As attractive as wigeons are, I think the reflections make the photograph. The colours were just right on this early November day.
Tag Archives: Bird Photography
SUNDAY DUCK
Duck enjoying a quiet paddle.
FALL HERON
I was taking in the scenery when I saw a Great Blue Heron doing the same. It was early November and he’d be leaving soon for sunnier climes.
GREAT EGRET – 2
Another lazy day on the river; a Great Egret stretching its legs.
FEMALE HOUSE SPARROW
House sparrows are common in our cities and attractive little birds. Local nesting spots are in the eaves of an office building and in the crevice of a house in the neighbourhood. I check these spots out every spring.
SOME KIND OF DUCK
It’s been a while since I’ve photographed any ducks but I believe this is a non breeding male mallard. Looking Good 😊.
GREAT EGRET
We’ve had few opportunities to see or photograph great egrets in the last year and a half. Our favourite reserve has been jam-packed since Covid struck and we haven’t been back. We parked by the Ottawa River recently hoping to see one of these beautiful birds and luck was with us.
RIVER VIEW (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
There’s a spot on the river where the cormorants gather. The silhouetted bird was sharing the tree with four other birds. I wish I had a longer lens that day.
RING-BILLED GULL
I saw this young gull by the river and I liked the pose it struck. We normally see gulls in the city, congregating in groups. When they fly overhead, it’s wise to keep an eye on the sky 😏.
SECOND LOOK
As we turned the corner I saw these two and thought they looked pretty lifelike for lawn ornaments. When one duck moved its head I almost jumped. I’ve never seen a Pekin Duck before and never downtown. We stopped by to visit a few times over several days, more photos to come…
DOWNTOWN BIRDS (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
House sparrows are not native to North America but have adapted very well and are common in urban areas. I’m featuring a male and female I saw on a recent walk.
FEMALE GOLDFINCH
Goldfinches breed later in the summer than a lot of other birds. I watched as the goldfinch gathered nesting material and flew back and forth to her nest deep in the trees.
CITY BIRD
I thought the robin fit right in with its elegant surroundings.
DOWNY WOODPECKER
The downy woodpecker is the smallest woodpecker in North America. We see them all year round. If you hear a tapping sound in the woods it’s likely a downy going about its business.
ROBIN (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
I’m not sure what insect the robin had firmly in its grip. I think he was unsure of it as well 😏.
LUNCH
The sparrow had to really stretch to feed on the seeds of this dandelion. I’ve never seen bird behaviour like this before 😏.
PIGEONS ROCK
The rock dove or common pigeon is not a bird I usually pay attention to but this one was kind of special. I had been aiming for a goldfinch that flew off as I approached but I didn’t walk away disappointed.
UNCOMMON STARLING
Nothing common about this Common or European Starling. Their plumage is extremely colourful and unlike many birds in the neighbourhood, they never shy away from my camera.
ROBIN GOTHIC
I didn’t have a chance to change the exposure compensation as the robin landed close by. I took the photo and despite how dark it was I liked it. I made a few adjustments in Lightroom and Photoshop and this is the result.
ALL TUCKED IN (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
I liked the shapes and swirls in this image, the water forming perfect circles around the little duckling.
LAST SEASON
I took this photo in August when the cardinal hadn’t finished moulting and was still a bit patchy. Still stylish though!
HEADING HOME (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
I like to capture the wake pattern as a duck races towards shore. Have to wonder what the hurry is 😏.
IN THE REEDS
Despite that long neck, when a Great Blue Heron stands motionless it can blend in easily to its surroundings. They imitate statues quite well.
SKIPPY
The merganser coming in for a landing reminded me of the game of skipping stones. I was a considerable distance from the duck but I liked the scene and used a Sepia Preset for added effect.
QUIET MOMENT
Canada Geese can be rather loud and aggressive but you’d never know it looking at these two.
BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE
No matter the season, chickadees are always around; near a feeder or seen in the woods. Although they’re common it’s hard to think of these little birds in that way.
EASTERN PHOEBE
The eastern phoebe is a member of the flycatcher family. With the arrival of spring they have returned to our area. Their distinctive song announces their presence often before you see them.
AMERICAN ROBIN
Spring is a season of firsts. First robin, first tulip, even first fly. Isn’t it great. 😊
MALE AMERICAN WIGEON
One of the most attractive ducks that migrate through each year. I chose not to crop in further as the reflections in the water were also vying for attention.
MIRROR, MIRROR
A wood duck admiring its reflection.
RING-BILLED GULLS (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
These gulls have presence and this one was no exception. He looked around like he owned this patch of grass.
BY THE RIVERSIDE (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
On this side of the reserve the river runs quickly. Threats to these mallard ducklings are fewer; the snapping turtles remain on the lake opposite and fewer hawks patrol the area. I came upon this family group on the river’s edge, two years ago. I hope to see similar scenes before too long.
EASTERN PHOEBE
With its wings by its side, the phoebe reminded me of a penguin. I took the photo a few years ago, so I can’t remember the reason for the unusual angle or light but it worked.
DUCK DRAMA
Not sure what’s going on here, not sure the mallard on the left knows either. Just another afternoon at the lake. 😏
DOCK OF THE BAY
This female cardinal gave me a strange look. I almost felt like I was trespassing as I passed by.
MONDAY MALLARD
Mallards are among my favourite ducks, and a familiar subject on my blog. This duck was enjoying a swim on an early December morning.
WINTER WOODPECKER
I usually see pileated woodpeckers high up in the trees, often hearing them before I see them. It’s easier to spot them in winter when there are no leaves to block the view.
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON
With their tucked in necks, these herons often look like they’re skulking around. I took this photo in early spring so it was easier to get a clear shot. This becomes tricky later in the season with all the greenery.
TABLE FOR ONE
Some picnickers had just packed up and this ring-billed gull was checking for any leftovers. There was nothing left behind but the gull was polite enough to wait until they had gone.
CANADA GOOSE
Some mallards remain here year round. They can find enough to eat if the water along the shore remains free of ice and if people feed them. Canada Geese, on the other hand, fly south in late fall. Smart birds!
