Birds – Page 15 – Earthwatcher

The Atlantic Brown Pelican

March 1, 2020February 28, 2020 by Earthwatcher, posted in Bird Photography, bird watching, birding, Birds, Earthwatcher, Florida, Fujifilm Cameras, left brained, nature, Nature Photography, Photography, Uncategorized, Wildlife, Wildlife Photography

Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis carolinensis); Atlantic Subspecies
Island, FL; FEB 2020

The Brown Pelican is the common pelican species we see along the east and west coast of the United States. There are 2 subspecies of the Brown Pelican – the Atlantic (Pelecanus occidentalis carolinensis) and the Pacific (Pelecanus occidentalis californicus). There are 3 other subspecies found in other parts of the Western Hemisphere. Today’s post pertains to the Atlantic subspecies birds I saw on a recent rip to Florida.

The Brown Pelican lives in flocks and are primarily year around residents of the areas where the forage. They do migrate to breeding grounds, but they are generally in close proximity to their foraging area. They prefer small fish but will eat marine invertebrates like prawns and scavange dead animals too. Thy sometimes swim in shallow water and scoop up food but they are renowned for their steep, head first, dives into the water to scoop up their prey. It’s pretty cool to watch. They can pick-up as much as 2 ½ gallons of water with their prey.

Here are a few images to enjoy.

Note: Please click on caption to see image at higher resolution.

Brown Pelican (pelecanus occidentalis carolinensis)
The one with the yellow head is a breeding adult, the other is a juvenile.
Bunche Beach, Fort Meyers, FL; FEB 2020

Juvenile Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis carolinensis); Atlantic Subspecies
Fishing Pier, Sanibel Island, FL; FEB 2020

Seascape With Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis carolinensis)
Sanibel Island, FL; FEB 2020

Please visit my website, www.earthwatcher.us to see my collection of landscapes and wildlife.

These and other images are available to purchase by contacting larry.klink@earthwatcher.us.

Info from All About Birds (https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Brown_Pelican/lifehistory) and Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brown_pelican).

Some Recent Bird Sightings

November 24, 2019November 22, 2019 by Earthwatcher, posted in Bird Photography, bird watching, birding, Birds, Fujifilm Cameras, nature, Nature Photography, Pacific Flyway, Waterfowl, Wildlife, Wildlife Photography

Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis)
North Staten Island Rd, Galt, CA; NOV 2019

A week ago, we visited Staten Island, CA. It is an island in the Sacramento-San Jouquin River Delta. More importantly, Staten Island is owned by The Nature Conservancy and is managed to allow conservation friendly agriculture and as a place for birds to stop on winter migrations as well as to winter over. For this area, it means we have an opportunity to see Sandhill Cranes, Tundra Swans, White-fronted Geese and many other birds. On this visit, we got to see the Sandhill Cranes, Cackling Geese, Snow Geese and Sora.

The Sora (Porzana Carolina) was my surprise bird. I didn’t even know they existed. It is one of those drab, gray birds that hide in the brush, along streams and irrigation ditches. But drab and gray is not a fitting description. They are quite beautifully marked and have a bright yellow bill. Three Sora gave me the rare opportunity to see them in the open and photograph them.

Please click on caption to see images in higher resolution.

Sora (Porzana carolina) – P2
North Staten Island Rd, Galt, CA; NOV 2019

Juvenile Snow Goose (Chen caerulescens) and Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii)
North Staten Island Rd, Galt, CA; NOV 2019

Sora (Porzana carolina)
North Staten Island Rd, Galt, CA; NOV 2019

These and other images are available to purchase on my website: www.earthwatcher.us or by contacting larry.klink@earthwatcher.us.

Swans

November 20, 2019November 20, 2019 by Earthwatcher, posted in Bird Photography, bird watching, birding, Birds, Earthwatcher, Fujifilm Cameras, Iceland, nature, Nature Photography, Photography, Uncategorized, Waterfowl, Wildlife, Wildlife Photography

Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus Buccinator)
Swan Lake Flat, Yellowstone National Park; SEP 2018

Today I am sharing images of swans I’ve photographed over the past several years.

Trumpeter Swans (Cygnus Buccinator) are North America’s largest waterfowl. Thy can have a 6 foot wingspan and weigh as much as 26 pounds. According to All About Birds, a Website from Cornell Labs: “They breed on wetlands in remote Alaska, Canada, and the northwestern U.S., and winter on ice-free coastal and inland waters.” The odd thing here is that I found some on the icy Yellowstone River in February.

The Tundra Swan (Cygnus Columbianus) is a winter migrant to the US. We see them winter over on the Pacific Flyway from late October through about the end of February. They nest on arctic tundra. The Tundra Swan is sometimes called a Whistling Swan.

The Mute Swan (Cygnus Olor) is not native to North America; it’s a European immigrant. It is the swan we see in ponds and lakes at parks, farms and estates. According to All About Birds: “ All of the Mute Swans in North America descended from swans imported from Europe from the mid 1800s through early 1900s to adorn large estates, city parks, and zoos. Escapees established breeding populations and are now established in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Great Lakes, and Pacific Northwest of the U.S.” The ones I am presenting may be from a wild colony or may be feral.

I found the Whooper Swans (Cygnus cygnus) in Iceland. According to Wikipedia, Whooper swans can migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles to their wintering sites in southern Europe and eastern Asia. They breed in subarctic Eurasia. Icelandic Whooper Swans breed and winter over in the United Kingdom and Ireland. They can have a wingspan of 9 feet and weigh over 30 pounds. Whooper Swans pair for life.

Please click on caption to see image at higher resolution.

Tundra Swans (Cygnus Columbianus)
Staten Island Road, Galt, CA; JAN 2018

Whooper Swans (Cygnus cygnus)
South Coast of Iceland; SEP 2017

Mute Swan (Cygnus Olor)
Scott Road, Folsom, CA; FEB 2016

Trumpeter Swans (Cygnus Buccinator) – P1
Yellowstone River, Yellowstone National Park, WY, FEB 2013

Trumpeter Swans (Cygnus Buccinator)
Swan Lake Flat, Yellowstone National Park; SEP 2018

Mute Swan (Cygnus Olor) – P2
Willow Creek Recreation Area, Folsom, CA; OCT 2019

Trumpeter Swans at Sunrise (Cygnus Buccinator) -P1
Swan Lake Flat, Yellowstone National Park; SEP 2018

Trumpeter Swans (Cygnus Buccinator) at Sunrise – P2
Swan Lake Flat, Yellowstone National Park; SEP 201

Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus Buccinator) – P2
Yellowstone River, Yellowstone National Park; FEB 2013

These and other images are available to purchase on my website: www.earthwatcher.us or by contacting larry.klink@earthwatcher.us.

Vultures and Other Scavengers

November 17, 2019 by Earthwatcher, posted in American River, American River Parkway, Bird Photography, bird watching, birding, Birds, Uncategorized, Wildlife, Wildlife Photography

Turkey Vultures (Cathartes aura) Feeding On Salmon;
Lake Natomas, American River Parkway, Gold River, CA; NOV 2019

In Sacramento, we are privileged to live along the American River. This mighty river is one of many that provide spawning territory for salmon. Spawning is the last great act of these creatures; after they spawn, they die. Though it is the end for them, their death provides nutrients for plants and other animals. When the Salmon run gets underway, migrating Turkey Vultures and Gulls arrive and supplement the year-around population and clean up the carcasses.

Scavenging is not limited to the Salmon carcasses. I’ve also found a Raven with the carcass of a dead bird. Hunting and killing is not normal behavior for the Raven so most likely it found the carcass.

Look closely at the rocks among the vultures. Some of what looks like rocks are part of the carcasses.

Note: Please click on caption to see images at higher resolution.

Western Gull (Larus occidentalis) Picking on Salmon
Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Sacramento, CA; OCT 2019

Common Raven (Corvus corax) with Scavenged Meal;
Willow Creek Recreation Area, Folsom, CA; OCT 2019

These and other images are available to purchase on my website: www.earthwatcher.us or by contacting larry.klink@earthwatcher.us.

Raptors

November 3, 2019 by Earthwatcher, posted in Bird Photography, bird watching, birding, Birds, California, Earthwatcher, Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Fujifilm Cameras, Nature Photography, raptor, Uncategorized, Wildlife, Wildlife Photography, Wm Pond Park

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
Wm Pond Park, Sacramento, CA; Mar 2019

Here are a few raptors, birds of prey, I’ve photographed over the past year.

The Red-shouldered and Red-tailed Hawks are members of the Buteo family. They forage in more open areas and prefer small rodents. The Goshawk and Sharp-shinned Hawks are members of the Acipiter family. They are built to forage in in forested areas and prefer birds. The Merlin is a small falcon. Though they have there preferences, they’ll eat whatever they can catch.

Note: Please click on caption to see these images at higher resolution.

Northern Goshawk (Acipiter Gentilis)
Owens River Road, Lee Vining, CA; OCT 2019

Merlin (Falco columbarius)
Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Sacramento, CA; OCT 2019

Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus)
Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Sacramneto, CA; OCT 2019

Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) on Nest
Battle Mountain, NV; MAY 2019

Juvenile Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)
Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Sacramento, CA; JUL 2019

Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus) – P2
Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Carmichael, CA; OCT 2019

Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus)
Hawk swooped down over my shoulder, picked-up a rodent and carried it to this tree. Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Carmichael, CA; OCT 2019

These and other images are available to purchase on my website: www.earthwatcher.us or by contacting larry.klink@earthwatcher.us.

Some More Birds from This Year

September 29, 2019 by Earthwatcher, posted in American River Parkway, Bird Photography, bird watching, birding, Birds, California, Earthwatcher, Fujifilm Cameras, Uncategorized, Wildlife, Wildlife Photography

American Robin (Turdus Migratorius)
Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Sacramento, CA; NOV 2018

Here are some more bird photos that I have taken in the past year. Take a close look at Hutton’s Vireo with Chick. Though it is well camouflaged, there is a baby in the nest with mom. The Bewick’s Wren is also attending a nest deep in the cavity of the tree.

Please click on caption to see image at higher resolution!

Hutton’s Vireo (Vireo huttonii) with Chick;
Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Sacramento, CA; APR 2019

Bewick’s Wren (Thryomanes bewickii);
Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Sacramento, CA; JUN 2019

Hermit Warbler (Setophaga occidentalis);
William Pond Park, Sacramento, CA; SEP 2019

Hutton’s Vireo (Vireo huttonii);
Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Sacramento, CA; SEP 2019

Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura);
Willow Creek Recreation Area, American RIver Parkway, Folsom, CA; APR 2019

Oak Titmouse (Baeolophus inornatus);
Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Sacramento, CA; APR 2019

These and other images are available to purchase on my website: www.earthwatcher.us or by contacting larry.klink@earthwatcher.us.

Waterfowl and Shorebirds

September 18, 2019September 18, 2019 by Earthwatcher, posted in Bird Photography, bird watching, birding, Birds, Duck, Earthwatcher, Fujifilm Cameras, Nature Photography, Uncategorized, Wildlife, Wildlife Photography

Canada Geeese (Branta canadensis) on a Beaver Lodge
Landing, Grand Teton National Park, WY; MAY 2019

Here are a few more birds, mostly from this year’s collection, for you to enjoy.

Note: Please click on caption to see image at higher resolution.

Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)
Point Lobos State Park, Monteray, CA; May 2016

Great White Pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus)
Missouri River Headwaters State Park, Three Forks, MT; MAY 2019

American Coot (Fulica americana)
Wm Pond Park, Sacramento, CA; Mar 2019

Juvenile Canada Goose (Branta canadensis);
Mather Park, Sacramento, CA; JUN 2019

Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) and Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos)
Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Sacramento, CA; JUN 2019

These and other images are available to purchase on my website: www.earthwatcher.us or by contacting larry.klink@earthwatcher.us.

Seal Rock, Oregon

September 1, 2019 by Earthwatcher, posted in Bird Photography, bird watching, birding, Birds, Earthwatcher, Fujifilm Cameras, Photography, Seascape, sunrise, Uncategorized, Wildlife, Wildlife Photography

Seal Rock Beach at Sunrise
Seal Rock, Waldport, OR; AUG 2019

We recently spent a few days on the beach at Waldport, OR. It is located in Oregon Dunes area of the coast. Just outside of town sets a beach amongst a craggy, old volcanic lava flow. It is a beautiful beach with many tidal pools left teeming with wildlife as the tide recedes.

On this visit, the birds really took center stage. We saw some seals, but they were offshore and all I could see were heads bobbing. So, they weren’t photo worthy. But we found some Pelagic Cormorants (Phalacrocorax pelagicus); one with a chick on the nest. We found Western Gulls (Larus occidentalis), many of which were recently fledged juveniles.

The Pelagic Cormorant is found along coastal waters and eats fish and marine invertebrates. It roosts and nests on steep, inaccessible rocky cliffs. It swims and dives for food.

The Western Gull is the common gull that you find on US West Coast beaches. They like fish, marine invertebrates, bird eggs and jelly fish. They will also scavenge on carrion and human refuse.

Our experience with the Western Gull brought some amusement. The juveniles were in the water and along the shore. When they wandered too far inland, an adult would chase after and send it back to the shoreline with the others. In the early morning, we even saw adults force the young into the tidal pools to splash and bathe. It was great fun.

Note: Please click on caption to see image at higher resolution

Pelagic Cormorant (Phalacrocorax pelagicus)
Seal Rock, Waldport, OR; AUG 2019

Juvenile Western Gull (Larus occidentalis)
Seal Rock, Waldport, OR; AUG 2019

Starfish in Tide Pool
Seal Rock, Waldport, OR; AUG 2019

Western Gull (Larus occidentalis)
Seal Rock, Waldport, OR; AUG 2019

These and other images are available to purchase on my website: www.earthwatcher.us or by contacting larry.klink@earthwatcher.us.

Some Interesting Wildlife from San Diego

August 28, 2019 by Earthwatcher, posted in Bird Photography, bird watching, birding, Birds, California, flower, Fujifilm Cameras, left brained, Marine Mammals, Uncategorized, Wildlife, Wildlife Photography

Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina)
Seal Cove, La Jolla, CA; MAY 2019

Last May, we visited some family in the San Diego area. On one of those days, we visited some spots along the shore that teemed with wildlife. It was a great time.

Please note that the wild Red-crowned Parrot is a wild bird. Pet releases and other incidents have allowed a colony of these birds to establish themselves in the San Diego area.

Note: Please click on caption to see image at higher resolution.

Juvenile Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina)
Seal Cove, La Jolla, CA; MAY 2019

Juvenile Western Gull (Larus occidentalis) – P1
Seal Cove, La Jolla, CA

California Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis californicus)
Seal Cove, La Jolla, CA; MAY 2019

California Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
Seal Cove, La Jolla, CA; MAY 2019

Wild Red-crowned Parrot (Amazona viridigenalis)
San Diego, CA; MAY 2019

Yucca Plant Seed Pods
San Diego Bay National Wildlife, Refuge, CA; MAY 2019

These and other images are available to purchase on my website: www.earthwatcher.us or by contacting larry.klink@earthwatcher.us.

Some Birds Photographed This Summer

August 18, 2019August 15, 2019 by Earthwatcher, posted in Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, Banff National Park, Bird Photography, bird watching, birding, Birds, Fujifilm Cameras, Grand Canyon, Nature Photography, Uncategorized, Wildlife, Wildlife Photography

Gray Jay (Perisoreus canadensis) AKA Whiskey Jack
Moraine Lake, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada; MAY 2019

I’ve been traveling a lot this year. In my travels, I have seen and photographed many interesting birds. I just haven’t made the time to share them. Here are a few of them. Others will follow.

First up is the Gray Jay. It is a corvid like other jays but is smaller and has a much less raucous voice. In November 2016 the BBC reported that Canada adopted this bird, also known as the Whiskey Jack, as its national bird.

The other Jay in this collection is Woodhouse’s Jay. Those of us in the west don’t see Blue Jays; they are eastern birds. Mostly, we see the scrub jay. At one time, the Scrub Jay was just called the Western Scrub Jay. But recently, it was split into 3 separate species: the California Scrub Jay which we see here west of the Sierra Nevada mountains; the Island Scrub Jay which is only found in the Santa Cruz Islands, and Woodhouse’s Jay which is seen between the Sierra Nevada mountains and the Rocky mountains and from Southeastern Oregon into Mexico.

I found the Horned Lark and the Black-throated Sparrow at Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. Ash Meadows is an oasis, a marshland in the Mojave Desert that is fed from springs that draw from an ancient aquifer. You’ll find it in Amargosa Valley, NV . It is a great place to visit, in the early morning.

The Yellow-headed Blackbird is a common bird in much of the western US. It thrives in marshes among the reeds and cattails.

Note: Please click on caption to see image at higher resolution.