Monthly Archives: July 2024

It is shorebird migration time here. This is part of a flock of Dowitchers leaving an inland pool for the river/ocean flats that were opening up as the tide was ebbing.

Wood Ducks are very wary and easily startled. I was able to take these photos of a mother and her six mostly grown ducklings by shooting through an opening in the bushes along the opposite shore of the pond. Some of the greenery frames the pictures. Mom is the one with the large teardrop-shaped eyeContinue reading “Snapshot: Wood Ducks”

Watching and photographing this Common Yellowthroat as it seemed to model for me inspired a bit of a whimsical post. My Common Yellowthroat striking a pose for the camera… Ooops. Wait a second. All models are entitled to a lunch break. Bon Appetit. Lunch break is over. Back to work. How is this pose?

This long distance migrant spends the winter primarily in Central America and northern South America. They breed in the eastern half of the US and in Canada along the Canada-US border. The banding on the tail and black border on the wings are identification marks.

These photos were taken in northern Vermont where Norther Harriers breed. Harriers are most often observed flying low over grass or marsh land as they look and listen for small mammals that make up the bulk of their diet. However, this female/juvenile was soaring on a rising thermal like a Red-tailed Hawk and I thoughtContinue reading “Feathered Action – Northern Harrier”

Male White-tailed Deer grow new antlers each summer after shedding the old ones over the winter. The new antlers have a velvet covering as they develop. This male is prepping for the upcoming mating season.

A female Yellow Warbler with her catch.

I like to capture birds in action and this Least Tern action caught my attention. It was walking toward the edge of the water. It dodged an incoming wave and then dropped back into the water to splash around for a little bath. These Terns relax on the sand and nest on the sand. MyContinue reading “Feathered Action – Least Tern”

Green Herons are a short, stocky member of the heron family. They are quite colorful and have a very long neck which is usually retracted. They are relatively common but can be hard to spot on occasion as they lurk in the vegetation close to the water’s edge while stalking fish. They are known toContinue reading “Green Heron”

Male Gadwall in flight. Interesting factoid: Gadwalls are a bit piratical and steal food from Coots and sometimes from other ducks. Totally outclassed by gulls though. They steal from everyone, including each other.