More Warblers

Chestnut Sided Warbler

We did more birding along the Pine Creek valley two weeks ago with friends from Connecticut.  We had a great time and the warblers were very active. The weather really cooperated. Our friends are fairly new to birding and they got to see a number of birds that they could add to their life lists.  The above Chestnut sided warbler was the best of that species I have ever gotten.  This image was almost full frame in the 600 lens. 

Magnolia Warbler

Once again the area that we often see Magnolia Warblers had a number of them calling and flitting around.  They are a very pretty bird and have a beautiful song. 

Black and White Warbler

One swamp area that we visit often has many Black and White warblers.  we were not disappointed on this trip as four of them entertained us. They creep up and down trees much like the brown creepers. 

Barred Owl

On our first evening of the trip-we went to one of my favorite spots for owls and Joan and Kim were both able to capture awesome shots of a Barred Owl.  there were three of them there and two of them were having a fit about the third one being there-it was fun to watch and listen to. 

Cedar Wax Wing

We had a half dozen Cedar Wax Wings flying round at one spot that we went to bird. They look like bandits.

Black Throated Green Warbler

On our last evening there we went back to see the owls but they were not there.  However, a Black Throated Green Warbler was there.  Since it was getting dark and we were under heavy evergreen cover, I borrowed Joan's Camera and Long Lens to get this image as my camera can not push the ISO as well as her's without getting digital noise that make s the image unusable.  This image was taken at 6400 ISO. 

Until next time.

Jim Borden

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Adventures with Fox Kits

Had planned on going to Hills Creek Lake today to get sunrise photos for the Park Office--but it was very overcast and stormy so decided not to drive the two hours.  Later morning cleared and I went to some of my local haunts!  The warblers are moving in.  Saw thirty three different species of birds today-not a great count-but encouraging after a long winter.  A friend gave me a tip on where I might see some fox pups .  I "camped out" behind a log for a few hours and it paid off.  One of the little guys came out to play.  I got some ok shots of him but nothing I was real pleased with.  After going home to pick up Joan-we returned and before we got to the spot we saw the adult fox and could not get any pictures.  We went on and set up behind some brush.  Soon a Raccoon came ambling through and we were able to photograph him.  He decided to snoop around and crawled into the fox den-Well, he came out a lot faster than he went in. 

Canon MK IV 1D; Canon 600 f4 with 1.4TC; @f8 1/200 ISO800

Soon a fox pup emerged from the exit hole and we got some good pictures in nice light-but a little back lit.  Soon we saw more motion and it was a second pup out running and playing.  

Canon MK IV 1D; Canon 600 f4 with 1.4TC; @f10 1/160 ISO800 EC+.67

Canon MK IV 1D; Canon 600 f4 with 1.4TC; @f8 1/400 ISO800

While watching them, I saw a bird coming at us fast and it was a Cooper's hawk and it landed in tree on a branch above my shoulder-he was too close to take a picture (minimum focus distance on the big lens is 18 feet).  We were also treated to Yellow bellied sapsucker, chestnut sided warbler, pileated woodpecker, red bellied woodpecker, downy woodpecker and cackling eagles.  

Canon MK IV 1D; Canon 600 f4 with 1.4TC; @f9 1/1000 ISO500

Canon MK IV 1D; Canon 600 f4 with 1.4TC; @f7.1 1/1000 ISO400

Canon MK IV 1D; Canon 600 f4 with 1.4TC; @f9 1/125 ISO500

The eagle nest that had been near there was blown down in recent storm.  Other hikers were along the river and apparently the eagles were along the river as well.

Enjoy!

Until Next Time

Jim Borden

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