Category Archives: Uncategorized

We had our third heat wave of the summer during the past week but we hardy (crazy?) photographers and birders were out looking for our favorite subjects. We went out in the morning and tried finish before it reached 90F (32C). The first of two posts from the week focuses on wading birds. The youngContinue reading “Egrets and Herons”

The Least Terns that nest on the southern tip of Plum Island have pretty much finished the breeding season. Most of the younger birds are now flying with the adults. There was also a flock of Common Terns on the beach and around Plum Island Sound on my last visit. Beak color and the patternContinue reading “Plum Island Sightings”

I find that I have a backlog of photos to share. Time to catch up! Sanderlings are passing through on their way from breeding grounds in the high Arctic to beaches all over the world. The ones we see today at the refuge will winter on coasts from New England to South America. I amContinue reading “Sanderlings”

I just took my longest trip in some time. I went to my native home of Vermont to visit family and then went to the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge. I’m vaccinated and so are more than 80% of Vermonters, making for a pretty stress free stay in Burlington. Missisquoi NWR is in Swanton and isContinue reading “Missisqoui Visit”

These are some photographs taken as July winds down. No specific theme, just some photos that I like. Tree Swallows are beginning to gather in large flocks before migrating south. They seem to be starting a bit earlier every year. These are pictures of individuals but I will posting some photos of the large flocksContinue reading “Some Mid-summer Birds”

Birds are my favorite and most common subjects but I do take pictures of other animals and even some plants while I am out with my camera. Here’s a few samples. I really should consider taking more photos of dragonflies and damselflies. Some are quite colorful. This is an Ebony Jewelwing. Painted Turtles sun themselvesContinue reading “No Feathers”

Shorebirds continue to migrate through the coastal marshes and beaches. I photographed seven different species in one location. And I would not be surprised if I missed a species or two. Some species look very much alike. Also, these are very active birds that move around a lot. The smallest sandpipers that we see areContinue reading “Shorebirds and Friends”

I have been trying to spot a Scarlet Tanager all season and finally spotted not one, but two. The males are a vivid red with black wings and tail. I think they are even brighter red than Cardinals. Here are some other recent sightings. This Northern Flicker, a large woodpecker, was looking for his favoriteContinue reading “Successful Capture”

It was a cloudy day but I got a chance to photograph some shorebirds. I’ve been seeing lots of Piping Plovers since they nest on the Parker River NWR. Now other shorebirds are migrating through the area after breeding in northern Canada. But before I get to the pictures, I have a tern picture toContinue reading “Shorebirds”

Life can be tough sometimes. Courtship has an unhappy ending on occasion. Least Tern courtship is initiated by the male bringing a fish to the female that has caught his eye. Romance ensues if she is impressed by him and his gift. But it is a sad day for this male when she rejects hisContinue reading “Rejected”