Bushtit (Photo of the week)

A bushtit hangs from the small branch of a tree, clinging to a tiny cone
A bushtit hangs from the small branch of a tree, clinging to a tiny cone. Canon 800mm f/5.6L IS lens with the EOS-7D. ISO 800. Evaluative metering 0: 1/1000 sec. at f/8

Often when I go out to photograph wetland or shore birds, I also check surrounding trees and bushes for passerines that might be in the area. You never know when you’ll get a great lighting condition for a common song bird, or perhaps a passing migrant. In this case, I found a busy bushtit foraging among several trees near a large wetland area. Catching these birds still is quite a feat, as they seem to be constantly moving and changing position.

This photo caught my eye because of the colorful background – I always like photos that mix bright blues and yellows together. The tiny cones of this tree aesthetically complimented the small bird well.

When using a super telephoto lens as I was here, it can be difficult tracking fast moving birds, whether they are flying, or flitting between tree branches. I was happy with the few frames I managed to capture in focus.

Coyote, Arastradero Preserve (Photo of the week)

A coyote stops along an animal trail to stand in a brief patch of sun
A coyote stops and stares as it makes its way along an animal trail. Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS lens with the EOS-7D. ISO 800. Evaluative metering +1/3: 1/1600 sec. at f/5.6

Recently I visited Arastradero Preserve in Palo Alto on a sunny afternoon. There were many warning signs posted about coyote encounters, telling hiker to keep their children with them at all times. I didn’t think much of it as I headed into the foothills. I was out to hopefully get some hunting raptor shots, and whatever else might cross my path. About half way through my hike, I rounded a bend in the trail to see this coyote making its way down a small animal trail. It saw me right away, but seemed rather nonplussed about my presence. I quickly took the opportunity to get several shots as it paused in a patch of sun.

A coyote stops along an animal trail to stand in a brief patch of sun
A coyote stops along an animal trail to stand in a brief patch of sun. Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS lens with the EOS-7D. ISO 800. Evaluative metering +1/3: 1/1600 sec. at f/5.6

After a brief pause, the coyote turned and continued down a hill and stopped in the dark shadow of an impenetrable thicket. There is set down and proceeded to groom itself, scratching and biting at invisible pests. These were the longest views I’ve had of a coyote before, and I marveled at how many of its mannerisms were so close to domesticated dogs.

I was happy for this surprise encounter, as I had only ever seen coyotes before in the early morning or at dusk. In future outings, I hope to see a bobcat, or possibly even a mountain lion.

Cedar Waxwing (Photo of the week)

A cedar waxwing perches on a tree eating berries
A cedar waxwing perches on a tree eating berries. Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS lens with the EOS-7D. ISO 400. Evaluative metering +1/3: 1/800 sec. at f/7.1.

This weeks photo features the Cedar Waxwing, one of my favorite passerine species. I love the way this bird’s feather colors blend together into soft gradients, giving the appearance of a painting. Waxwings derive their name from bright red feathers near the tips of their wings, which is thought to resemble sealing wax. Cedar Waxwings travel in flocks and almost always perch off the ground, usually in trees, and rarely in bushes or shrubs.

A cedar waxwing perches on a tree in soft diffused light
A cedar waxwing perches on a tree in soft diffused light. Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS lens with the EOS-7D. ISO 400. Evaluative metering +1/3: 1/500 sec. at f/7.1.

The waxwings seen here descended on a row of cherry trees, and proceeded to eat with great gusto for about an hour, moving from tree to tree. All shots were taken hand-held with my 100-400mm zoom lens. This is a great walk-around lens, which I use on hikes if I’m expecting the possibility of seeing wildlife.

A cedar waxwing perches on a small branch of a tree
A cedar waxwing perches on a small branch of a tree. Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS lens with the EOS-7D. ISO 400. Evaluative metering +1/3: 1/500 sec. at f/7.1.

Green Heron (Photo of the week)

A green heron walks along the rocky shore of a water channel
A green heron walks along the rocky shore of a water channel. Canon 800mm f/5.6L IS lens with the EOS-7D. ISO 400. Evaluative metering +2/3: 1/800 sec. at f/7.1

Yesterday I finally got some good views of a green heron that has been reported in Redwood Shores, CA over the past few weeks. I had been out looking several times to no avail, as this is a somewhat uncommon bird for the area. He was perched across a narrow man-made water channel in decent light. Once I moved down to water level to photograph, he began walking along the shoreline with his crest extended. At first I though I might have interrupted his solitude, but he turned and paced back and forth in front of me for a while. He was probably just looking for a better place to fish.

Copyright 2017 Hank Christensen