Denisé and I were on the trail through Hendrie Valley at Burlington, Ontario, where the wild birds can be really friendly. She fed from her hand Chickadees, Gray Catbird, Red-winged Blackbird, and she almost had a Northern Cardinal eating out of her hand as well.
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)
Nikon D300 DSLR Nikon AF-S VR 70-200mm f/2.8 lens
1/500 sec, f/2.8, ISO 200
© Russell G. Campbell, 2011.
All rights reserved.
This Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) was another “first” from my trip to Carden Alvar at Kirkfield, Ontario. I saw several of these... or the same bird several times. It’s a small blackbird that weighs in at about one ounce. Male birds are black with creamy napes and white scapulars, lower backs and rumps. Females are mostly light brown with black streaks on their backs and flanks, along with dark stripes on their heads.
Interestingly, the collective name for a group of Bobolinks is a “chain”. Bobolinks migrate from Canada all the way to Argentina, Bolivia and Paraguay. One bird was tracked flying 12,000 miles in a year, and 1,100 miles in a single day.
Nikon D300 DSLR Nikon AF-S VR 300mm f/2.8 lens
+ TC-20E III 2x teleconverter, handheld
1/1000 sec, f/5.6, ISO 320
© Russell G. Campbell, 2011.
All rights reserved.
This Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) showed some real trust as he/she landed on Denisé’s hand to take some offered seed. This is breeding season and I suppose they’ll take risks for the sake of the hatchlings/fledglings.
© Russell G. Campbell, 2011.
All rights reserved.
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) — it's always a successful outing if I see a Cardinal up close. Always a treat.
© Russell G. Campbell, 2011.
All rights reserved.
Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis)
Nikon D300 DSLR Nikon AF-S VR 300mm f/2.8 lens
+ TC-20E III 2x teleconverter, handheld
1/400 sec, f/5.6, ISO 320
© Russell G. Campbell, 2011.
All rights reserved.
Nikon D300 DSLR Nikon AF-S VR 300mm f/2.8 lens
+ TC-20E III 2x teleconverter from backseat of our car
1/640 sec, f/5.6, ISO 320
© Russell G. Campbell, 2011.
All rights reserved.
I spent a couple of days with Denisé at the Carden Alvar exploring the region for the first time and birding. In early June, Carden Alvar near Kirkfield, Ontario, Canada, is one of the best places in the world (literally) for birds—the place is quite alive with them. The Carden Alvar is designated an Important Bird Area (IBA) by Birdlife International. Unfortunately, we arrived late in the morning of one of the hottest, brightest sunny days we'll have this year—not so good for birding. We heard lots and saw dozens of birds in the distance through binoculars, but had few good photo opportunities.
The following day, we arrived early in the morning at Wylie Road, on the eastern side of the alvar, and the temperature was perfect. Foot for foot, Wylie Road is one of the best birding roads anywhere at that time of year. But on this day, winds were gusting so there was no such thing as still branches, etc. Denisé drove, stopping often to sit quietly by the roadside, while I shot pictures from the backseat. The wind was so strong at times, I often got dust in my eyes. Many Tree Swallows and Eastern Bluebirds could be seen tending to nesting boxes at the side of the road, and this alone made the trip worthwhile.
All told. we had a terrific time birding (especially along Wylie Road), but not such a successful photo shoot.
Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) taken with a Nikon D300 DSLR with a Nikon Nikkor 300mm f/2.8 VR lens at f/5.6, ISO 200.
© Russell G. Campbell, 2011.
All rights reserved.
At Carden Alvar. My first Upland Sandpiper (Bartramia longicauda), but couldn't get that catch-light in the eye...oh, well.
© Russell G. Campbell, 2011.
All rights reserved.
The Horned Grebe (Podiceps auritus) is a frequent sight in my area. It is a small waterbird with small head and short, thin bill. During the breeding season, the Horned Grebe develops “horns”, yellowish patches of feathers behind its eyes that it can raise and lower at will.
To all American visitors, have a terrific Independence Day.
Nikon D300 DSLR Nikon AF-S VR 70-200mm f/2.8 lens
+ TC-17E III 1.7x teleconverter, handheld
f/4.8, ISO 400
© Russell G. Campbell, 2011.
All rights reserved.
The Bufflehead Duck (Bucephala albeola) is the little butterball of the duck family. It is Canada’s smallest diving duck and a favourite subject for nature photographers.
Nikon D300 DSLR Nikon AF-S VR 70-200mm f/2.8 lens
+ TC-17E II 1.7x teleconverter, handheld
1/800 sec, f/4.8, ISO 200
Nikon D300 DSLR Nikon AF-S VR 70-200mm f/2.8 lens
+ TC-17E II 1.7x teleconverter, handheld
1/500 sec, f/4.8, ISO 200
© Russell G. Campbell, 2011.
All rights reserved.
The Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) is another of the commonplace birds that don’t get enough respect. The fact that they are aggressive and can be a nuisance also doesn’t help their cause.
© Russell G. Campbell, 2011.
All rights reserved.
