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Birds > philseu  > Nature > my favorite bird pictures
I will be adding pictures to this gallery as they come along. I welcome any comments, especially factual corrections.

Phil

svsophie@hotmail.com
Gallery pages:  1  2  >  
< 1 of 16 >
philseu > Western Snowy Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus). These are endangered and the subject of conservation efforts along the California coast. One will see roped off areas at public beaches which mark the areas they lay and incubate eggs. However, they do have to venture out towards the water where their food supply is. Most are fairly skittish but this one stood just long enough for this picture. I was lying with my lens just inches from the sand to get this low perspective. Original file size is 8.9 MP
philseu > Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus). These birds tend to utilize open fields and prairies and can be seen hunting close to the ground in the hours close to sunset. Due to continued loss of habitat, their numbers are progressively declining and they have been listed as threatened in several states. I first saw this bird flying over open grassland in Northern California and was able to photograph it over several late afternoons before it moved on. The photographic challenges were that it almost always showed up close to dark, and flew very quickly and close to the ground which made focusing difficult. It is not technically a very good picture, but I like the pose and the illustrative foreground. Original file size is 7.4 MP.
philseu > Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). The American Bald Eagle is considered by many a conservation "success story". It was listed as Endangered in most of the lower 48 states following passage of the Endangered Species Act of 1973. With recovery of its numbers, the Bald Eagle was delisted from the Threatened status in June of 2007 but continues to be protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. This bird has a natural presence in every State except Hawaii and is most numerous in Alaska. Though its recovery has been encouraging, continued monitoring is essential to assure a secure future for our national bird. This picture was taken in Alaska in March 2008. It was an amazing experience to be able to observe these birds from a fairly close distance. I have many images from that trip but I like this one for the bird's posture, the position of its talons, and the canvas-like background of the image. Fill-flash was used to help bring out details in the dark feathers. Original file size is 5.1 MP
philseu > Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias). (not sure what species the fish is). This is the largest heron in North America with a wingspan of up to 72 inches and common in many states. When they are intently fishing they tend to stay focused on the fish and one can get fairly close without disturbing them. I wish the head was turned more towards me, but otherwise I like the sharpness of the picture as well as the water drops and fishing action. Others have commented that they like the fact that both eyes are in focus in the picture. Original file size is 8.2 MP
philseu > Green Jay (Cyanocorax yncas) These birds are considered tropical and in the US, are only found in Southern Texas. They are often seen in brushy areas near water sources. The numerous colors and the long tail are fairly distinctive. Green Jays feed on seeds and insects. They nest in small trees or bushes and usually lay three to five eggs. I liked how the background compliments the color of the birds and they way this bird appears to be looking directly into the camera. Original file is 10.6 MP
philseu > Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus) This is a member of the cuckoo family seen throughout the Southwestern US. It is a fairly large bird that tends to run rather than fly. Its coloring is very distinctive and its large heavy bill aids in capturing insects, lizards, snakes and even small mammals. It can reportedly run up to 15 MPH if sufficiently startled. This is an uncropped image with flash which I think shows the details well. I also like the background colors. Original image size is 12 MP.
philseu > Black-necked Stilt Chick. (Himantus mexicanus) Black-necked Stilts are are common along both US coasts as well as the Gulf of Mexico and some western inland states. Breeding season is April throught August. They build nests on the ground near water and usually lay 3-4 eggs and the incubation period is 22-25 days. I saw this chick foraging with several other chicks as well as adults. The image was made close to sunset which results in the rich colors and the details seen in the downy feathers. I also like how one can see the disproportionate legs on this chick. Original image size is 8.2 MP.
philseu > Harris's Hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus). This is a medium-sized hawk found in Arizona, New Mexico and parts of south and west Texas. It can be distinguished from other similar-sized hawks by the reddish rust coloring in the shoulder and thigh feathers. They can sometimes be seen hunting in pairs and the mostly eat small mammals. Raptors are just cool birds. They are majestic and have a presence to them and being able to get fairly close to a wild one is very exciting. I liked the stare captured in this photograph, as well as the details on the feathers and talons. The background is out of focus enough to not be too distracting. Original image is 12 MP.
philseu > my favorite bird pictures photo
Western Snowy Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus).

These are endangered and the subject of conservation efforts along the California coast. One will see roped off areas at public beaches which mark the areas they lay and incubate eggs. However, they do have to venture out towards the water where their food supply is. Most are fairly skittish but this one stood just long enough for this picture. I was lying with my lens just inches from the sand to get this low perspective.

Original file size is 8.9 MP
> Western Snowy Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus). These are endangered and the subject of conservation efforts along the California coast. One will see roped off areas at public beaches which mark the areas they lay and incubate eggs. However, they do have to venture out towards the water where their food supply is. Most are fairly skittish but this one stood just long enough for this picture. I was lying with my lens just inches from the sand to get this low perspective. Original file size is 8.9 MP
Western Snowy Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus).

These are endangered and the subject of conservation efforts along the California coast. One will see roped off areas at public beaches which mark the areas they lay and incubate eggs. However, they do have to venture out towards the water where their food supply is. Most are fairly skittish but this one stood just long enough for this picture. I was lying with my lens just inches from the sand to get this low perspective.

Original file size is 8.9 MP
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Keywords: charadrius alexandrinus nivosus western snowy plover
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