population growth in Houston and boondoggle highway construction projects that have dragged on for years often meant ever-expanding traffic nightmares getting in and out of the city (Yes, Virginia, adding a lane to I-45 between Beltway 8 and Bay Area Boulevard should be a multi-generational affair that costs as much as a moon-shot!). Despite these complaints, it seemed like we couldn’t get out enough!
In any case, major summer trips included the Rio Grande Valley and another major road trip across the Southwest, including Madera Canyon and Saguaro National Park. On the local front, we tried to focus on places we haven’t visited before or often like Frenchtown Road and Pelican Island. But, of course, we made many trips to local favorites like Lafitte’s Cove and Brazos Bend State Park, and several trips to the Coastal Bend outside our normal sphere of operations. As always, we tried to capture birds doing things! We currently await Spring Migration 2015 eagerly and giggle hysterically when contemplating Major Trips 2015!
Purple Martin Family, Estero Llano Grande State Park, Rio Grande Valley, Texas. I contented myself with Purple Martins while waiting for the return of the Northern Beardless Tyrannulets that had nested in the neighboring tree. Alas, the pint-sized flycatchers were too suspicious to offer up many photo-ops (except for the weird nest itself!). Canon EOS 7D/600mm f/4L IS (+1.4x TC). High-speed synchronized fill-flash.
Close Encounter with a Hooded Warbler. Migration can afford the birder with an economy of scale and cozy viewing, depending on location. When so many birds (and birders) are concentrated into a small area, long lenses don’t always win out. During this shoot, I went hand-held with our 300mm which allowed me to capture images when the birds came in close and still keep my distance. Image taken at Lafitte’s Cove Nature Preserve, Galveston Island, Texas. Canon EOS 7D/300mm f/4L IS. Natural light.
American Bittern Hunting at Water’s Edge, Pilant Lake, Brazos Bend State Park, Texas. Quite oblivious to the photographer, this bird stalked crawfish and frogs among the grasses. Canon EOS 7D/600mm f/4L IS (+1.4x TC). Natural light.
Not Quite Fledged Yet. We had the pleasure of watching a nest of Yellow-crowned Night-Herons over the summer at Brazos Bend State Park. The adults tended three nestlings in a large stick nest built about 15 feet above the slough. This image, taken in late July, shows one young heron out of the nest but still taking advantage of available cover. Canon 7D/500mm f/4L IS (+1.4x TC). Natural light.
Snowy Egret Pair in High Breeding Color, Smith Oaks Rookery, High Island, Texas. This image is a proxy for all the images of family life I took during the spring of 2014. Canon EOS 7D/600mm f/4L IS (+1.4x TC). Natural light.
Late Afternoon with an Acorn Woodpecker in Cave Creek Canyon, Arizona. As this youngster develops into an adult, its iris will turn a bluish-white. Canon 7D/500mm f/4L IS (+1.4x TC). Natural light.
Eastern Phoebe with Queen Butterfly Wing, Paradise Pond, Mustang Island, Texas. Canon EOS 7D/600mm f/4L IS (+1.4x TC). High-speed synchronized fill-flash.
Great Kiskadee in Paradise. After numerous attempts over several years, I was finally able to capture the beauty of this bird! Birds with black masks and white feathers are notoriously difficult to photograph with correct exposure. Although considered common, noisy, and conspicuous, the Great Kiskadee is nonetheless spectacular, and I look forward to seeing them whenever we travel south of the Upper Texas Coast. Image taken from the boardwalk at Joan and Scott Holt Paradise Pond, Port Aransas, Mustang Island, Texas. Canon 7D/500 mm f/4L IS (+1.4x TC). Natural light.
A Black Skimmer Rolls an Egg, Freeport, Texas. Bird eggs must be turned if they are to develop properly. Canon EOS 7D/600mm f/4L IS (+1.4x TC). Natural light.
Good Morning, Sunshine! Mid-morning birding at the open-air Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum this summer produced a rock squirrel settling in for some sunning. Atop these rocky perches in nature, rock squirrels also keep lookout for predators such as coyotes, roadrunners, snakes and hawks. I, apparently, didn’t warrant the alarm call – just a yawn! Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Arizona. Canon 7D/500mm f/4L IS (+1.4x TC). Natural light.
Never go on trips with anyone you do not love.—Ernest Hemingway
This is a fabulous overview of the work of both of you. Congratulations! Whenever I see your blog in my email, I stop what I’m doing and study it like it were the nectar of life. It is, you know. Especially to anyone interested in both birds and photography.
The squirrel? Well, he’s showing his indifference to both and it’s a perfect and fun way to end the series.
This is a fabulous overview of the work of both of you. Congratulations! Whenever I see your blog in my email, I stop what I’m doing and study it like it were the nectar of life. It is, you know. Especially to anyone interested in both birds and photography.
The squirrel? Well, he’s showing his indifference to both and it’s a perfect and fun way to end the series.
Hope 2015 is beyond your wildest dreams.
Hey Dennis!
Thanks again for your wonderful words! We hope you and yours all the best for the new year. Cheers, Chris and Elisa