Tag: bird photography

Black Turnstone?

On By Mike and Christy12 Comments

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While hiking around a rock outcrop in an attempt to get a better view of some large breaking waves I came across this guy busy foraging along the rocks near the shoreline. Since we spend so little time along the coast our shorebird identification skills are a bit lacking especially when the birds are dressed in their non-breeding plumage. My best guess is that this is a Black Turnstone albeit not looking very black this day. I welcome correction and tips for identification of shorebirds from costal dwellers.

Northern California Coast.

Exuberance

On By Mike and Christy38 Comments

Exuberance

We were treated to quite a show by this Male Hooded Merganser the other day and unfortunately for him we seemed more interested in his display than the female Hoodie he was courting. To begin with, he took on the other male in the pond in a typical Hooded Merganser head bobbing competition. He appeared to win that battle easily. Next he danced around his lady bobbing his head up and down and to our surprise would crook his neck sideways and belt out a little tune for her. The female hoodie would occasionally glance over his way, tuck her head back into her feathers and continue with her afternoon nap. He kept head bobbing and singing for quite some time and we got to witness quite a show but were left wondering was the female just playing hard to get, or was his show subpar?

The Squabble

On By Mike and Christy18 Comments

It was short and somewhat mild but was sure was a squabble nonetheless. It occurred on a sunny Sunday morning along a quiet stretch of the creek. A female Goldeneye had found just the right rock to gather a little sun and enjoy the day.

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Then that cute looking Ringneck https://naturehasnoboss.com/2017/02/03/female-ringnecked-duck/
swam into the frame and headed straight for the rock upon which our Goldenye stood.

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The squabble was on.

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And with nothing more than that piercing glance only a Ringneck can give the rock was taken over.

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Looking smug in her success this girl only stood for a minute the slid back in the water and swam happily away with her adversaries of the day.

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And although it ended peacefully I will alway remember this as the squabble.

Female Ringnecked Duck

On By Mike and Christy6 Comments

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While usually quite skittish and preferring to keep their distance from silly photographers like us this Female Ringnecked duck seemed quite at ease with us up on the river bank where she was enjoying a bit of quiet time. She paddled her way up and down the river preening and what looked to us to be enjoying a sunny winters day.

Denver, CO.