Photographing Merlin Falcons – Birds Feasting on Birds

October 9, 2014Raptorsnmckown

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Merlin Falcon Encounter

I was driving north on Lakeshore Drive on a late September early morning when I saw this Merlin Falcon perched on my raptor tree. I parked my car as close to the edge of the dune as I dared….illegally as I was facing the lane designated for southbound traffic. To avoid a flurry of activity that might scare the bird, I had set my big lens on the open window ledge when I first saw him, 200 feet back. The second I turned off the car, I was ready to shoot.

Photo of Merlin Falcon — Merlin Falcon with Prey- Looking Powerful and Aggressive
ISO2500; f/8; 1/1000 Second

Powerful and Aggressive Birds

The Merlin had just started to dine on a Song Sparrow, pulling out feathers with his claws and beak and scattering them to the wind. As I watched him over the next 10 minutes, he methodically but indelicately consumed his prey. His raptor talons ripped gruesomely into the body, disconnecting the head. For better access to the soft underbelly, the Merlin lifted the sparrow with his beak and swung it around to reposition it on the perch. With that sharp, hooked upper beak, he pierced deep into the juicy organ morsels. It was a bloody scene but I did not turn away, even for a moment.

Specialized Hunters of Birds

Merlins are fierce, powerful little raptors that specialize in hunting and feeding on other birds. Not much bigger than a Blue Jay, they use their speed and agility (and open claws) to knock their prey out of the sky. They then finish the job with bites to the neck and spinal cord. This Merlin must have caught and killed the Sparrow and dragged it back to the perch just minutes before.

This bold little predator was not about to leave his meal, though he did keep a close watch on me. I had time to take 150+ shots with my 500mm lens with 2x extender attached. The Merlin’s perch on the dead tree was at eye level with the camera and lens. However, details suffered because of the distance between lens and relatively small bird. The morning sun was behind me, low in the east. The tall trees behind me blocked its intensity, forcing me to use a rather high ISO. By the time I took my last shot, the sun was just beginning to rise above the tree line, allowing me to take the ISO down to 1000.

Cleaning Up After the Feast

After the Merlin was finished, he left the remains (a clump of feathers and bones) on the perch and jumped to a lower, cleaner branch. With his talons, breast and beak still bloody from his meal, he began swiping his beak from side to side on the branch to clean away the remains of the feast. He then did a few minutes of feather cleanup and maintenance and he was off.

Migratory Photo Opportunities

Only during Spring and Fall migration are we lucky enough to see Merlin Falcons along the lakeshore. Not surprisingly, they follow other birds’ migratory coastal routes. I have high hopes to see and photograph at least one Peregrine Falcon as it passes through to its wintering grounds. My camera will be at the ready in my car through November.

Birds Feasting on Birds

It is always more fascinating to photograph birds engaged in some kind of activity (flying, feeding, mating, fighting, nesting, etc) rather than just majestically perching and posing. This is the first time I’ve had the opportunity to photograph a bird eating another bird. It was captivating! Merlins are fast and efficient killing machines, but they can also be prey for owls and the larger raptors. I bet Merlins are not an easy meal to take.

To learn more about my raptor tree on the shores of southern Lake Michigan, see this post.

To see my Merlin Falcon photos from last Fall, see this post.

Photographing Bobolinks in a Wildflower Meadow

October 2, 2014Bobolinksnmckown

Photographing Bobolinks in A Wildflower Meadow

I’ve discovered that I don’t have to wait for perfect sunrises or sunsets and a windless day to get a blaze of color in my bird photos.

Photo of Female Bobolink — Female Bobolink, Perched on a Vervain Flower Stalk.
One of Dozens Flying in a Wildflower Field..
ISO 1000; f/10; 1/1600 Second

Capturing Soft Movement in Wildflower Meadows

For artistic inspiration, bird photographers should go in search of wildflower meadows, luminous with dew kissed green and golden grasses, sunflowers and other wild flowers. Birds and butterflies abundantly feed in these fields.

I was sitting quietly in the front passenger seat of my car watching the birds flit about in the grasses and wildflowers. It was a relaxing and meditative scene. Dozens of bobolinks were flying in this field, struggling to perch and then lifting off from the flowing grasses and drooping flowers. I was able to stay clear of too much foliage clutter in the shots because there were three or four tall stalks near the car on which the birds could perch. My camera and lens rested on the door window. It did not take long for one or two of the bobolinks to fly in for a closer look at me.

Compensating for Movement

There is not much exposure flexibility when it’s windy. For these photos, I had to compensate for the effects of the wind (10-15 mph) with a fairly high shutter speed. I also tipped the 500mm (with 2x extender) lens downward just a touch to make sure the entire background was filled with the soft movements and rich colors of the meadow.

Cultivating Beauty

To attract birds, the land preservationists in charge of the Allegan State Game Area cultivate an assortment of seed and grain bearing flowers and grasses. Many years of hard work and preparation went into these low maintenance wildflower meadows. When the sunflowers turn brown and droop their heads, the tiny florets on the head become seeds. They are then ready for the birds to harvest.

Photographing Patterns in the Midst of Disorder

Beauty is there to behold at all stages of a flower’s life, not just at the bloom’s peak. The wind added drama to this wildflower scene and challenged me to try to capture that vibrancy in my bird photos. In the midst of all this background light, movement, energy and disorder, my camera’s sensor captured enticing patterns and vibrant colors.

I loved the caress of the wind in and around me as it reshaped the meadow’s landscape. It’s a glorious feeling and reminded me that I’m not just there to take photos.

See this blog post to read more about photography during the golden hour.

See this blog post to read more about photographing Bobolinks.

Photographing the Blue Gray Gnatcatcher and Thoughts About Taking a Grand Birding Adventure

September 25, 2014Gnatcatchersnmckown

Photographing the Blue Gray Gnatcatcher

The Blue Gray Gnatcatcher is a very good find for me. This tiny little songbird was hiding in the low branches of a densely wooded patch in the Allegan State Game Area. I was sitting in my car, lens resting on the car door, when I first spotted him. I was able to follow his movements despite the dense foliage because he was flicking his tail feathers back and forth, uncovering insects and then chasing after them. He came out of the branch and leaf clutter for only a minute, but it was long enough for me to shoot two full body shots (500 mm w 2x extender). And then he was gone.

Photo of BlueGray Gnatcatcher — Blue Gray Gnatcatcher, his Perky Tail Feathers Cocked Skyward
ISO 800; f/10; 1/1000 Second

The Easy Road

I’m lucky to live near the Allegan State Game Area (Allegan County, Michigan) and the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary (Augusta, Michigan) where there are plenty of birding adventures to be had. In late summer, I often sit near my library window and hope that new warblers and vireos will take a break from their long migratory journeys and rest in my yard. (Amazingly, our yard has become somewhat of a hotspot this Fall. For more info about that, see this post.) With these great resources nearby, I generally don’t have to travel more than 75 miles to photograph birds.

Traveling to Photograph Birds

Going on a long distance American birding expedition does appeal to me however. I read about the exhausting and exciting adventures of birders who travel far and wide with their cameras to find and photograph birds and I imagine myself on that sort of long journey. Traveling efficiently and effectively no doubt means that you have to leave behind your best long lenses, and maybe your best camera. There was a time I would have thought that intolerable, but since I’ve started photographing new migrating birds through my library window, I’ve come to accept the noisy, leaf cluttered photos in exchange for the close, eye level view and the thrill of watching and photographing new birds.

Dorian Anderson’s Journey

One birder’s long distance trek is particularly impressive. Dorian Anderson is spending a year traveling thousands of miles by bicycle in search of as many birds as possible and writing a blog about his adventures. He embarked on this journey in Massachusetts, and headed south to Florida and then west toward California. See this link for his timeline, trip strategy, and winding route. Dorian said that he misses his primo equipment (500mm/1.4x/1D) but he still manages to include quite a few fabulous photos in his daily blog.

Photo of Blue Grey Gnatcatcher — Blue Grey Gnatcatcher Showed Himself only for a Moment.
ISO 1250; f/10; 1/1000 Second

Biking for Birds

Dorian is using this biking/birding adventure to raise funds for The Conservation Fund and the American Birding Association. At the time of this writing, he has seen more than 557 species and raised thousands of dollars for bird conservation causes.

I envy Dorian’s running bird list, and admire his resolve, strength and fortitude. I checked his list, but did not see a Blue Gray Gnatcatcher. Such tiny little birds to find. He did however list the following gnatcatchers:

450 – Black-tailed gnatcatcher

451 – Black-capped gnatcatcher

Follow Dorian Anderson’s exciting adventure “Biking for Birds” at this link.

To read cool facts about the blue gray gnatcatcher, press this link.

Photographing the Yellow Warbler and Thoughts on Bird Identification

September 18, 2014Warblersnmckown

Yellow Warbler Identification

Yellow warblers are bright little birds that are not the easiest to ID or photograph. Often, I see a little yellow blur flying fast and furious, and when it lands in the dense foliage, it quickly weaves in and out of view. Unless I get a clear shot, (if I’m able to lock down focus at all), this warbler can easily be confused with other yellowish warblers.

Photo of Yellow Warbler — Yellow Warbler, Singing his Heart Out.
ISO 250; f/9; 1/1000 Second.

The Warbler Guide

For my birthday, I received The Warbler Guide by Tom Stephenson and Scott Whittle. It’s a wonderful, thick book with dozens of distinctive photos of all angles of male, female and juvenile warblers, in all seasonal plumages. Warblers are one the most challenging birds to ID. It’s important to be very precise when reviewing the color and shape of any discernable eye rings, the color and location of streaking on the breast, the length of tail feathers and edging on the wing feathers, the body shape, the bill length, eye color, feet color and on and on. Oh My!

The Warbler Guide is a great book with which to sit down and relax, learn new things about warblers, and sort and compare my photos with the guide’s photos. After spending some time comparing back and forth, this with that, I may finally feel sort of comfortable that I have a good ID. However, if I get a feeling that my ID may not be quite right, I go ahead and upload my photo to Whatbird.com for the experts to give me final confirmation.

Facial Recognition of Birds

Wouldn’t it be cool to have sight and sound recognition DSLR cameras…. a digital camera with an artificial intelligence ID chip built into its computer that would be able to identify the bird on which the lens is focused?

This marvelous invention can not be that far into the future because scientists at Columbia School of Engineering have already developed an visual recognition bird ID app and are working on incorporating a bird recognition ID chip into binoculars.

Birdsnap- An Advanced Digital Field Guide

Currently, birders and photographers can download a free app call “Birdsnap”. Once installed on your smart phone, all you need do is upload a clear, full bodied photo of a bird into the app and follow the prompts to point out the locations of the tail and eye of the bird. Birdsnap will then scan your photo, compare it to its database of 500 bird photos and come up with possible matches.

A future enhancement for this app is under development that will incorporate voice recognition…the various bird songs, whistles and calls that match the bird photos. To ID a bird by song, (hypothetically) users will only need to engage the recording component of their smart phones while the unknown (and possibly unseen) bird is vocalizing, and then upload that file to the app.

Right now I have two GPS enabled apps on my smart phone that allow me to view multiple photos of a bird species, hear their vocalizations, and map their summer, winter and migratory range. But these apps require that I see the bird (or a photo of the bird) or hear the bird, then make a judgement as to whether or not the bird ID info I’m viewing in the app matches the bird I am seeing and/or hearing.

Birdsnap is programmed to do what computers do best: Sort through massive amounts of data, make computer based distinctions based on facial and birdsong recognition, and then select one or more matches. Human judgements will still be necessary to determine if the selections made by Birdsnap are correct.

Warbler ID Tools

I still love my Warbler Guide, It has fascinating information and endless details on the characteristics and lifestyles of 50+ warblers. The Birdsnap app is a good tool to turn to first for Warbler ID. That way, I have possible warbler names to take to the book index and start my search.

Some day, I will be quick and competent at bird ID, but that day is not today.

For more information on the Birdsnap app, click this link.

To read my post about auditory bird ID, click this link.

Photographing Migrating Birds, Part II

September 11, 2014Warblersnmckown

Wonder of Wonders

I am captivated by the bird migration phenomena. It’s still late summer and over the last couple weeks, a parade of migrating birds have stopped in our yard to rest and replenish. So many that I am getting fairly good at warbler ID.

The trees are still in full summer foliage. The Vireos and Warblers weave in and out of sight between the branches and leaves, flittering every which way in search of insects and grubs. Because they move so fast, it is difficult to track their movements with my lens. I have to keep both of my eyes on the area of the last sighting and then watch for the slightest movement in the leaves and branches. When a new bird comes into view (even a partial view) I quickly point the 300 mm lens with 1.4 extender, focus and hold down the shutter. The advantages of shooting from the library windows are that I am fairly close to the bushes and trees in which the birds forage and the library window is higher than ground level, allowing me to shoot at eye level.

Photo of Magnolia Warbler — Magnolia Warbler Sitting Pretty and looking Quite Coquettish.
ISO 2500; f/4; 1/640 Second

The Great Lakes Migration Corridor

We live near the shores of Lake Michigan. Each spring and fall the shoreline becomes a nocturnal migration corridor for millions of birds on the move. There have been so many visitors in our yard this year that I have temporarily put on hold my usual routine of photographing birds in the Allegan State Game Area. Instead I watch and photograph warblers and vireos through my library window. This strategy is particularly productive during or after a storm and when the winds blow strong. Although exposure is always a challenge on low light, windy days, it’s worth the focusing hassle and less than tack sharp images to see these unfamiliar and beautiful travelers through my lens.

Photo of Tennessee Warbler — Tennessee Warbler
ISO 2500; f/4; 1/800 Second

Birdcast

Birders and photographers can find resources that help predict when migrating birds will be passing through their regions. The Birdcast weekly forecast is a project funded by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Weather radar, satellite imagery, e-bird data, acoustical monitoring devices, and sophisticated computer models are combined to determine, by region, what species of migrating birds (out of 400+ species) will likely be passing through during a particular week. The goals of this project are to get a better understanding of the migration phenomenon (when, where and how far birds go) and to determine the impact of environmental change on bird behavior.

Photo of Wilson's Warbler — Wilsons Warbler
ISO 2500; f/4; 1/800 second

Birdcast Predictions for August 29-Sept 4

Here is a sample of the kind of information BirdCast provided for the my area during the week of Aug 29 through Sept 4.

“Upper Midwest and Northeast

Scattered light to moderate movements were in evidence for the weekend, as small scale disturbances moved across the region in several areas. By Monday night, however, changes were evident, as northerly flow and cooler air brought heavy movements to the western Great Lakes and Upper Mississippi River valley. As the frontal boundary responsible for these changes moved east, so did the moderate to locally heavy movements it facilitated. By Wednesday night these movements were apparent in coastal areas, and also as widely scattered movements farther inland. Species on the move this week included Swainson’s Thrush, Magnolia Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler, Hudsonian Godwit, Tennessee Warbler, American Golden-Plover, Warbling Vireo, Wilson’s Warbler, Northern Parula, Black-throated Green Warbler, Black Tern, Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper, American Redstart, and White-eyed Vireo.”

From this predictive list, for the week of Aug 29-Sept 4, I was able to photograph in my yard the Magnolia Warbler, Tennessee Warbler, Warbling Vireo, Wilson’s Warbler, Black Throated Green Warbler, and American Redstart.

Photo of American Redstart — Female American Redstart Warbler.
ISO 4000; f/4; 1/640 Second

A Scientific Approach to Finding Migrating Birds

If you are interested in learning more about scientifically based predictions that gauge which migrating species will pass through your geographical area,visit this link.

If you are interested in seeing the other migratory birds that have visited our yard so far during this migration (2014), please visit my flickr album .

Photographing Bobolinks and Thoughts About Protecting Your Passion

September 4, 2014Blackbirds, Bobolinksnmckown

Discovering Bobolinks

It seems to me very odd that this is the first Spring that I’ve noticed and photographed bobolinks, even though I’ve been in their territory many times looking for new birds. This year, bobolinks seemed to be posing for me everywhere. I had a wonderful time watching and photographing their rituals and antics and was very pleased with the results.

Photo of Male Bobolink — Male Bobolink Calling Out For Female.
ISO 800; f/8.0; 1/2000 Second

Photographing Bobolinks – Colorful Blackbirds

Bobolinks are beautiful songbirds, related to orioles and blackbirds. They forage for seeds and insects in farm fields and grasses. The male bobolink is particularly striking in the Spring. When he is not singing or furiously chasing other males, he is elaborately bobbing his tail feathers and displaying his white shoulder patches and black and gold plumage. It’s hard to miss that straw colored headdress atop his head.

Like many other songbirds, female and immature bobolinks have very different coloring than the mature males. (See last photo in this post.)

Bobolinks get their name from the lovely songs they sing. For a wonderful, short video of the bobolink singing and displaying, published by “The Music of Nature”, see this link.

Photo of Female or Juvenile Male Bobolink — I Thought This was a Female Bobolink, But Because It Was Taken in
Early August, What Bird.com Says it Might Be a Female or a Juvenile Male Bobolink.
ISO 500; f/9.0; 1/1000 Second

Reflections on Protecting My Bird Photography Passion

In an effort to feed my growing passion for photographing birds, I have spent countless hours trying to improve my skills and way too many dollars to purchase new cameras, lenses, storage drives and computers. I also maintain this bird photography blog as an incentive to keep working, learning and sharing. Why do I do it? Because these bobolink photos (and many, many other bird photographs) make up my digital portfolio and represent the joy I find in wild bird photography.

Protecting Your Investment in Photography

Maintaining specialized insurance and backing up your photo files are not trivial pursuits. Backup and recovery/replacement systems (in the cloud and at home) are uncommonly simple, but immensely important precautions, costing very little money, but affording photographers basic peace of mind.

The Inevitability of the Unexpected

Taking a few basic precautions to safeguard your digital portfolio and photo equipment are fundamental practices for photographers. Hard drives and memory disks that hold your favorite photos and wild life experiences will fail; it’s just a matter of when. Ridiculously expensive lenses and cameras can be stolen, lost, or damaged, shattering your investment.

Not having insurance plans in place that allow you to promptly return to that happy place where you left off before the devastation is just plain silly.

Photographing Baltimore Orioles and Outdoor Studio Setups

August 28, 2014Oriolesnmckown

Photographing Baltimore Orioles In Your Back Yard

Baltimore Orioles are one of my favorite birds. They are brilliantly colorful, vivacious birds that can be lured to almost any feeder with grape jelly, oranges and suet. Orioles appear quite shy while foraging for insects in wooded areas, but can be loud, competitive and greedily protective at the feeders.

Orioles were the perfect subjects to photograph in my outdoor studio setup.

Perches On Which Birds Pose for the Camera

The photos below of baltimore orioles were taken in my yard after I took a few moments to set up a couple of strategically placed perches in a location that would capture the best light and background. I also set up my blind.

The feeder is the main attraction for the birds, but it is also an unsightly distraction in photographs. Consequently, I set up the perches so the feeders would not be in the shot. The goal was to get the birds to use those perches while waiting for their turn at the feeder, thus creating the opportunity for a great photo.

Photo of Male Baltimore Oriole — Male Baltimore Oriole Loudly Complaining at Competing Males
ISO 3200; f6.3; 1/2000 Second

What are the Issues?

Setting up an outdoor nature studio allows you to not only attract birds, but also control the light, background scenery and other photographic elements. Photographers can set up a single, strategically placed perch (like I did) or elaborately design all aspects of the scene. Very convenient, especially if you do this at home.

But there are birders, photographers and other nature lovers out there who object to and are offended by outdoor studio setups. Below I’ve tried to list the arguments for both sides…the people who practice this type of photography, regularly and elaborately, and those who are opposed to any setups, call-ins or baiting practices, anytime, anywhere.

Arguments Against Outdoor Studio Setups

Outdoor studio setups are too intrusive. They create unnatural feeding spots that spoil the habitat and stress the wildlife. These feeding stations not only makes birds dependent on man’s handouts, but also make them more vulnerable to predators.
The use of audio calls, bait, and perching/background props disrupt natural bird behaviors, especially during migratory and nesting periods.
Controlled studio setups take away from the challenge, excitement and the serendipity of wild bird photography. The photographs produced in these environments do not look authentic or realistic. The practice is deceiving to viewers and referred to as BOAS (Birds on a Stick) photography.
Multiple bird feeders and other props that are used to draw in birds cause the spread of disease among birds (ex.mycoplasmal conjunctivitis).
Intrusive photographers do not respect birds or the fragility of their ecosystem. They are only concerned with getting the shot.

Arguments In Favor of Outdoor Studio Setups

Outdoor studio setups allow the photographer to artistically and technically control many variables in the composition, including the direction of the birds’ approach and the amount and path of the light. Photographers can also incorporate natural looking branches and flowers to get the perfect outdoor nature photo.
Most viewers of the photos will not be able to tell that the scene is staged. These outdoor studio setups are designed to make the photos look natural, artistic, and ascetically pleasing.
Birds are already acclimated to humans in their environment, so there is no real interference in the birds’ activities. Outdoor studio setups are not any more intrusive than bird watchers walking in the woods. They are certainly less intrusive than radio collars and banding of birds.
Patience, understanding, keeping a respectful distance, and an understanding of the habits and nature of birds are essential components to successful outdoor studio setups.
Businesses that advertise outdoor studio setups are on private property and cater to photographers by providing easy access to a wide variety of bird activities in an uncluttered and aesthetically pleasing, natural looking environment.

Photography Rules and Ethics

There are recognized and accepted guidelines and rules that first and foremost protect wildlife and the environment, but also attempt to address the concerns of both sides of this debate. Nature lovers and photographers should be familiar with the established ethical field practices outlined by the North American Nature Photography Association. See this link for more information.

In addition to the best field practices, there are also laws and rules (established by U.S.National Parks and National Wildlife Refuges) that all nature lovers and photographers should know and follow. These include certain permit requirements and prohibitions against harassing wildlife. Practices such as baiting, calling in, and setting up blinds in certain public areas are forbidden. There are also rules about going off the trails and “altering, moving, cutting, or defacing” certain public lands in the U.S. national parks and wildlife refuges.

Photo of Female Baltimore Oriole — Female Baltimore Oriole
ISO 800; f/2.8; 1/1000 Second

My Take

I treasure my time in the wild outdoors and make a point of leaving behind only my footprints. I also enjoy beautifully framed, natural looking bird photographs with minimal clutter and pleasing backgrounds. I don’t see anything wrong with setting up a scene in my back yard or on public land where it is allowable to add more appeal to the nature photo. I don’t believe I compromise the safety of the birds nor do I think these practices interfere with their life cycles or their habitat.

Wild Bird Survival for the Long Term

Finally, there are many larger, more critical issues that impact bird survival. These include problems like the steady decline in bird populations (of common and rare birds) due to habitat loss, poison, lack of food, global warming, artificial light, and wind turbines. The long term consequences of these human practices require our attention because they are much more likely to impact the survival of future generations of wild birds.

Photographing a Wave of Migrating Birds

August 21, 2014Vireos, Warblersnmckown

Not a Typical Birding Day

It’s mid August, plenty of summer weather ahead of us. As I observe my feeder, the usual visitors are stopping by for seeds…. chicadees, nuthatches, cardinals, titmice, the occasional downy woodpecker. Lovely as they are, I have more photographs of these species than I can count.

My husband and I are very watchful. We like to think that we know which species of birds have taken up residence in our yard. We are always hopeful that we will spot new visitors, but that doesn’t happen often in the summer.

During spring and fall migration periods, a lot of bird encounters are happenstance. On this particular day, within a span of 30 minutes, I encountered and photographed 6 newcomers perching in the trees and bushes around the feeder. It was exciting because we groom our yard to be inviting to a wide variety of bird species, and all that work was paying off.

Photo of female Blue Winged Warbler — Female Blue Winged Warbler, shot through the window glass.
ISO 2500; f/3.5; 1/800 Second

Grab and Go Photography

We were inside the house when we spotted the first transient- a female blue winged warbler. I grabbed the camera and swapped out the 500mm for the 300mm lens. It was a rainy and dark day, so I had to choose a wide open aperture setting to get even a passable shot. Working quickly, I placed the tripod near the window, positioned my camera and took several shots of the warbler as she tentatively approached the feeder. I did not dare open my less than sparkling window, fearing that the commotion would cause her to fly off and vanish forever. Windows shut, I just followed her with the lens (attached to the gimbal head) as she hopped between feeder and foliage.

Photo of male American Redstart Warbler — Male American Redstart Warbler.- Photo taken Through the Window Glass.
Perched within View for only a few seconds.
ISO 4000; f/3.5; 1/800 Second

New Birds Kept Arriving

A new, beautiful warbler! I was practically giddy, but the best was yet to come. Within minutes, I was looking at a brightly colored orange and black warbler…. a male american redstart. He perched only seconds, long enough for me to focus and hold down that shutter button. In his wake, a yellow throated vireo landed on the same branch, staying only long enough to snatch a caterpillar. I lifted my eyes and spotted another newcomer tucked behind the leaves of an adjoining branch. I swiveled the gimbal and tried to position the lens to focus amist all the leaf clutter. The new bird hopped into view – a black and white warbler. I focused and was able to press the shutter only once before he jumped out of view. I scanned again and this time, a warbling vireo and a female american redstart graced my view. So much activity! I pointed my lens at anything that moved.

And then they were gone.

Photo of Yellow Breasted Vireo — Yellow Throated Vireo, captured through the window glass.
ISO 2500; f/3.5; 1/800 Second

Photo of Black and White Warbler — Black and White Warbler, Taken through the Window Glass
ISO 1250; f/3.5; 1/800 Second

Photo of Warbling Vireo — Warbling Vireo, taken through the window glass.
ISO 1600; f/3.5; 1/800 Second

Photo of Female American Redstart Warbler — Female American Redstart Warbler. Photographed through the window glass.
ISO 2500; f/3.5; 1/800 Second

Bird Migration Marathons

While waiting by the window and hoping to see more new birds, I checked Sibley’s Field Guide. No telling exactly where they came from, but all 5 of these species nest in eastern North America, including southwest Michigan. If I had spotted one or two new species over the same amount of weeks, I might have thought that these birds were just being adventurous in a new territory and would return to their territories after their little sojourn. But 5 new species appearing in a span of 30 minutes is a spectacular show in our yard. One of the first waves of small bird migration must be upon us.

Champions of Endurance

How early in the summer does fall migration begin?

Some species (especially shorebirds) begin their migratory journeys as early as July. Many factors impact when birds commence their migratory journeys, how often they need to stop to rest and replenish, and ultimately, how successful they will be along the way. These include: starting location, light, weather, wind direction, temperature, available food along the way, distance to wintering grounds, and maturity of offspring.

Why did 5 different species descend at the same location and at the same time?

While mostly invisible to humans, billions of birds go through their migratory rituals twice a year. With these kinds of numbers, how can birders and bird photographers NOT notice multiple species of transient birds. Migrating birds travel together in waves and the waves pass through at different times. Many smaller and daylight feeding species (like the newly arriving vireos and warblers photographed here) fly at night and rest and replenish during the day.

Still Waiting and Hoping to See More New Birds

I’ve been sitting near my library windows all afternoon, camera at the ready, hoping to spot those same new birds again…. or maybe a wave of new ones that temporaily drop out from their long flight and grace us with their presence. So far only the usual residents are making an appearance. The mere size of fall migration pretty much guarantees that, if I keep a watchful eye, I am sure to see more transients visit our yard.

I am thinking about the best place in the yard to set up my blind so I don’t have to shoot through the window glass. Meanwhile, I’m going to wash my windows.

For more information about small bird migration patterns, press this link.

For more information about gimbal heads, press this link.

See this post for more information about our certified wildlife habitat.

UPDATES:

8-24-2014. We saw 5 new warblers and 1 vireo pass through our yard. I plan to upload all new migrating bird photos to an album in my flickr account. (See link below) NOTE: All photos taken through the window glass. In an effort to get better photos, I set up my equipment outdoors, but no newcomers approached.

mourning warbler
chestnut-sided warbler
magnolia warbler
black throated green warbler
cape may warbler in fall plumage
red-eyed vireo

8-25-2014 Update – 5 more new warblers in our yard today

ovenbird wood warbler
orange crown warbler
hooded warbler
canada warbler
blackburnian warbler

Identifications confirmed by the expert birders at Whatbird.com

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124694572@N03/sets/72157646466701167/

If you have photos of new migrating birds visiting your area this fall, I would love to see them. Please send me a link via the contact information on this blog.

Photographing Dickcissels and Auditory Bird ID

August 14, 2014Dickcisselnmckown

Photographing Dickcissels

The first time I looked through my lens and saw a bird with a large beak, yellow stripe cutting through the eyes and black patch stamped onto its bright yellow breast, I thought I had found a miniature meadowlark. This individual was easy to photograph because he was out in the open, flitting about on the grasses and occasionally landing on mullein flower stalks. As I continued to take photos, the bird rotated on his perch and his back side plumage came into view. From this angle, the bird began to look like a common sparrow. I was flummoxed and could not visually ID this bird out in the field.

Had I been a more practiced listener of bird song, I would have been able to ID the dickcissel because within his song is the pronunciation of his name.…..“dick-dick-cissel”

Photo of Dickcissel — Photograph of Dickcissel Perched on a Branch.
ISO 1250; f/8; 1/2500 Second

Auditory ID of Birds

Often, bird photographers don’t locate birds through their binoculars or the camera lens. They find them very successfully by listening and then tracking bird song. Auditory ID is a very useful skill for birders and photographers.

Many of the birders I know are not only excellent at visual ID, but can also tell what and where a bird is just by listening to its calls and songs. Watching these auditory blood hounds in action is fascinating. The best of them pick up and then isolate some far off bird tune carried in the wind, turn their heads toward the sound, dissect the rhythm, tone, pitch and repetition qualities, and come up with an auditory ID. They can do this even if there are dozens of different bird songs in the air. And remember, it’s not just a matter of matching and memorizing one distinct song for each species. There is tremendous variation in birdsong- just like the sizes, shapes, colors and patterns of the birds themselves. Many birds have 2, 3 or more distinctive songs. Some birds mimic other birds as well as sing their own distinct songs. Birdsong from the same species of bird can differ from region to region. These auditory bloodhounds are able to discern different dialects of the same song.

Impressive detective skills indeed.

Photo of Male Dickcissel — Dickcissel
ISO 500; f/9; 1/1250 Second

Female Dickcissel — Female or Juvenile Dickcissel-mostly Hiding in the Bush
ISO 1600; f/8; 1/1000 Second

Auditory Bloodhound Training

Birdsong is much more than music to our ears. Auditory ID is a very reliable way for photographers to find birds in the wild. The primary advantage is that your ears can hear the sounds all around you, no matter what direction you are facing. A sight ID means that your eyes have to be looking at the right place at the right time.

If you are interesting in learning to ID a bird by its songs, calls and whistles, a good resource is “5 Tips for Beginners” and can be found at this link.
If you love birdsong, and are interested in how and why the birds sing, Donald Kroodsma’s, The Singing Life of Birds: The Art and Science of Listening to Birdsong is a wonderful resource (Book plus CD).
For more information about dickcissel migration patterns, see this map from ebird.

Photographing Cedar Waxwings – Nomadic Birds

August 7, 2014Cedar Waxwingnmckown

Finding Birds to Photograph

It’s not often serendipity that brings me to a good bird shooting location. Understanding bird behavior and knowing where and when you are likely to find certain species of birds are important skills for any photographer. After all, if you are willing to put in the time, effort and expense it takes to go out in the wild to photograph birds, you might as well include a little serious study about the territorial habits of the birds you want to photograph.

Photo of Cedar Waxwing — Cedar Waxwing With His Crest Up, Sitting Pretty and Calling Out.
ISO 800; f/8; 1/1000 Second

Territorial Birds

Often, I just watch and wait with my camera on my lap. Once I notice a mated pair of song birds in a location, I don’t necessarily rush to photograph them. I assume that I have found their territory and I have high expectations that if I take my camera to that same location every morning, I will see them again and again and hopefully, photograph them.

Most birds are territorial. During mating season, territorial birds carve out a niche of land and put lots of energy into NOT sharing the resources in that territory, especially if there are many competitors. The male generally chases off all other males of the same species (and sometimes other species) to prevent them from threatening his dominance and progeny. His songs are intended not only as mating calls, but also as threatening messages to competitors. (Keep Out!)

The size of the territory and the length of time it will be protected varies, depending on the species and the environmental conditions. Establishing territories is about reproductive success, consequently bird species may be vigorously territorial in the spring and summer, and then become suddenly tolerant and in favor of flocking with its own kind in the fall and winter months.

Nomadic Birds

Cedar Waxwings are nomadic birds and thus do not establish territories. This species is highly social and travels in cooperative flocks – moving often from one place to another and settling down for a short time during breeding season to build nests and raise young. The only way I can reliably find and photograph these fruit eating birds is to look for trees and shrubs that bear small fruits- huckleberry, serviceberry, juniper, hawthorn, cedar, honeysuckle and winterberry. Assuming the fruit is ripe, there’s a good chance that cedar waxwings will be found in large flocks voraciously eating the berries until the bushes are bare.

Since cedar waxwings do not establish territories, they do not need songs to communicate the “keep out” message to other birds of their species. They do still need calls and whistles to keep track of each other and warn of imminent danger. The calls and whistles that cedar waxwings emit can be found at this link.

Photographing That Distinctive Face

It’s always a joy to find cedar waxwings because I think that they are one of the most beautiful birds living in SW Michigan. Their distinctive black bandit mask outlined in white is striking against its cinnamon colored head crest. To find and photograph these birds, just search out the location of the wild berry bushes around you and do a little research to determine when the berries will be ripe. You won’t be disappointed.