cute – Page 15

December 11, 2010January 14, 2013

Belted Kingfisher (Photo of the week)

A belted kingfisher perches on a chain-linked fence, ready to take flight. Canon 800mm f/5.6L IS lens with the EOS-7D. ISO 400. Evaluative metering 0: 1/2000 sec. at f/5.6

This week’s photo features the ever elusive belted kingfisher. Its not that the bird is all that uncommon, but it can be quite difficult to get close enough to photograph. They tend to be very flighty, and don’t hang around the same area too often. Some bird photographers have done well using bait fish and photo setups to capture this bird, but this type of activity is best done on private land over the course of several days.

A belted kingfisher perches on a metal fencepost. Canon 800mm f/5.6L IS lens with the EOS-7D. ISO 400. Evaluative metering 0: 1/2000 sec. at f/5.6

I had two brief opportunities with this kingfisher. I first saw him land and perch on one chain link fence (not the most aesthetic of perches). I took several safety photos and tried to get closer. As soon as I moved, he was off and out of sight. I managed to track him down to a nearby second chain link fence, where I took the two photos featured here. I stayed low and crept forward slowly. I had the opportunity for a half dozen shots before he took off once again, this time for good.

December 9, 2010January 14, 2013

Ground squirrel explosion

A family of california ground squirrels lines up along a curb. Canon 800mm f/5.6L IS lens with the EOS-7D. ISO 1000. Evaluative metering +1/3 stop: 1/250 sec. at f/22

Byxbee Park (one of the local bird spots I visit occasionally) has seen a recent explosion in the california ground squirrel population. While I have always seen plenty of these squirrels running across the trails, or peeking their heads out of the tops of bushes, it has never been in these numbers. When this park was created from an old landfill conversion, small mounds were built to create habitat for these squirrels. I’m not sure what has caused the increase in population, but they have been thriving this fall and winter.

A healthy ground squirrel population is a sign of good things to come for birders (and bird photographers!) First and foremost, there have been an abundance of raptors, more than happy to contribute their part to squirrel population control. This park has always been a good place to see birds of prey in flight, but a high prey count can only help. Secondly, an increase in ground squirrels means an increase in burrows. The burrowing owl will take residence in existing homes (including those of the ground squirrel). While I have not seen any burrowing owls in this area yet, I am hopeful that one or two families might take up residence here. The main deterrent to burrowing owls here is that this park is also a popular dog walking area. Too often I see dog owners ignore all of the signs, and let their dogs roam off-lease, potentially disturbing sensitive habitat. For the burrowing owl, all we can do is wait and see.

May 24, 2010January 14, 2013

Spring babies – bring on the cuteness

American Avocet Chick — A young american avocet chick wades in shallow water looking for food

I was fortunate this spring to get out and capture a few different species of new hatch-lings. It was wonderful to watch these brand new birds explore around their nests. The image above is an american avocet chick, while the image below is a black-necked stilt chick. While these chicks look very similar within the first few weeks of their lives, they soon begin to develop characteristics of the very different looking adult species.

Black-necked Stilt Chick — A black-necked stilt chick is reflected in shallow water, Baylands, Palo Alto, California

While the avocet and stilt chicks tend to stay very close to water, canada goose chicks spend most of their time on land, feeding off of grass. The gosling below was one of five siblings, all feeding amongst short grass, very close to their parents. If anyone approaches too closely, the geese will corral their chicks and surround them, hissing a warning at the offender (which is why I always stayed a good distance away).

Canada Gossling In Grass — A Canada Gossling grazes in the short grass. He stops periodically to peer about.

The last species I covered this spring is the ever-present mallard duckling. I followed a family with four chicks for a few days, watching the mother keep her chicks hidden in the tall grass next to a pond, while the father warded off any other water foul that ventured too close. Here is the mother with one of her chicks, just after preening.

Mallard Hen With Duckling — A mallard hen preens with her chick in the grass next to a slough

The flash gallery below features more images of these very cute newborns. Please enjoy them, share it with friends, or click through to the spring babies gallery on my photo site. I hope you enjoy watching as much as I enjoyed capturing them.

April 11, 2010January 14, 2013

Spring has arrived

Early Spring Ducklings — A trio of duckling siblings swims quickly across open water to find a protected spot

New life is appearing all over the Bay Area as the winter rains are finally (reluctantly) subsiding. Birds are nesting, flowers are blooming, and we’ll likely get to enjoy the lush green of spring a little longer than normal this year. As captured in the image above, I’ve spent a few days following one of the first mallard families of the spring. Watching mom and dad protect their young hatch-lings from all the dangers of the world (including other ducks), has been a joy to watch. Hopefully I will follow up with some more photos in the coming weeks.

Mallard Drake With Duckling — A Mallard watches over his young duckling as he looks for a hiding place amongst the reeds

Below is one of the first lupine blooms of the spring in Edgewood Park and Preserve in San Mateo County. This lupine was photographed at first light on an eastern facing slope.