A Wilder Side of Life

Bobcat Encounter - Close Up

2012-02-09T21:27:00.001-05:00

For those of you who have read previous postings of mine, you may be aware that I like the Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland, Florida. I will not go into a lot of detail as to why, but just go there if you can, and you will understand. If you are from Maine, sorry - you just have to imagine somehow.

Today was not the best day for a photo shoot, but I was for some reason moved to go there anyway. Even though it was cool and cloudy, I just had to go. It was after 3pm when I got there, and wandered around a bit before taking the trail know as Swamp Rabbit Run. A good hour later, after returning to the main intersection of Swamp Rabbit, and Alligator Alley, I walked a ways down the main trail to the South. Looking around I could see that I was alone and no human was anywhere around. (Getting dramatic here I can see). Just then I noticed a flash run across the trail up ahead and identified it to be a Bobcat.

The following pictures were shot over a 20 minute period of time. The Bobcat was coming along the trail straight towards me, and was looking to be in the stealth mode. If it were a good 125 pounds heavier, I think I would have left quickly. But, I stayed and took a total of 41 pictures as the cat went about his/her hunt.

At one point the cat left the trail, and went into the bushes off to the side. After a good 5 - 10 minutes of silence, I heard a splash, and saw the cat coming out of the water after it had tried to grab a Coot that had been swimming a little too close. After it missed the Coot, it came back onto the trail.

Here is a selection of the better photos I took. Hope you enjoy.

This is the first shot of the series as the cat was coming at me.

As you can see - the cat is in the stealth mode here.

Here the cat goes off the trail into the brush to look for food, or as some would say - prey.

Now back on the hunt, and moving steadily towards me.

But, back into the brush once more. This is where he went after a Coot after being in there for a few minutes.

Now that the cat is out, you can see that it is wet.

Smelling where another Bobcat must have been.

At this point the cat is about 12 feet from me.

It now decides not to walk across my feet and goes a bit off the trail.

Crossing the rocks around the culvert where I am standing.

Can you get any closer?

I had moved my 100 - 400mm zoom lens back to 100mm and could not get the whole cat in the frame.

Now he is past me and moving away still on the hunt.

After getting by me, the cat turns down Swamp Rabbit Run and goes back into deep stealth mode. Must be a morsel somewhere nearby.

Snake in The Yard

2012-02-07T06:29:00.003-05:00

As things often go here in Florida, you walk out into the yard one day, and there is a snake waiting for you to take some pictures. On this day, this Black Racer was laying (I almost said "sitting") on top of a palm bush looking for some lunch. I was able to get out my tripod and take these pictures, and it never did crawl away while I was photographing him/her. It lay around up there for a good hour, before it moved on. I have no idea if it got a meal or not, but it sure was patient.

Circle B Bar Reserve Green Heron

2012-02-03T20:37:00.002-05:00

While walking along Alligator Alley in the Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland, Florida yesterday, I came upon this Green Heron doing some fishing. Here are several shots of the bird doing his thing.

Up Close and Personal

2012-02-01T19:51:00.000-05:00

Here is a selection of close up photographs of creatures recently seen at Circle B bar Reserve. Just a little change from the usual photographs that I take. Enjoy.

Great Blue Heron

Cormorant

Gray Squirrel

Great Blue Heron

Little Blue Heron

Great Blue Heron

Circle B Bar Reserve Barred Owl

2012-01-31T09:44:00.000-05:00

This past Sunday, I spent about 6 hours walking the trails at Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland, FL. While there I took nearly 600 photographs. One of the more interesting encounters was with this Barred Owl. I first spotted it as I walked the trail known as Alligator Alley. I saw it sitting beside the trail quite low to the ground. After I snapped a few pictures, it jumped to a higher limb where it continued to pose for me. It shortly flew up to a tree across the trail where it sat looking down at me and all the other people who gathered to watch him. After a few minutes it started a conversation with another owl a short distance down the trail.

This is where it sat when I first encountered it.

This shot was after the owl had flown up to a higher perch.

After it flew across the trail, it was content to look down at the gathering crowd along the trail.

This was when the owl would puff up it's throat and hoot at another owl - maybe the mate.

This was the owl as I took my last shot, and walked away.

Nesting Great Blue Heron

2012-01-28T05:28:00.000-05:00

While walking along Alligator Alley at Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland, Florida the other day, I came across this Great Blue Heron standing in her nest. I say "her" because I can't imagine the male having the patience to just stand around as long as she seems to have. So, being out there to take pictures, I set up my tripod and proceeded to take the following shots. She was still standing up there as I walked away. The sun was going down, and because she was high up in the tree, it gave the photos just the right light.

Snowy Egrets from Circle B Bar Reserve

2012-01-26T05:30:00.000-05:00

From the same photo shoot as my previous post of the Teals, here are a few shots of Snowy Egrets. More to come later from the same trip.

Getting ready for the strike.

The strike is on.

Getting a little upset it seems.

This one is at peace in the community.

Must be quiet time.

You preen yourself and I will preen myself.

Blue-winged Teal - Circle B Bar Reserve

2012-01-24T19:10:00.002-05:00

Here is a selection of photos taken yesterday of a couple of Blue-winged Teal. Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland, Florida is abuzz with bird activity right now. Many more trips are planned for future postings on this blog.

A Visit to St Mark's National Wildlife Refuge

2012-01-22T20:13:00.000-05:00

Here is a selection of photographs taken recently at St Mark's on the Gulf coast of Florida just south of Tallahassee. For those of you who have never been there, it is large, it is varied, and has a lot of wildlife for you to see and/or photograph. It has been one of my favorite places for many years.

Bald Eagle

Green-winged Teal

American Wigeon

Boat-tailed Grackle

Brown Pelicans

Great Egret

Tree with a hawk

American Alligator

Roseate Spoonbills at Circle B Bar Reserve

2012-01-20T15:26:00.000-05:00

I recently went to the Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland, Florida. It was a great day weather wise, and I managed to get a large number of photographs. This trip was the first time I had seen Roseate Spoonbills at the reserve, and they were quite cooperative. Here is a selection of some of the better ones.

"Okay guys - enough already."

I believe this shot shows a male chasing a female.

This is the male.

This is the female. Note the faded coloring.

I saw this raised bill posturing several times and I am not sure what it means. Also shown are a White Ibis center, and a Glossy Ibis to the left.

This spoonbill is getting a little rest.

And, now for a little stretch.

Trip to Lettuce Lake In Tampa, Florida

2012-01-16T18:50:00.003-05:00

I recently made a short trip to Lettuce Lake in the Tampa area. Without further discussion, here are several shots from that day.

Roseate Spoonbill

Great Egret

Limpkin watching

Limpkin portrait

White Ibis

Wood Stork

Great Egret

Great Egret at Lettuce Lake

2012-01-08T07:39:00.000-05:00

Betty and I recently went to Lettuce Lake Park just off of Fletcher Ave. in Tampa, Florida. We had never been there before, so this was a quick trip to check things out. They have an extensive array of boardwalks and a viewing tower. The ranger we spoke with told us the water was a little high, and the birds were not as plentiful as they would be later when the water goes down. I plan on going back for additional photographs, but here are some shots of a Great Egret from that trip.

Today At Circle B Bar Reserve

2012-01-04T19:59:00.000-05:00

Today I took a break from my normal chores around home, and went for a photo shoot at Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland, Florida. The weather was a little cool, but I found a good mix of birds there. The number of American Coots, Common Moorhens, and various ducks continues to grow as they come down from up North. I will be interested in seeing how things are after another month or so. Here is a selection of what I saw today.

Red-shouldered Hawk

Little Blue Heron

American Bittern portrait.

White Ibis Portrait.

Pied-billed Grebe

Palm Warbler

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Trip to Huntington Beach State Park, SC

2011-12-27T08:25:00.000-05:00

As promised in my last posting, here is a selection of photographs taken at Huntington Beach State Park just below Myrtle Beach in South Carolina. I made three trips to the park while we were there, and the weather was not the best on any of the visits. But, sometimes you just do with what you have, and then dress things up a bit when you download. So, here they are.

Dunlin

Cormorant - I liked the detail in the feathers.

Grackle

Sanderlings running all over the place.

Juvenile Brown Pelican

Circle B Bar Reserve Part 2

2011-12-25T09:13:00.001-05:00

Here we have another selection of shots from the Circle B Bar Reserve taken recently. I am currently in Ashland, VA for the Christmas Holiday season with the Grand kids and their family. Following several days here, we will return to the sunny state of Florida. On the way up to Virginia, we stopped for a bit in Murrells Inlet, SC where I visited Huntington Beach State Park. Pictures from there will be posted here shortly.

White Ibis

Hawk with lunch.

White Ibis gathering.

Snowy Egret

White Ibis

White Ibis preening.

White Ibis being harassed by crows.

Black Vultures

Circle B Bar Reserve Trip

2011-12-20T11:08:00.006-05:00

Yesterday I spent 3 hours walking the trails and pathways at Circle B Bar Reserve. I managed to snap off 451 shots of mostly birds with a smattering of butterflies and an armadillo for good measure. The wintering bird life is increasing daily, and hundreds of coots, moorhens, ducks, and warblers can be found. Alligators seem a little scarce, but that is no surprise for this time of year.

Great Egret in a tree.

Great Egret scratching

Great Blue Heron at the nest.

Pied-billed Grebe

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

American Wigeons take flight.

Black-bellied Whistling Ducks

Black-bellied Whistling Ducks in a fly by.

American Bittern

Limpkin scratching as I take the photo.

Snowy Egret portrait.

Tri-colored Heron looking for food.

Red-shouldered Hawk

White Ibis strutting it's stuff.

An upset Snowy Egret.

White Ibis coming in for a touch down.

White Ibis, Tri-colored Heron, Snowy Egret, White Ibis, and Little Blue Heron. (L to R)

House Wren

2011-12-11T20:33:00.003-05:00

I opened the blinds to my front porch the other morning, looked out in the front yard, and saw something move in the bushes on my lawn. I picked up my camera, walked out under my carport, and snapped the following picture of a House Wren. Few people see them, even though the are all over the place. They can frequently be seen going into the bricks under our homes as they seek out insects to feed on. This one is sitting on the head of "Pete the Pelican" which belongs to my wife Betty.

Wading Limpkin

2011-12-09T06:09:00.001-05:00

On the lookout for the next snail meal.

White Ibis

2011-12-07T09:01:00.000-05:00

Taken at Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland, FL.

Red-bellied Woodpecker

2011-12-05T16:13:00.005-05:00

They are named not for the red coloring on their head, but for the tinge of red on their belly. Here we first have a male just outside my home on an orange tree. Then, we have a couple of shots I took yesterday at the Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland, Florida. I caught the last shot just as the bird was leaping off the top of the dead tree to take off. You will notice that the male has red color on the entire top of his head, whereas the female just has it on the neck area.

Portrait of an Osprey

2011-12-02T08:35:00.000-05:00

Got this yesterday in Saddle Creek Park in Lakeland, FL.

Wood Stork vs Great Egret

2011-11-30T05:07:00.012-05:00

Here is a selection of pictures which show the different methods of hunting for food as exemplified by the wood stork and great egret. I guess it also shows that two different species of birds can get along while being so close and actually going after the same kind of food in the same area. The wood stork hunts by wading slowly along and stirring up the water with one foot and waiting to snatch food that it has been dislodged by the stirring. On the other hand, the egret stands motionless watching a specific spot in the water until something comes within reach and it will then make a quick grab. Seems they both work rather well.

Here we see the Wood Stork walking slowly along looking for food.

The Wood Stork has now come into the space occupied by a Great Egret which is standing motionless waiting for a tasty morsel to come along.

I suppose you could say the Stork is saying - "should I stay or should I go".

Here the Stork starts fishing standing on the right leg, and stirring the water with the left leg. Notice the Egret has not moved and is still focused on one spot.

Now the Stork has caught a small fish, and still no movement from the Egret.

I guess it is now time to move on. While I was watching the Egret did not seem to catch anything, and neither bird bothered with the other.

Great Blue Heron Taking Off

2011-11-27T17:27:00.009-05:00

Yesterday I went to one of our local wildlife viewing spots here in Florida, and captured this series of shots of a Great Blue Heron taking off. It was very cooperative, and waited for me to get in the right position before it flew off. I also had pretty good light which helps.

Brown Thrasher

2011-11-23T15:15:00.005-05:00

I caught this Brown Thrasher today as it sat in the bushes watching me. I managed to get several shots off before it said "enough" and flew away.

Bobcat in a Tree

2011-11-21T18:05:00.004-05:00

I went for a walk the other day at the Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland, Florida. While walking along one of their trails, I noticed a dark lump high up in a tree. I quickly realized it was a bobcat. One of the photos below shows what I figure is a calm bobcat as it seems to be napping. I would wonder how it got up there, and if it was going to be able to get back down without assistance. House cats always seem to need help from the fire department when they get scared and run up high in a tree.

Sandhill Cranes

2011-11-19T07:17:00.002-05:00

A pair of Sandhill Cranes take off in the early morning light.

Song Sparrow - Brown on Brown

2011-11-09T15:08:00.001-05:00

I caught this little guy just as he popped up from within this dried flower.

Whitetail Doe Encounter

2011-11-07T15:41:00.004-05:00

I went into the woods here in Brunswick, Maine today with my camera, and came across a whitetail doe and her two yearlings feeding at about 11:30 this morning. The three of them did not quickly turn and run, but simply turned away from me and walked slowly in a different direction. I took a couple of quick pictures (which did not come out) and slowly followed them. They entered a thicket and I then turned to the left and slowly worked my way around and ahead of them. Once I was certain I was in front of them, I turned and started walking slowly back towards where I last saw them.

I finally detected the doe standing and looking at me. She was not sure what was up and could not smell me because of the wind direction. I raised my camera and saw that a tree limb was right in front of her face. So - I simply sat down and started shooting pictures. I think this even confused her more because what could I be doing. I took all the pictures I wanted, and then she had enough and walked slowly away.

I got up and walked slowly away myself, and left her and her two young to themselves. I never did manage to get a clear shot of them. Perhaps they were just a little concerned.

This is the shot where I am sitting on the ground taking the picture.

This picture shows her as she decided to slowly depart the area.

Approximately 90 minutes later, I walked slowly back into the same area, and after careful searching, I found mother again. She can be seen laying down in a small thicket very close to where I had left her earlier. Her body is off to the right, and if you look closely, you can see her legs are folded under her and she is waiting out the daylight hours in what I believe to be safety. By the way, it is deer hunting season here in Maine.

Bird and Berries

2011-11-06T08:44:00.001-05:00

I believe this is a Goldfinch with a slight breeze fluffing up the feathers on his head.

Red Squirrel

2011-11-03T16:51:00.000-04:00

Stopping in mid-chew to check me out.

Ring-billed Gull With One Leg

2011-11-01T19:22:00.005-04:00

For several months now, I have been watching the Herring and Ring-billed gulls at Maquoit Bay here in Brunswick. I have often seen one of the Ring-billed gulls hopping around on one leg. Now we all know you really can't tell one gull from another under most circumstances, so maybe I have seen several with one leg. Be that as it may, it never looked as if it bothered the gull much, and it moved around and interacted with the other gulls with no problem. Today, I may have photographed one of the gulls while simply trying to capture one that was flying by. Anyway, here it is. You be the judge.

Some Late Migrants Still in Maine

2011-10-31T16:49:00.002-04:00

Yesterday, after the rather big early snow storm we had here, I went for a short walk at Crystal Spring Farm. I wanted to see what late migrants could still be found hanging around that might have been caught by the snow. As normal, I walked slowly along the trail at the edge of the woods. Keeping a watchful eye ahead to see what might be moving, I saw a familiar flash of yellow. The plentiful, and by now, well known Yellow-rumped Warbler was just up ahead.

I walked slowly along and saw several of them in the low brush and dried weeds. They seemed more interested in finding food than worrying about me, so I was able to get several shots. Here they are, and now to move on to other late migrants that I might see soon.

Plovers Over the Bay

2011-10-29T08:40:00.000-04:00

Taken over Maquoit Bay in Brunswick, Maine.

Hairy Woodpecker

2011-10-27T18:58:00.001-04:00

Male Hairy Woodpecker working on a Mud Dauber nest.

Migrating Bluebirds

2011-10-26T08:55:00.002-04:00

One of the interesting and somewhat frustrating things about watching or photographing birds this time of year is that you can never tell what is there at any given time. Yesterday, I went to Crystal Spring Farm in the morning, and the bluebirds were everywhere. Also in great abundance were yellow-rumped warblers, sparrows, goldfinches, and purple finches. I went back later in the day, and walked a lot more than I had in the morning, but came away with nothing. Either the birds were hiding and napping, or they had left the area headed South already.

The morning photo shoot produced over a hundred images, about half of which were keepers. One advantage I had was that most of what I saw happened to be in and around a field. That makes it easier to see them as you can imagine. When I walk either in the woods, or on a trail along the edge of a wooded area, it is easy to be distracted this time of year by all of the leaves falling to the ground. Each leaf could be a new bird moving from one branch to another. I have gotten myself somewhat convinced that if I see movement vertically it must be a leaf, but if the movement is horizontal, it is probably a bird.

I have included here some of the bluebird shots I got, and will keep the other bird photos for another day.

From Large Bird to Small Bird

2011-10-24T17:11:00.004-04:00

Today I went to Head of Tide on the Cathance River in Topsham to photograph an old house which is being taken down and re-constructed in a new location. The Brunswick/Topsham Land Trust had asked me to take a series of pictures as the building is de-constructed. The work was started this past weekend, by the Stone Soup Institute.

As I drove into the access road to the property, I noticed a Bald Eagle sitting high in a tree overlooking the property. I stopped the truck, and took a couple of shots even though I knew the distance was not good for my lens. Then I drove the rest of the way into the property.

As I got out of my truck I noticed several small birds in the bushes nearby. Taking my camera and long lens, I approached the area and determined they were Ruby-crowned Kinglets. I was able to take somewhere near 100 photographs of what appeared to me to be about 6 birds. I have never seen them acting so unconcerned with me being so close. In several cases I must have been as close as 10-12 feet from them. They were in the low bushes feeding which means they would "flit" from one spot to another very quickly. I may have gotten a good 65-70 decent photographs from the group.

So, I started this trip by photographing one of the largest birds around, and finished with one of the smallest birds you seldom see. A good day overall, and I then got the photos of the house.

Below you see the Bald Eagle in the tree, and a selection of shots of the Kinglets. You will of course notice the red on the head.

When I Hear A Sparrow Sing

2011-10-24T05:30:00.002-04:00

When I hear a sparrow sing,

Oh the joy that he does bring.

When I hear his springtime song,

Then I know he does belong

Where he can be heard by all;

Center stage, Carnegie Hall.

Yellow-rumped Warbler and Apples

2011-10-21T05:47:00.000-04:00

Taken at Crystal Spring Farm.

Yellow-billed Cuckoo Encounter

2011-10-19T17:07:00.004-04:00

In my previous post, I talked about seeing a bunch of Palm Warblers in a field. On that same walk, I also encountered at least two Yellow-billed Cuckoos. I had also photographed one in the same general area 3 days before. I have read recently in a column by a local college professor, that they are not so common a sighting in this area.

After photographing the warblers, as I walked back towards my truck, I saw a movement in the trees, and it turned out to be the first cuckoo. It was kind of interesting that the bird did not quickly fly away. In fact it would periodically jump to a branch close by and let me take a few additional shots. After I finished with this bird, I left the area for about 45 minutes and went to another area close by. When I returned to this location, I got some additional photographs of a cuckoo. I am not sure if it was the same bird or not, but it can at minimum be called a second sighting. So, here I offer some of the shots for that day.

Palm Warblers in a Field

2011-10-18T17:16:00.004-04:00

This time of year one must walk further, look harder, and search longer to find subjects to photograph if you are interested in taking pictures of birds. I find myself often going out on a photo shoot, and coming back with nothing to show for my efforts. Every once in a while I even feel myself becoming a bit depressed because all of the birding excitement of spring is now gone. My wife just keeps telling me that we will shortly be in Florida where all of the birds have gone, and things will be better.

This morning I nearly had one of those empty photo shoots. I had gone to my favorite local spot at Crystal Spring Farm here in Brunswick. I was walking along the edge of the woods on a trail in the field. Nothing had so far stopped in front of my camera and asked me to take their picture. I had nearly made a decision to stop and turn around when I spotted the tell tail movement of a warbler. I picked up my pace and immediately slowed myself down. The quickest way to scare something off is to be in a hurry. Approach slowly I kept telling myself. The bird had been in the trees to my left. As I got closer, several palm warblers flew from the trees out into the field. They all landed in amongst the dried remains of golden rod flowers, and started feeding.

As has been the case many times in the past, as I got nearly close enough, the birds would fly a bit further away to other plants. So, I would walk a bit closer, and they would fly away again. Finally, one bird – somehow not as intelligent as the rest – stopped flying away and kept feeding as I walked closer. I started snapping pictures and slowly creeping up. Finally, the rest of the birds – seeing their buddy standing his ground – started coming back. I managed to get as many shots as I needed and moved on to other opportunities.

Here is a selection of the palm warblers caught in and around the golden rod plants.

Male Hairy Woodpecker

2011-10-17T10:30:00.001-04:00

Taken today at Crystal Spring Farm in Brunswick, Maine.

Some of This and Some of That

2011-10-13T14:34:00.004-04:00

It is one of those boring, rainy, depressing days here in Maine. So, to keep my sanity, I have spent a bit of time going through some of the back log of photographs on my computer. Therefore, I offer up this selection with no particular emphasis on a "theme" to connect them to each other. They are just the result of my random pick here and then pick there process.

Eastern Phoebe

Out looking for the girls.

Just grabbing a bite.

Black-throated Green Warbler

Common Yellowthroat

Palm Warbler taking off.

Sparrow on the fence.

Monarch butterfly

Another Monarch.

Male Bluebird

Cabbage White butterfly

Catbird

Great Blue Heron Focusing on Lunch

2011-10-12T17:20:00.006-04:00

Here is a series of shots which show a Great Blue Heron watching something in the water nearby. That something shortly turns out to be a small fish, and it becomes lunch for the heron. These shots were taken at Maquoit Bay in Brunswick, Maine during high tide.

Something is moving close by.

The intensity has now picked up.

The fish is now caught, and seen flapping to get away.

Still the fish wants out.

Too late. It is now a goner.

Now to swallow and look for another.

Chickadee Looking for a Snack

2011-10-11T09:14:00.004-04:00

I went to the blueberry barrens this morning trying for a chance to photograph the Northern Harrier hawk which I had seen there over the last three days. As I walked through the woods to get to the barrens, I noticed that the blueberry processors were there with two tractors cutting over the harvested fields. No hawk in its right mind would be there with all this activity going on. So, as I walked back to my truck, this friendly Chickadee stopped by and allowed me to get this shot as it was busy looking for breakfast. Therefore, I was not empty handed after all.

Dragonfly

2011-10-10T20:35:00.001-04:00

Black Saddlebags dragonfly.

First Time Sparrow

2011-10-09T18:07:00.002-04:00

Today I took a short ride and went by the local high school here in Brunswick. Feeding around a small patch of weeds and brush were several sparrows which I deemed to be White-crowned Sparrows. I have never seen one before, so if anyone out there feels differently, please advise. Here are a couple of shots.

Snowy Egret

2011-10-09T06:34:00.001-04:00

One of the remaining Snowy Egrets hanging around Maquoit Bay before heading South.

Okay Myrtle

2011-10-06T17:39:00.002-04:00

"Okay Myrtle, it's 40 degrees this morning here at Maquoit Bay in Brunswick, Maine. Maybe it's time for us to head South for the winter soon. We can stop at the beach on the way. We may be Snowy Egrets, but I don't want to be here when the snow flies. Pass me the brush please".

Eastern Phoebe

2011-10-04T18:52:00.002-04:00

I have tried often to take a good photograph of the Eastern Phoebe. They are mostly seen in and around open fields. They frequently will be sitting on a fence post, but fly away to the next post before you get close enough for a good picture. On this day, I was walking slowly along a trail in Crystal Spring Farm when I noticed one Phoebe chasing another and they both flew into a small bush close to where I was walking. I stood still and this one shortly popped up where I got this clean shot.

Warblers Here – Warblers There – Warblers Everywhere

2011-10-03T20:17:00.003-04:00

Sometimes an experience is just so much greater than the number or quality of the pictures you may have gotten from the experience. This is one of those times.

Today I decided to go visit one of my favorite sites to check on migrating birds since we are clearly in that time of year. That spot would be the quarry trail at Crystal Spring Farm. Last fall, I saw several warblers traveling through here on their way South. As I got close I noticed the first of what would become some hundreds of Yellow-rumped Warblers. The trail I was walking on ran somewhat North to South so the sun was setting to my back. I faced the trees on the sunny side of the trail and started taking pictures of the birds as they flitted from tree to bush and back again. They would fly right past me to the bushes behind me, and then more would fly back past to the woods in front. Their constant calling from every direction let me know there were many of them in the area. I never attempted to photograph any of them to my back because of the location of the sun.

After I had focused my camera on so many birds that I didn’t know if I was coming or going, I stopped and took a deep breath. I now must have taken nearly 50 pictures of the same kind of bird. Maybe I had photographed different individuals, in different poses, but all of the same bird species. I decided to stop and look for a unique situation or photo composition. Just in front of me were some holly bushes with their red berries. I thought it would be a nice shot to see one of them sitting there as I took their picture. So I waited. And, I waited. The birds flew back and forth, and seemed to come from every direction. I just got the feeling they did not like the holly bushes enough to stop there.

Just as I was about to give up and move a little further down the trail, something caught my eye over my right shoulder. Then, quicker than I can tell it here, a flash of light, and a rush of air, produced a dashing hawk. A Sharp-shined Hawk or perhaps even a Coopers Hawk flashed by me so quick I was not sure it even happened. All I could see were birds scattering in 700 different directions. In a matter of 10 seconds, I saw no birds moving and heard no birds calling. I never did find out if the hawk caught its prey.

Anyway, here is a selection of the pictures I got before the attack. Not sure how many of them survived. Let us hope they all did.

A Little Yellow Color to Brighten The Day

2011-10-03T05:53:00.002-04:00

Here in Maine, it has been wet and dreary for a couple of days. It looks like it will be the same way tomorrow. Today is still to be determined after the sun rises. Let's hope we can see it after it rises. To encourage a bright sunny day, here are some yellow bird pictures taken earlier this year. May your day be bright and sunny.

Male Yellow Warbler

Male Goldfinch

Male Yellow Warbler

Sorry folks - just realized they were all "male" birds. Not done on purpose, it's just that they seemed like the right pictures to post.

Mix and Match

2011-10-02T06:56:00.004-04:00

For this morning I will post a variety of photographs from here and there. No "theme" today like all moose, or shore birds. Just grabbing a selection of shots from my backlog. But, I guess that makes for a "theme" anyway.

Here is a shot of how lots of people today get out into the most productive clam flats here in Maine. It wasn't many years ago when they just had to wade through the mud to get to where the best digging was. Now they just skim across the mud or water, and start to dig. They can also bring back a much bigger harvest I suppose.

A chipmunk with full cheeks.

Damselfly

Orange Sulphur

Palm Warbler

Male Bluebird

Cabbage White

What I "think" are Black-bellied Plovers in winter plumage.

A Black-throated Green Warbler.

Tufted Titmouse

2011-10-01T19:47:00.002-04:00

Today was a dull, gray, rainy day. Not fit for serious photography. So, I just had to sit inside and watch the birds coming to my window feeder and take a few shots. Here is one of the.

Shore Birds at Maquoit Bay

2011-10-01T10:42:00.006-04:00

Quite by accident I was looking at my blog a few minutes ago, and discovered what I had said yesterday about posting some shore birds. So, I better keep my word and post some of them now. I am not by any means an expert on shore birds. In fact, I find them very hard to identify. I would rate them near to the difficulty in identifying warblers when in their winter plumage.

However, here they are for what little enjoyment one might get from viewing them. I got these shots by driving down to Maquoit Bay and slowly up to the boat ramp. The tide was high, so any birds that were nearby, were at the ramp. I slowly positioned my truck so I could photograph out of the drivers side window, and snapped away. Sometimes it is just that easy.

The first bird "might" be a Sandpiper. But that is as far as I will go. The majority of the rest "could" be Dunlins. " I said "could be". Lastly is a picture of two Lesser Yellow-legs. It should be easy to see why they got that name. At least the "yellow" part of it anyway.

Anyone able to verify the species shown here, feel free to comment and let me know.

Monarch and Red Berries

2011-09-30T16:41:00.004-04:00

I have probably taken too many photographs of Monarch butterflies. However, this one kind of stood out with the green leaves and red berries.

Bugs and Blooms

2011-09-30T05:07:00.002-04:00

Kinda just because I have this group of photographs, and just because I have not done this for a bit, here is a selection of flowers, and various insects. Some of you will appreciate (hopefully) the bug side, and some may not so much appreciate the bugs. But they just come along for the ride anyway.

I have looked very closely at the first photo to find a “bug”, but have not been successful. I like the purple and yellow combination of colors anyway, so have included it here. If I can remember for about 24 hours, tomorrow I will post some photographs of a few of the shore birds that are migrating through the area right now. In the meantime, go have breakfast, and enjoy today’s offering.

By the way, I make no attempt to identify the flowers. Sorry.

Damselfly

Praying Mantis

White-faced Meadowhawk

Cabbage White

Common Ringlet

Bumble Bee

Steel-blue Cricket Hunter

Honey Bee

Catbird

2011-09-29T15:37:00.000-04:00

This Catbird tried to get away - but it was caught anyway.

Black-capped Chickadee - Up Close and Personal

2011-09-29T06:26:00.005-04:00

In the interest of full disclosure, these photos were not taken deep within the North woods of Maine. They were taken right outside a window in my living room at home. Recently, I was sitting in a chair reading. A Chickadee - or several Chickadees - kept visiting a feeder about 3 feet from my chair. It was a nice sunny day, I was in the mood, so why not.

I set my tripod up next to my chair, and put my camera with a 400mm lens on it. In some of the pictures, you will notice what appear to be bright star-like crosses in the eyes. The reason for that is because I took those pictures through the window screen. I had to manually focus on where I expected the bird to land, then sit a wait for a bird to arrive. Those shots are the last 5 in the posted series.

Then, wanting clearer shots, I decided to raise the screen. That put the birds only about 16 inches away from the open window. My dear wife then became concerned about one of the birds flying into the house. But it never happened. They continued to come to the feeder, and I continued to snap photographs. And it all went well.

Moose On The Loose

2011-09-28T06:43:00.008-04:00

The weather yesterday was perfect for a next trip up to my favorite moose "hunting" location near Lake Moxie. So Betty and I packed up our supplies and headed out. We normally just ride the back logging roads, and strain our eyes looking ahead and to the sides of the road watching for that next big dark shape. We rounded a curve and just off the road on my side stood the bull pictured here. I stopped in the middle of the road, and started taking pictures. I always ride with my camera in my lap and at the ready. I asked Betty to put the truck in park and turn it off. That helps to stop the small vibrations in the truck and makes it a little more stable for picture taking.

After a few initial shots, I stepped out of the truck and went to the side of the road. As you can see from the pictures, the moose slowly ambled off through the brush, but was not in any hurry. With the moose hunting season coming up in a few days, this guy will be in trouble if he continues to act in this manner.

Knowing the direction the moose was heading in, and knowing that about a hundred yards up the road was another road to the left. I drove up to that road and slowly idled down it. As I stopped, I could clearly see that the moose was coming our way.

This is the look of what appears to be an angry moose. I think he was just upset that we had interrupted his trek to get across the road.

He slowly turns around and takes a few steps away from us.

But he can't resist turning around a couple of times to see what we were up to.

By now, I am out of the truck and at the side of the road.

This is the worst shot of the day taken after we had moved the truck. This was when Mr. Moose was walking towards me as I hid in the brush and made like a cow moose. He stopped three times. I then issued a lovesick moan, and he walked further toward me each time. Then he turned slightly to the left, and started moving a bit faster. His course then would put him on a direct line to the truck, and he would get there before me. The drivers door was wide open, and Betty was cowering inside. I made like tight britches, and split for the truck. I got there first, tried a few more shots, and he finally understood he needed to change direction. As he left, it was clear he was still in no hurry. Perfect weather yesterday, and a great trip.

Orange Sulphur Butterfly

2011-09-27T05:45:00.002-04:00

The one on the right was minding its own business, when the other sulphur came flying in. I don't know why they were attracted to a green chewed up leaf.

Today Down at Maquoit Bay

2011-09-26T17:19:00.002-04:00

I took a quick drive down to Maquoit Bay this morning just to see what might be there. The tide was in and several birds were around. I drove slowly up to the boat ramp, and carefully stepped out of my truck to get the following shots. It took less time to take the photographs than it did to process them after getting back home.

Even when hiding behind some grass you can get a sharp picture if you just focus on the eye. It also has nothing to do with skill. It is just plain luck with this Snowy Egret.

A Lesser Yellow Legs was just wandering around. Sometime it was in the water, and sometime on the shore.

Snowy Egret on the hunt.

Lesser Yellow Legs doing it's morning stretch.

Peeking out from behind the left wing.

Snowy Egret - notice the open beak and little drop of water there.

Snowy Egret behind a gull in the foreground.

Prayin For a Praying Mantis

2011-09-25T19:46:00.006-04:00

I believe that sometime there is only a small difference in a prayer and a wish. So, this could be a wish story rather than a prayer story. But nonetheless, here it is.

Several days ago as I walked along the edge of a field, I saw something fly up and land just a bit ahead of me. It was "greenish" in color, and flew weakly to say the least. It also was a delicate fairy-like looking creature. I watched it closely as I walked up to where it landed. I was ready to take a series of photographs, and then noticed that it was a Praying Mantis. I consider them hard to find and not so easy to photograph. It had landed within the bushes where I had trouble getting into the right spot for a picture. Finally I decided to nudge it away, and see if it would land in a more photographic spot. It took off, and kept flying so I never saw it land again. Rats.

Therefore, I told myself I would need to look hard for another one, and be more patient and careful next time. This is where the wishing/praying for a second chance comes in. Several times since then, I have walked the trails, and looked closely to find another Praying Mantis. Today turned out to be the "next time".

I was up at my favorite location which is Crystal Spring Farm. I rounded a corner in the trail, and suddenly a Mantis took off flying further down the trail. Fortunately, it landed where I could get close and try for some shots.

At this point I could get close, but as you can see from the picture, the mantis was not positioned right. A good photograph generally does not have branches in front of the subject. Something had to change. Waiting seemed like an option so far, so I waited just a bit.

A few moments later, and the mantis decided to make things a bit better for me. It turned around and climbed a bit higher on the grass. Things were looking up.

Here is a closer look. Notice the nice claws or hooks the mantis displays.

Shortly thereafter, the mantis flew away, landing in a nearby juniper bush. It seemed calm, and waited as I took several additional shots. My wish/prayer had been fulfilled.

Warbler

2011-09-25T06:31:00.004-04:00

Interestingly, as the length of each day grows shorter, and the amount of daylight becomes less, my sightings of birds seems to become less also. The sun is migrating slowly to some other hemisphere, and as we all know by now, the birds are doing the same. However, here is one last Black-throated Green warbler that I caught the other day at Crystal Spring Farm. It was feverishly moving through the trees trying to find enough food to keep it going as it flies South. It stopped it's search just so I could snap this picture.

Fancy Mushroom

2011-09-24T17:06:00.001-04:00

I have seen many mushrooms in my short life, but this has to take the award for the fanciest looking one I have ever come across.

Moxie Moose Hunt - With a Camera

2011-09-23T21:18:00.003-04:00

This morning I got one of those urges to go look for a moose. The only way to satisfy that urge was to go “look for a moose”. Where else would I go but up to Bingham, Maine and onto the logging roads leading up to Lake Moxie. A good friend of mine had just reported to me that he had seen a good sized bull moose attracted by a couple of cow moose make a “rutting” move on the cows. He provided me with photos. He actually made mating noises like a moose and attracted the bull towards him before he was saved when luckily the bull went away. This only caused me to get excited enough to want to go “look for a moose”.

I am unable to make these trips without inviting my wife Betty. So, after she said yes, we packed the requisite emergency gear and left. Emergency gear means sodas, water, crackers, chips, saw, shovel and other things I can’t mention here. My camera gear is also important and was packed safely with us. I am always happy when she wants to go.

We got into the back woods and drove the “main” logging road to a turn off road, and drove up there. I parked the truck, left Betty for a nap, took my camera equipment and my trusty 45 on my hip, and headed into the woods. Right away I picked up a large moose track, and thought “this ain’t too old”. I followed the track (also called spoor in some countries) and felt I was getting closer. Then, I came across a spot where the big bull had – shall we say - “used the bathroom”. Wanting to know how far behind the bull I was, I decided to test the warmth of the “pile”. It was still warm which could only mean one thing – he is not too far ahead of me. I am now getting excited.

Shortly after this, the walking became very difficult because of the brush piles. It seems that loggers when they cut a patch of forest don’t think I might be coming in to seek out moose, so they pile brush any place they want. Therefore, I just might as well go back to the truck and see if Betty has had a good nap.

Later, after we had driven several miles on back roads, we happened upon a black figure stepping into the road, but then quickly jumping back into cover. A Maine black bear was an unusual and exciting subject to see. We also saw a partridge which will make one of my cousins sick because he only lives to shoot such things.

At one point, after driving way off the main logging road, as we returned to the main road, I noticed several small birds on the road in the gravel. It was the exact same spot where two weeks ago I had photographed a pair of Red Crossbills feeding. Today I saw several White-winged Crossbills feeding there. The Red Crossbills were in the trees, and the White-winged were on the ground. Not so easy to believe this happened in the same spot. Both birds are new to me and never before identified and photographed by myself.

However, thank goodness this spot produced great birding results for me. After taking pictures of the birds, and turning the corner to drive further down the road, we saw our only moose of the day. It was a small bull feeding in the bushes and I had no chance for a good photo. At least we saw him.

Here are the few photos I got for the day. Maybe the next trip will produce that nice big bull I am after. I hope so.

A Red Crossbill photographed two weeks ago.

A female White-winged Crossbill in the background.

A male White-winged Crossbill.

Yellow-rumped Warbler.

Male Wood Duck.

Wood Stork

2011-09-22T20:00:00.000-04:00

One of Gods creatures - but not my favorite for sure.

Brown Pelican

2011-09-21T17:48:00.000-04:00

Coming in for a landing in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Cormorant

2011-09-20T09:53:00.000-04:00

From the archives - taken in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Chipmunk

2011-09-17T13:42:00.001-04:00

Talk about a full cheek pouch - must be preparing for winter.

Snowy Egret

2011-09-15T12:15:00.003-04:00

Things are a little slow here is Maine right now, so here is a shot of a Snowy Egret from the archives. It was taken at Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland, Florida.

Mushrooms

2011-09-14T07:41:00.001-04:00

It seems that this year we have an over abundance of fungi growing in the woods and lawns around the state of Maine.

Bee & Butterfly

2011-09-13T08:18:00.000-04:00

Fritillary and bee both like goldenrod.

Dragonfly and Flowers

2011-09-12T08:06:00.000-04:00

I believe this to be a Blue-eyed Darner.

Goldfinch Male

2011-09-11T09:06:00.001-04:00

Enjoying the birdbath as I sit close by and snap a quick photo.

Black-throated Green Warbler

2011-09-10T05:52:00.002-04:00

Caught this one feeding on its migration trip south.

Busy as a Bee

2011-09-09T15:08:00.000-04:00

Snowy Egrets

2011-09-08T11:00:00.000-04:00

"Sure is a gloomy day here boys."

White-faced Meadowhawk Male

2011-09-07T09:04:00.004-04:00

Taking a little rest before the next hunt. Taken at Crystal Spring Farm in Brunswick, Maine.

Deer in the Road

2011-09-06T17:31:00.002-04:00

Yesterday morning at 9am these two fawns were seen crossing the street in Brunswick, Maine in order to get back to mother who had just crossed before them. I just happened to have my camera in my lap, and snapped a couple of quick shots. They made it and walked away with mother after that.

Chickadee

2011-09-05T07:35:00.000-04:00

Seems to be a stare down.

Cabbage White Butterflies

2011-09-04T09:47:00.004-04:00

Since most of the birds I have photographed in the past, are no longer here, or are keeping to themselves, I have turned to butterflies as you can see from my previous posts. This time of year they are more plentiful and cooperative. Also, I frequently find myself, as I get ready to take a picture of a specific butterfly, asking why do I want to take this picture. After all, I probably have well over a hundred photographs already, and will more shots actually make a difference.

Sometimes I will pass up the shot for that very reason. Other times I will still take the shot in the hopes of catching something new or a different pose. Hence, the reason for this selection of Cabbage White butterflies I have posted here. I guess the different flowers available to catch them on has made the difference this time.

Meet in the Middle

2011-09-03T07:35:00.001-04:00

Wood Nymph and Fritillary lunching together.

Monarch pupa (chrysalis)

2011-09-02T05:26:00.002-04:00

Soon to be a butterfly. If you look close you can see the wings showing through.

Monarch Butterfly

2011-09-01T05:42:00.001-04:00

I thought this Monarch stood out really well on this purple flower.

Mourning Cloak

2011-08-30T06:05:00.002-04:00

Surprisingly, I found this butterfly yesterday up in Northern Maine on an old logging road. I was looking for moose to photograph, and came upon it as I walked slowly along deep in the woods. A pleasant surprise to say the least.

Juvenile Bald Eagle

2011-08-29T09:16:00.000-04:00

Young Bald Eagle flying over the Androscoggin river in Brunswick, Maine

Sunrise

2011-08-28T07:25:00.001-04:00

A little sun and a little fog make for some rays.

Black Swallowtail

2011-08-27T09:02:00.001-04:00

Getting a little nourishment from a clover blossom.

Snowy in The Fog

2011-08-26T08:11:00.000-04:00

Snowy Egret wading in the early morning fog.

Monarch Butterfly

2011-08-25T05:45:00.001-04:00

Looks like it is holding on tight to the clover. It was windy out so maybe it was.

Snowy Egrets at Maquoit Bay

2011-08-24T09:16:00.000-04:00

Got room for two more?

Viceroy Butterfly

2011-08-23T05:56:00.001-04:00

Just working away at what I believe to be Cow Parsnips.

A Smaller World

2011-08-22T08:00:00.000-04:00

Sometimes the little things in life are worth looking at.

White Admiral Butterfly

2011-08-21T07:41:00.000-04:00

Simply black and white amongst the yellow.

Orange Sulphur

2011-08-20T05:25:00.000-04:00

What can you say but yellow on yellow.

Bumblebee Moth

2011-08-19T08:37:00.001-04:00

Back on the 14th of this month, I posted a group of photos of Hummingbird Moths. Here is a Bumblebee Moth to see in comparison.

Mushrooms

2011-08-18T05:41:00.001-04:00

I thought the sunlight made the pair of them look cozy. So I took the shot.

Fritillary Butterfly

2011-08-17T17:30:00.002-04:00

Perched on some goldenrod.

Song Sparrow

2011-08-16T14:54:00.000-04:00

Seems to be trying to live up to its name by singing.

Dragonfly

2011-08-15T07:24:00.002-04:00

Best I can tell from research is that this is a Dragonhunter dragonfly.