Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum

British Columbia Sport & Outdoor Lounge => Outdoor Photography => Topic started by: DragonSpeed on February 04, 2014, 08:22:02 AM

Title: 2014 Birds
Post by: DragonSpeed on February 04, 2014, 08:22:02 AM
It had to start at some point :)

Finally got some nice shots of Hooded Mergansers out at Reifel....

Others too, but the Hoodie was my takeaway victory of the day.  These guys have always stayed at the OTHER end of ponds from where I am shooting until this most recent time.


Here are the shots from the day.


1. Mr. Hooded Merganser
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5499/12300050165_18d7d015fe_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dragonspeed/12300050165/)
Mr Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dragonspeed/12300050165/) by DragonSpeed (http://www.flickr.com/people/dragonspeed/), on Flickr

2. Mrs Hooded Merganser
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5513/12300632176_714b23e6e7_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dragonspeed/12300632176/)
Mrs Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dragonspeed/12300632176/) by DragonSpeed (http://www.flickr.com/people/dragonspeed/), on Flickr

3. Headless Heron
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3696/12300474834_39057861ba_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dragonspeed/12300474834/)
Headless Heron (Ardea herodias) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dragonspeed/12300474834/) by DragonSpeed (http://www.flickr.com/people/dragonspeed/), on Flickr

4. Black-Crowned Night Heron... AWAKE!
(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2875/12300479084_e1604219b2_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dragonspeed/12300479084/)
Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dragonspeed/12300479084/) by DragonSpeed (http://www.flickr.com/people/dragonspeed/), on Flickr

5. Juvenile Bald Eagle
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7296/12300055755_18ddcb619d_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dragonspeed/12300055755/)
Juvenile Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dragonspeed/12300055755/) by DragonSpeed (http://www.flickr.com/people/dragonspeed/), on Flickr

6. GBH in flight - evening light just starting to kick in.
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7305/12300481874_e9fb04ac9a_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dragonspeed/12300481874/)
Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) in flight (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dragonspeed/12300481874/) by DragonSpeed (http://www.flickr.com/people/dragonspeed/), on Flickr

I hope you enjoyed them.  Others at http://www.flickr.com/photos/dragonspeed/sets/72157640478024716/
Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: Dave on February 05, 2014, 04:40:03 PM
Beauty Hoody DragonSpeed :) 
Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: DragonSpeed on February 06, 2014, 12:29:28 AM
Beauty Hoody DragonSpeed :)
Thanks!  Sure was nice that it came together for me on this one - finally.
Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: leadbelly on February 09, 2014, 07:31:15 AM
I saw this one the other day
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/t1/1011103_10151863358307751_1526420918_n.jpg)
Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: DragonSpeed on March 06, 2014, 03:50:30 PM
I saw this one the other day
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/t1/1011103_10151863358307751_1526420918_n.jpg)
Flickers always look so awkward on the ground, but you see them there often, going after ant colonies.
Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: Chehalis_Steel on March 07, 2014, 01:24:43 PM
Those mergansers look amazing Dragonspeed! Here are some pics I've taken over the past few years. Would have posted them earlier if I'd noticed this forum. I hope I'm not posting too many at once   :-\

(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2737/12986352594_5348e011c0_o.jpg)
Wood duck

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7437/12986099863_4667e5ec4f_o.jpg)
Great-horned Owl at Boundary Bay

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3400/12986012275_43f96a26fc_o.jpg)
Song Sparrow at Burnaby Lake

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7445/12986156355_6879525337_o.jpg)
Steller's Jay

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3446/12986187874_2001f3c309_o.jpg)
Northern Flicker on Douglas Lake Ranch (Not eating ants on the ground like the other one lol)

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7438/12985441533_8e2831a70e_o.png)
Killdeer near its nest on Douglas Lake Ranch

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3199/12985970854_ee4763f01b_o.jpg)
Golden Crowned Sparrows at Boundary Bay

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7408/12985460605_4fcc7287cc_o.jpg)
Snowy Owl at Boundary Bay

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3640/12985586515_bd22d55c35_o.jpg)
Two more Snowy Owls




Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: DragonSpeed on March 08, 2014, 11:29:27 AM
Some lovely shots Steel!

One thing... your linked pics are HUGE... and take a while to fill in.  Generally try linking in pics that are 1024px on the long side.  Gives people quick views and a decent size for seeing the great details in your shots.

Tight lines and sharp focus!
Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: Dave on March 08, 2014, 04:28:09 PM
Your pair of Snowy owls is magnificent and is now my background, thanks for posting!!
Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: Chehalis_Steel on March 09, 2014, 06:31:35 PM
Your pair of Snowy owls is magnificent and is now my background, thanks for posting!!

No problem  ;D
Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: bigblockfox on March 10, 2014, 02:03:55 PM
those snowy owls are awesome. deff made that blue jays day with the peanut lol.
Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: DragonSpeed on April 04, 2014, 01:07:04 PM
We actually had a nice sunny day back on Monday - A rarity for Vancouver's spring.  Went down to the lake to shoot.  Here are some of the results:

1. Black-capped Chickadee
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2868/13618233285_cb9ee2e47e_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/mKp1iB)

2. Oregon Junco
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3830/13618231475_096a634f1c_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/mKoZLp)

3. Plump little Song Sparrow
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3832/13618230705_560303378b_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/mKoZx8)

4. Male Bufflehead just popping up from a dive
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3778/13618584574_bc6a0ce513_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/mKqNJj)

5. I can never get enough of these beauties
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3818/13618246943_6876d350b5_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/mKp5n6)

Hope you enjoyed them... the full day's outing is here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/dragonspeed/sets/72157643391045523
Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: Ian Forbes on April 08, 2014, 10:55:38 PM
here are a few from Thailand...

(http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/album987/Black_heron.jpg)

(http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/album987/Thai_bird.jpg)

(http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/album987/Chestnut_tailed_Minta.jpg)

(http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/album987/flying_egret.jpg)
Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: Ian Forbes on April 16, 2014, 11:20:59 PM
A few hand held swallow shots from Port Alberni

(http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/album1155/Swallows_13.jpg)

(http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/album1155/Swallows_11.jpg)

(http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/album1155/Swallows_3.jpg)

(http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/album1155/Swallows_8.jpg)
Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: DragonSpeed on April 17, 2014, 04:54:23 AM
Very nice!

I love that you can see the subtle colour variations in the first one!
Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: DragonSpeed on April 21, 2014, 08:54:03 AM
I was down in Houston for 2 weeks for work, so I took one of the weekend days off to get out and see what I could find.  I was pleasantly surprised.

1. Roseate Spoonbill
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7270/13944139005_70b66a5dbd_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nfcmHK)
Roseate Spoonbill (Platalea ajaja) (https://flic.kr/p/nfcmHK) by DragonSpeed (https://www.flickr.com/people/11939829@N00/), on Flickr

2. Black-necked Stilt
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3741/13944589114_e0385ca6a4_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nfeEwf)
Black-necked Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus) (https://flic.kr/p/nfeEwf) by DragonSpeed (https://www.flickr.com/people/11939829@N00/), on Flickr

3. The always fun sanderlings!
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2905/13921032316_508f4367bb_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nd9VUy)
Sanderling (Calidris alba) (https://flic.kr/p/nd9VUy) by DragonSpeed (https://www.flickr.com/people/11939829@N00/), on Flickr

4. A lovely laughing gull
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2914/13944133035_97125b5bf1_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nfcjWP)
Laughing Gull (Leucophaeus atricilla) in flight (https://flic.kr/p/nfcjWP) by DragonSpeed (https://www.flickr.com/people/11939829@N00/), on Flickr

5. A patiently posing killdeer
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7022/13944131405_0db13c6cef_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nfcjsH)
Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) (https://flic.kr/p/nfcjsH) by DragonSpeed (https://www.flickr.com/people/11939829@N00/), on Flickr

6. A white Ibis in First Summer plumage
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7228/13944188403_7a8f62568c_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nfcBpr)
American White Ibis (Eudocimus albus) - First summer plumage (https://flic.kr/p/nfcBpr) by DragonSpeed (https://www.flickr.com/people/11939829@N00/), on Flickr

There are others too... feel free to check them out at:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/dragonspeed/sets/72157644111734232/
Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: DragonSpeed on May 02, 2014, 01:47:33 PM
Yesterday was a spectacular day around Vancouver.  I took the day off to walk around our wetlands and see what I could find.  It was a bonanza of small birds!

1) Tons of Marsh Wrens... building and singing!
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5334/13903722727_30c8b548b0_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nbCdnn)
Marsh Wren (Cistothorus palustris) (https://flic.kr/p/nbCdnn) by DragonSpeed (https://www.flickr.com/people/11939829@N00/), on Flickr

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7446/14090323515_54811210a6_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nt7Ahk)
Marsh Wren (Cistothorus palustris) (https://flic.kr/p/nt7Ahk) by DragonSpeed (https://www.flickr.com/people/11939829@N00/), on Flickr

2. The tree swallows were busy nesting and trying to protect their nests from the European sparrows
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5312/14090321395_0fc1cca78e_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nt7zDM)
Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) (https://flic.kr/p/nt7zDM) by DragonSpeed (https://www.flickr.com/people/11939829@N00/), on Flickr

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7456/14087205102_4eb74469a9_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nsQBhA)
Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) (https://flic.kr/p/nsQBhA) by DragonSpeed (https://www.flickr.com/people/11939829@N00/), on Flickr

3. Finally caught a hummingbird at a flower (Anna's?)
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7378/14110402043_6c51ba9a10_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nuTuVR)
Female Hummingbird feeding (https://flic.kr/p/nuTuVR) by DragonSpeed (https://www.flickr.com/people/11939829@N00/), on Flickr

4. Short billed Dowitchers
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5181/13903706929_466ca91802_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nbC8EZ)
Short-billed Dowitcher (Limnodromus griseus) (https://flic.kr/p/nbC8EZ) by DragonSpeed (https://www.flickr.com/people/11939829@N00/), on Flickr

5. Always cute - goslings
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5025/14087207502_7c300e4dcb_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nsQBZY)
It's HARD staying awake for more than 15 minutes! (https://flic.kr/p/nsQBZY) by DragonSpeed (https://www.flickr.com/people/11939829@N00/), on Flickr

6. Last - and most bizarre - Some strange sort of mating ritual of wood ducks....
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5324/14110407003_1c43d17caa_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nuTwpn)
Strange Wood Duck mating rituals (https://flic.kr/p/nuTwpn) by DragonSpeed (https://www.flickr.com/people/11939829@N00/), on Flickr

The whole set from the day - there were sooo many lovely birds - can be found at:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/dragonspeed/sets/72157644067721768

Welcome spring!!!
Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: Hohummm on May 04, 2014, 09:48:06 PM
Hard to compete with DragonSpeed, but we don't usually get this close to the pelicans so thought we would share a few shots. Taken at Green Lake near 70 Mile House.

(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb72/chunksochicken/wildlife/pelican1.jpg)

(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb72/chunksochicken/wildlife/pelican2.jpg)

(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb72/chunksochicken/wildlife/pelican3.jpg)

(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb72/chunksochicken/wildlife/pelican4.jpg)
Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: DragonSpeed on May 05, 2014, 11:47:03 PM
Sweet shot.  I don't think that white pelicans are common there, are they?
Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: Hohummm on May 06, 2014, 06:45:42 AM
I wouldn't say they are "common", because there aren't alot of them but they certainly are regular visitors to the lake.
Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: DragonSpeed on May 06, 2014, 03:21:11 PM
I wouldn't say they are "common", because there aren't alot of them but they certainly are regular visitors to the lake.
Oh! I didn't know.  Cool.
Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: tburns on May 13, 2014, 09:28:23 PM
Very cool photo of the mating ritual of the ducks dragonspeed!  your photos are amazing
Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: Hohummm on May 22, 2014, 06:53:32 AM
Sandhill crane at Reifel bird sanctuary.

(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb72/chunksochicken/wildlife/Sandhill2.jpg)
Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: DragonSpeed on May 22, 2014, 11:04:51 AM
Sandhill crane at Reifel bird sanctuary.

(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb72/chunksochicken/wildlife/Sandhill2.jpg)
Won't be long before the egg(s) hatch for these guys!
Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: leadbelly on May 22, 2014, 02:25:05 PM
That wood duck shot is top notch, wow.
Went to Reifel months ago but only got a few shots
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/t1.0-9/11874_10151935511362751_1984084649_n.jpg)
(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/10153833_10151935513412751_30505471_n.jpg)
Northern Saw-whet Owl
(https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/10006256_10151935511117751_228233571_n.jpg)
Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: DragonSpeed on May 23, 2014, 07:52:47 AM
I didn't manage to see even ONE Saw-whet this year :(
Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: Ian Forbes on May 24, 2014, 08:05:12 PM
These shots were also taken hand held at about 80 meters. I was just on a motorbike ride with my camera.

This Drake and hen merganser seemed to be telling a story..

"Oh, you shouldn't have!"

(http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/album1168/Merganser_2.jpg)

'Well, if you are going to be that way about it!"

(http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/album1168/Merganser_8.jpg)

"Then I'm not even going to talk to you!"

(http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/album1168/Merganser_4.jpg)
Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: DragonSpeed on May 24, 2014, 08:06:59 PM
Lovely Ian, and a good story with it!  The male and female look so strikingly different.  When I first saw the species I thought they were actually two DIFFERENT species.
Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: Ian Forbes on May 26, 2014, 05:40:05 PM
What camera and lens are you using for most of your bird pictures, Dragonspeed? I have a couple of digital SLR Nikons, (D200 & D7000) but it was going to cost over $600 for a good long lens, and for less than that I was able to purchase a Canon SX50 HS with a variable zoom up to 1200 mm. I know the quality is not up to the better SLR standards, but I have no intention of selling my photos. It's just an over saturated market. I am quite happy with the quality of pictures I get providing I have enough lighting and time to use my tripod. The added feature of excellent video that I can shoot like a Go-Pro camera is very handy for my interests. I found the video mode in the SLRs is too finicky and takes too long to set up. I get a lot of good, but out of focus video and it's frustrating.
Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: VAGAbond on May 27, 2014, 08:45:11 AM
Here is a Virginia Rail taken at Terra Nova.  These guys don't often come out of the swamp so I was quite pleased to get this photo.

(http://i647.photobucket.com/albums/uu192/123VAGAbond/IMG_4665-Version2.jpg) (http://s647.photobucket.com/user/123VAGAbond/media/IMG_4665-Version2.jpg.html)

Canon SX50 HS

Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: VAGAbond on May 29, 2014, 09:44:22 AM
Savannah Sparrow in the lupines at Garry Point:

(http://i647.photobucket.com/albums/uu192/123VAGAbond/IMG_0825.jpg) (http://s647.photobucket.com/user/123VAGAbond/media/IMG_0825.jpg.html)
Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: VAGAbond on May 29, 2014, 09:26:41 PM
Lazuli Bunting photographed in Vancouver Southlands:

(http://i647.photobucket.com/albums/uu192/123VAGAbond/IMG_0921.jpg) (http://s647.photobucket.com/user/123VAGAbond/media/IMG_0921.jpg.html)
Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: DragonSpeed on May 30, 2014, 04:30:43 AM
Vagabond... Nice shots!  Love that one of the Rail!
Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: DragonSpeed on May 30, 2014, 04:34:37 AM
What camera and lens are you using for most of your bird pictures, Dragonspeed? I have a couple of digital SLR Nikons, (D200 & D7000) but it was going to cost over $600 for a good long lens, and for less than that I was able to purchase a Canon SX50 HS with a variable zoom up to 1200 mm. I know the quality is not up to the better SLR standards, but I have no intention of selling my photos. It's just an over saturated market. I am quite happy with the quality of pictures I get providing I have enough lighting and time to use my tripod. The added feature of excellent video that I can shoot like a Go-Pro camera is very handy for my interests. I found the video mode in the SLRs is too finicky and takes too long to set up. I get a lot of good, but out of focus video and it's frustrating.
Ian, I am a firm believer in non-multifunction devices.  I use a Canon 7D with a 100-400mm for most of my bird shots.  Yes, it's a bit heavy, but I find it worth it.  I don't shoot video with the camera.  I figure that's what video cameras are for :)  Others disagree, but I find the weight of the SLR is a bit much for holding up to shoot video.  I do video on a small Point and shoot that does HD video.  Good enough for me.  If I were to get more serious about video, I MIGHT use my SLR, but then I'd also end up buying a thousand or more $$ in accessories to make it work WELL as a video camera.
Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: Damien on June 06, 2014, 01:47:30 PM
Some snaps of friends that love the Dogwood tree in my backyard in Brookswood;

(http://i.imgur.com/m7sOlC5.jpg)

Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: DragonSpeed on July 08, 2014, 11:36:42 AM
2 weeks of travel in Peru - ranging from the coastal desert to the Andean Plateaus.

1.
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3851/14415922549_e162d77181_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nXTnwM)
Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) (https://flic.kr/p/nXTnwM) by DragonSpeed (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

2.
Red Legged Cormorant
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2910/14415895248_0ba240c41f_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nXTeq5)
Good Things in Threes? (https://flic.kr/p/nXTeq5) by DragonSpeed (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

3. Guanay Cormorant
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2924/14622572223_ee78d41e8c_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/oh9vhc)
Guanay cormorant (Phalacrocorax bougainvillii) (https://flic.kr/p/oh9vhc) by DragonSpeed (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

4. Like Condo space in Vancouver!
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2923/14415894498_715d3a7afd_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nXTec9)
A bit crowded... (https://flic.kr/p/nXTec9) by DragonSpeed (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

5. Vermillion Flycatcher
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5595/14383214599_181c00e63d_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nUZJAB)
Vermilion Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus) (https://flic.kr/p/nUZJAB) by DragonSpeed (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

6. Titicaca Flightless Grebe
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3898/14493578344_a44f034f04_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/o5KnTN)
Titicaca flightless grebe (Rollandia microptera) (https://flic.kr/p/o5KnTN) by DragonSpeed (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

7. Mountain Caracara
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2909/14483277961_e740bfd43e_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/o4QzWZ)
Mountain Caracara (Phalcoboenus megalopterus) (https://flic.kr/p/o4QzWZ) by DragonSpeed (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

The whole Peru trip can be found at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/dragonspeed/sets/72157645563327534/ Including a whole lot of NON bird photos :)
Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: SkagitDreamer on July 13, 2014, 02:55:33 PM
You all take some fabulous pics! DragonSpeed - wow, I'll have to peruse the rest of your fabulous collection!
I'm just an iPhone kinda guy - sometimes with a ziploc for those water shots lol but today during a walk with my dog at Paul Lake, I saw baby sand pipers for the first time (two different families). This is a picture of an adult.

http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag316/alphonsegallo/D089A283-A9A8-4677-98D8-EF99EBB251CF_zps9nayudfp.jpgh

Hmmm, link works but obviously Ill re-read the posting help on pics

(http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag316/alphonsegallo/D089A283-A9A8-4677-98D8-EF99EBB251CF_zps9nayudfp.jpg) (http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/alphonsegallo/media/D089A283-A9A8-4677-98D8-EF99EBB251CF_zps9nayudfp.jpg.html)

Merganser babies...

(http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag316/alphonsegallo/FD4BA4FA-AE2D-4D60-9D92-F5D412E61D6A_zpsssafm8bu.jpg) (http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/alphonsegallo/media/FD4BA4FA-AE2D-4D60-9D92-F5D412E61D6A_zpsssafm8bu.jpg.html)


Our Conures...

(http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag316/alphonsegallo/37C15D55-9DE3-4C99-AA9C-EB5D11A81A67_zps0lm7gi14.jpg) (http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/alphonsegallo/media/37C15D55-9DE3-4C99-AA9C-EB5D11A81A67_zps0lm7gi14.jpg.html)

One playing with my animal-whispering dog..

(http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag316/alphonsegallo/93367954-7507-4EC9-8B1E-E8330FB32992_zps5fhyfyqo.jpg) (http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/alphonsegallo/media/93367954-7507-4EC9-8B1E-E8330FB32992_zps5fhyfyqo.jpg.html)


Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: DragonSpeed on July 14, 2014, 09:36:04 AM
Were those Mergansers at Cultus?  I saw a brood of about 20 there, a week ago.
Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: SkagitDreamer on July 14, 2014, 10:18:25 AM
Actually they were on the Thompson River south of Kamloops. I thought perhaps a few families congregated during high waters. There were more but again, the iPhone has it's limits hehe.

Sure miss Riefel (?)island. Was lucky enough to be shown snowy owls, Sandhill cranes (a favourite) and others by some of the friendly spotters there - always a treat.

Tried to get some pics of the local pelicans earlier this year as they passed through but in one of my pics they'd look like grains of sand lol

Look forward to your pics and others. Having fun on this site - good peeps. 👍👍
Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: VAGAbond on July 16, 2014, 11:45:45 AM
Some Rufous Hummingbirds:

(http://i647.photobucket.com/albums/uu192/123VAGAbond/DSC_0692.jpg) (http://s647.photobucket.com/user/123VAGAbond/media/DSC_0692.jpg.html)

(http://i647.photobucket.com/albums/uu192/123VAGAbond/DSC_0815-Version2-1.jpg) (http://s647.photobucket.com/user/123VAGAbond/media/DSC_0815-Version2-1.jpg.html)
Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: VAGAbond on July 16, 2014, 05:35:03 PM
Some Anna's Hummingbird pictures:

(http://i647.photobucket.com/albums/uu192/123VAGAbond/DSC_0936-Version2.jpg) (http://s647.photobucket.com/user/123VAGAbond/media/DSC_0936-Version2.jpg.html)

(http://i647.photobucket.com/albums/uu192/123VAGAbond/DSC_0934-Version2.jpg) (http://s647.photobucket.com/user/123VAGAbond/media/DSC_0934-Version2.jpg.html)
Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: Quinsam_Lose_Some on July 31, 2014, 05:44:59 PM
I'm wondering what the optimum size would be to post here?
Thanks.


(http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w207/phil_g_k/50e4ff5c-b70f-4504-8073-13a94b9d28e8.jpg) (http://s177.photobucket.com/user/phil_g_k/media/50e4ff5c-b70f-4504-8073-13a94b9d28e8.jpg.html)
Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: DragonSpeed on July 31, 2014, 06:07:28 PM
Nice Eagle!

We suggest 1024px on the long side for photos... easiest for all to fit on the screen and see.
Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: Quinsam_Lose_Some on July 31, 2014, 06:20:15 PM
Thanks Dragonspeed. Also, please explain how to add link to Flicker. Thanks.

(http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w207/phil_g_k/IMG_4784.jpg) (http://s177.photobucket.com/user/phil_g_k/media/IMG_4784.jpg.html)
Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: VAGAbond on August 12, 2014, 05:13:38 PM
Blackie Spit Aug. 12:

Long Billed Curlew:

(http://i647.photobucket.com/albums/uu192/123VAGAbond/DSC_1355-Version3.jpg) (http://s647.photobucket.com/user/123VAGAbond/media/DSC_1355-Version3.jpg.html)

(http://i647.photobucket.com/albums/uu192/123VAGAbond/DSC_1361-Version3.jpg) (http://s647.photobucket.com/user/123VAGAbond/media/DSC_1361-Version3.jpg.html)

(http://i647.photobucket.com/albums/uu192/123VAGAbond/DSC_1379-Version3.jpg) (http://s647.photobucket.com/user/123VAGAbond/media/DSC_1379-Version3.jpg.html)

Marbled Godwit:

(http://i647.photobucket.com/albums/uu192/123VAGAbond/DSC_1274-Version3.jpg) (http://s647.photobucket.com/user/123VAGAbond/media/DSC_1274-Version3.jpg.html)

(http://i647.photobucket.com/albums/uu192/123VAGAbond/DSC_1288-Version3.jpg) (http://s647.photobucket.com/user/123VAGAbond/media/DSC_1288-Version3.jpg.html)

Together:

(http://i647.photobucket.com/albums/uu192/123VAGAbond/DSC_1322-Version3.jpg) (http://s647.photobucket.com/user/123VAGAbond/media/DSC_1322-Version3.jpg.html)
Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: SkagitDreamer on August 12, 2014, 05:18:23 PM
You get some nice pics, VAGAbond. Love the curlew.
Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: Chehalis_Steel on August 17, 2014, 04:43:29 PM
Here are some pics I got over the summer, mostly at Douglas Lake Ranch and in Langley. I know this is kind of a lot of pictures but there were hundreds to choose from  ;)

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5588/14765277938_88e0606dfb_o.jpg)
Long-Billed Dowitcher at Burnaby Lake

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3914/14928900996_90e09c97b1_o.jpg)
Bufflehead Taking Off at Burnaby Lake

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3918/14765211029_5729d4f2ed_o.jpg)
American Goldfinch eating thistles at Brunswick Point

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3886/14765351697_bee3ec5933_o.jpg)
Rufous Hummingbird Hovering

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5573/14765352727_0810867df5_o.jpg)
Another one of the Rufous

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3897/14948798821_0b7f19a991_o.jpg)
Rufous Hummingbird and Skipper

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5583/14765224259_d46c9332f4_o.jpg)
Anna`s Hummingbird in Langley

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5583/14765226939_ff2e4cf092_o.jpg)
Another Anna`s Humminbird

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3852/14948806751_0f6463d622_o.jpg)
Osprey with freshly caught Salish Sucker. I feel bad for the sucker but this was really cool to see   :)

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3852/14765285408_93d78495a6_o.jpg)
American Kestrel on Douglas Lake Ranch

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3863/14951899255_b4c7811224_o.jpg)
Cedar Waxwing on Douglas Lake Ranch

(http://[img]https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3842/14928910236_ee9b3962e2_o.jpg)
Eastern Kingbird on Douglas Lake Ranch at Salmon Lake

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3865/14765230110_960f9ffac1_o.jpg)
Two Cedar Waxwings at Salmon Lake. Looks like one feeding its mate a berry.

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3876/14765359707_c33f64b728_o.jpg)
Bank Swallow in its nest at Salmon Lake

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5593/14951903835_96e57a2f5b_o.jpg)
Tree Swallow at Salmon Lake

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3890/14952024832_627a0a206b_o.jpg)
Old negative scan of Pigeon Guillemot at Stanley Park I found on my desktop from 10 years ago...actually pretty good quality considering

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3920/14949267961_0c104612ab_o.jpg)
Another old negative scan, this one is of a Black Oystercatcher at the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal



Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: DragonSpeed on August 19, 2014, 03:55:08 PM
CS - Some excellent shots in that collection.  Nice work.
Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: SkagitDreamer on August 19, 2014, 05:32:49 PM
Great pics CS! Thanks for sharing.

Love that Kestrel. Used to see them a lot south of Pitt lake. Spoiled myself a few times at the Salmon lake yurt - superb!
Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: Chehalis_Steel on August 20, 2014, 06:41:28 PM
Great pics CS! Thanks for sharing.

Love that Kestrel. Used to see them a lot south of Pitt lake. Spoiled myself a few times at the Salmon lake yurt - superb!

No problem  :D I've always wanted to try the Yurt but its more expensive so I've never gotten around to it. Must be nice to have the place to yourself.
Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: SkagitDreamer on August 20, 2014, 08:13:59 PM
I've booked it just before it closed down in the fall - it's less expensive and the fishing is sublime. Your own dock and a short row to the reed beds at the end is too good. You have to go through a few gates and the outdoor shower is good if your dog doesn't round up the cattle towards you. Good people there. I'd recommend it to anyone. How are the other units/campground? I'll try them next probably. There's just so many places I haven't been :)
Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: Chehalis_Steel on August 22, 2014, 01:33:06 AM
How are the other units/campground? I'll try them next probably. There's just so many places I haven't been :)

The cabins are great even though they are more expensive than the Yurt or the camp site. Just don't go for the one closest to the dock because it has ground squirrels living under it. They all have a really good view of the lake and you see a lot of birds and other wildlife around them. They're not too close together and are far away from the camp site which  gets extremely busy on the weekends with all the people arriving in RV's. They upgraded the site so now there's a lot more people than a few years ago. I honestly wouldn't want to stay there on the weekends. Mostly people are friendly and civilized though.
Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: SkagitDreamer on August 22, 2014, 02:05:31 AM
Thanks for the update, CS.

Mental note - avoid squirrel cabin :) Weekends and holidays are usually avoided but sometimes that's all we get, sadly. Yurt privacy is great - if it's busy you see everyone on the lake anyway, least at that yurt. However, as you've shown, the wildlife (and night time stars/meteors) more than make up for it. Fishing has always been good, too. The quiet places are getting harder to find. For this reason, I usually fish the Skagit after school starts (not weekends). Not sure how the teachers strike will affect my routine this year, though.

Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: DragonSpeed on August 22, 2014, 07:21:11 AM
Topic drift...
Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: SkagitDreamer on August 26, 2014, 08:26:32 PM
My bad. Here's a pic my friend texted me. Wish my iPhone took pics like these...

(http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag316/alphonsegallo/frr/149096E9-51C2-464C-9C65-1858A6EC12B8_zpsqy6qunb0.jpg) (http://s1371.photobucket.com/user/alphonsegallo/media/frr/149096E9-51C2-464C-9C65-1858A6EC12B8_zpsqy6qunb0.jpg.html)
Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: DragonSpeed on August 26, 2014, 08:34:07 PM
Central/South America?
Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: SkagitDreamer on August 29, 2014, 06:47:50 PM
He was visiting his father in Costa Rica - sorry for the delay, was at the Skagit :)
Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: Chehalis_Steel on September 05, 2014, 06:57:03 PM
Here's some nice shots I got in August mostly at Boundary Bay and Blackie Spit.

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3910/15129246266_0b03a75a6d_o.jpg)
Caspian Tern

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5556/15149294821_c87d9803d9_o.jpg)
Marbled Godwit and Long-billed Curlew with Greater Yellowlegs in background

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5595/15149295491_6f39d2239e_o.jpg)
Peregrine Falcon

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5557/14965705798_563832213b_o.jpg)
Northern Saw-whet Owl


Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: VAGAbond on September 06, 2014, 09:21:30 PM
Some from this past summer:

Belted Kingfisher:
(http://i647.photobucket.com/albums/uu192/123VAGAbond/DSC_2178-Version2.jpg) (http://s647.photobucket.com/user/123VAGAbond/media/DSC_2178-Version2.jpg.html)

Coopers Hawk:
(http://i647.photobucket.com/albums/uu192/123VAGAbond/DSC_2102-Version2.jpg) (http://s647.photobucket.com/user/123VAGAbond/media/DSC_2102-Version2.jpg.html)

Anna's Hummingbird:
(http://i647.photobucket.com/albums/uu192/123VAGAbond/DSC_2086-Version2.jpg) (http://s647.photobucket.com/user/123VAGAbond/media/DSC_2086-Version2.jpg.html)

Sora:
(http://i647.photobucket.com/albums/uu192/123VAGAbond/DSC_1999-Version2.jpg) (http://s647.photobucket.com/user/123VAGAbond/media/DSC_1999-Version2.jpg.html)

Sooty Grouse:
(http://i647.photobucket.com/albums/uu192/123VAGAbond/IMG_1384-Version2.jpg) (http://s647.photobucket.com/user/123VAGAbond/media/IMG_1384-Version2.jpg.html)

Bushtit:
(http://i647.photobucket.com/albums/uu192/123VAGAbond/DSC_1065-Version3.jpg) (http://s647.photobucket.com/user/123VAGAbond/media/DSC_1065-Version3.jpg.html)

Black-bellied Plovers:
(http://i647.photobucket.com/albums/uu192/123VAGAbond/IMG_4235-Version2-1.jpg) (http://s647.photobucket.com/user/123VAGAbond/media/IMG_4235-Version2-1.jpg.html)

Bald Eagle:
(http://i647.photobucket.com/albums/uu192/123VAGAbond/IMG_4561.jpg) (http://s647.photobucket.com/user/123VAGAbond/media/IMG_4561.jpg.html)

Dunlins:
(http://i647.photobucket.com/albums/uu192/123VAGAbond/IMG_4300.jpg) (http://s647.photobucket.com/user/123VAGAbond/media/IMG_4300.jpg.html)



Odd couple:
(http://i647.photobucket.com/albums/uu192/123VAGAbond/DSC_1468-Version2.jpg) (http://s647.photobucket.com/user/123VAGAbond/media/DSC_1468-Version2.jpg.html)


Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: Chehalis_Steel on September 07, 2014, 12:13:31 AM
Nice shot of the Anna's Hummingbird VAGAbond  :)
Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: DragonSpeed on September 08, 2014, 01:12:27 AM
An uncommon visitor to the lower mainland:

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3893/14984424967_8f14713c62_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/oQ86uB)
Juvenile Green Heron (Butorides virescens) (https://flic.kr/p/oQ86uB) by DragonSpeed (https://www.flickr.com/people/11939829@N00/), on Flickr

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3841/14984416838_1e1d70c268_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/oQ845s)
Juvenile Green Heron (Butorides virescens) (https://flic.kr/p/oQ845s) by DragonSpeed (https://www.flickr.com/people/11939829@N00/), on Flickr
Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: Chehalis_Steel on September 18, 2014, 12:38:37 PM
Really great shots of the Green Heron. I think there is actually a small population of them at the lake since I've seen both a Juvenile and adult two times. Is that the beaver lodge he's resting on?
Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: DragonSpeed on September 18, 2014, 12:52:37 PM
Really great shots of the Green Heron. I think there is actually a small population of them at the lake since I've seen both a Juvenile and adult two times. Is that the beaver lodge he's resting on?
Yes.  While Uncommon, I have learned that they aren't THAT RARE :(  Would like to see an adult for their plumage.  I think that beaver lodge has been abandoned now, too :(
Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: dennisK on November 17, 2014, 09:48:28 AM
I was just happy to get the moon and serratus summit at 9 am and then all of sudden some bird flies in and ruins the shot lol

(http://s25.postimg.org/qyf0hn49r/IMG_0363sm.jpg)
Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: DragonSpeed on November 17, 2014, 10:41:00 AM
:) Nice timing!
Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: VAGAbond on November 21, 2014, 09:28:08 PM
Western Scrub Jay photographed near Tilbury Island.

(http://i647.photobucket.com/albums/uu192/123VAGAbond/DSC_4085-Version2.jpg) (http://s647.photobucket.com/user/123VAGAbond/media/DSC_4085-Version2.jpg.html)

(http://i647.photobucket.com/albums/uu192/123VAGAbond/DSC_4177-Version2.jpg) (http://s647.photobucket.com/user/123VAGAbond/media/DSC_4177-Version2.jpg.html)

(http://i647.photobucket.com/albums/uu192/123VAGAbond/DSC_4186-Version2.jpg) (http://s647.photobucket.com/user/123VAGAbond/media/DSC_4186-Version2.jpg.html)
Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: DragonSpeed on November 21, 2014, 11:14:44 PM
Western Scrub Jay photographed near Tilbury Island.

Nice catch!
Title: Re: 2014 Birds
Post by: DragonSpeed on January 07, 2015, 02:00:30 PM
Last birds of 2014...

1. Golden-Crowned Sparrow
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7485/15974181340_4d8fdcd0e8_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/qkzRzE)
Golden-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia atricapilla) (https://flic.kr/p/qkzRzE) by DragonSpeed (https://www.flickr.com/people/11939829@N00/), on Flickr

2. Icy Pintail Drake
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8664/15974185680_92ca3fc530_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/qkzSSu)
Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) (https://flic.kr/p/qkzSSu) by DragonSpeed (https://www.flickr.com/people/11939829@N00/), on Flickr

3. Bohemian Waxwing
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8681/16161499085_fb116d1e0f_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/qC8UBX)
Bohemian waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus) (https://flic.kr/p/qC8UBX) by DragonSpeed (https://www.flickr.com/people/11939829@N00/), on Flickr

4. Bald Eagle
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7510/15974062808_af8db87dd8_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/qkzfm1)
Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) (https://flic.kr/p/qkzfm1) by DragonSpeed (https://www.flickr.com/people/11939829@N00/), on Flickr

5. Sandill Cranes in Flight
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8650/15541744903_2ef3627ea8_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/pFnvi2)
Sandhill Cranes (Grus Canadensis) flying (https://flic.kr/p/pFnvi2) by DragonSpeed (https://www.flickr.com/people/11939829@N00/), on Flickr

6. Cooper's Hawk
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7482/15974062168_f83e8cc3e0_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/qkzf9Y)
Cooper's hawk (Accipiter cooperii) (https://flic.kr/p/qkzf9Y) by DragonSpeed (https://www.flickr.com/people/11939829@N00/), on Flickr

7. Golden Eagle out duck hunting
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7544/15974191370_da4f7dccf5_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/qkzUyA)
Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) (https://flic.kr/p/qkzUyA) by DragonSpeed (https://www.flickr.com/people/11939829@N00/), on Flickr

The whole day's photos can be found at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/dragonspeed/sets/72157647722360013/

I hope you enjoy these photos and that you have a good year shooting in 2015!