March 31st 2021
| LOCATION: Location Code: ON200 | WEATHER: Damp start then brightened up, but cool |
| Starting today, I'm going to be a little more cautious giving out exact sighting locations, for several reasons, of which I won't go into at this time - I am therefore giving locations a code, which will identify that spot for my own use. I plan to do this for the 4 weeks, then re-evaluate. However if you would like to know where etc, then feel free to drop me a note, and providing I'm at liberty to divulge, then I can let you know (maybe). I drive past a certain pond on a fairly regular basis, and generally all the waterbirds are tucked along the back of the pond, but today a couple of species were close to the trail, allowing me a few clicks. Further along the same track I found a couple of Woodpeckers in the open (somewhat) so nice to find and photograph, especially the Northern Flicker as it's a FOY (First of year sighting) for me. I wish he had been a bit lower and a bit closer, but sometime we gotta take what we can get ... Right? |  |
Tip of the Day: Amongst other things, birds are incredibly sensitive to movement. To combat this, once you have found a good shooting spot, limit your movement, and only move around when necessary and when you do, move slowly and deliberately. Most birds also have colour vision, making them sensitive to bright lights and colours, so if possible wear natural earth tones.
March 30th 2021
| LOCATION: In and around Cambridge & North Dumfries | WEATHER: Sunny, but with very thin cloud, & warm (18C) |
Some days things just go to plan, and today was one of those days. Along with a fellow birder we dropped by a location known to have a Wilson's Snipe, so after setting up and scoping the area we spotted one up in a tree. First step on this occasion was to give a few short burst of their call - immediately after doing that the bird dropped down on the ground and wandered around giving us incredible shots for the next half hour. I should point out that persistent use of the call was not done .. In all the years I have been photographing birds, I can't remember a time when any bird was as persistent as this one. After a half hour or so I had to physically chase the bird to end the session... Incredible!!!
As always ... click on any image to show full size. Also by hovering your cursor over any image will provide a title
As always ... click on any image to show full size. Also by hovering your cursor over any image will provide a title
Tip of the Day: Use a wide aperture for individual birds to get a nice soft background, and for groups of birds select a smaller aperture for greater depth of field to get more birds in the group in focus
March 29th 2021
| LOCATION: In and around Hamilton | WEATHER: Mix of sun and cloud, but cool |
It was a little cooler today, but generally there were many signs of an impeding Spring - migrating birds arriving, birds moving into courting plumage and a few other signs. Highlight of my day was of a bold Eastern Meadowlark that seemed to be determined to get across the roadway I was (sitting in my car). I sat very still, with my camera/lens resting on the window ledge of my vehicle, and he just kept on coming closer and closer, until he was about 35 feet away, then pause for about 5 seconds or so, then turned around and flew off, but not before I had clicked off a few decent images, including the one below. The whole episode was not very quick and between spotting him and the eventual fly away, was probably 45 minutes plus ... so some patience was needed.
One of my favorite birding techniques is to explore back roads, driving along slowly, scanning treetops, along hedgerows and along the field horizons. It's amazing just how many times I spot movement or a shape or silhouette that ends up being a "target". Sometimes, of course, I end up seeing nothing and coming home empty handed, but sometimes I hit a jackpot (so to speak). The thing is ... if you don't go out then you are definitely going to have nothing to show for the day.
One of my favorite birding techniques is to explore back roads, driving along slowly, scanning treetops, along hedgerows and along the field horizons. It's amazing just how many times I spot movement or a shape or silhouette that ends up being a "target". Sometimes, of course, I end up seeing nothing and coming home empty handed, but sometimes I hit a jackpot (so to speak). The thing is ... if you don't go out then you are definitely going to have nothing to show for the day.
Tip of the Day: Get to know the bird you’re planning to photograph . Knowing about that bird's typical behavioral traits, will help you to predict movements or other things that will give you the edge in getting that killer shot.
March 27th 2021
| LOCATION: Col Sam Smith Park, Toronto | WEATHER: Cloudy, with a hint of mist |
The last time I visited Colonel Sam Smith Park, a week or two back, there was quite a lot of different ducks in the west bay, but today the numbers were way down, so not too many shots were taken. The predominant species there seemed to be Red-necked Grebes of which I wasn't too keen on, as I had many, many images the last time I was there, so more of pretty much the same images was overkill somewhat.
After a bit I drifted away, to attend to a call of nature, and while I was behind a tree - what popped up directly in front of me, but my first of the year sighting of a Golden-crowned Kinglet. I was instantly refocused and walked around that same area looking for the next hour or so, getting a couple of shots of this, my highlight of the day.
After a bit I drifted away, to attend to a call of nature, and while I was behind a tree - what popped up directly in front of me, but my first of the year sighting of a Golden-crowned Kinglet. I was instantly refocused and walked around that same area looking for the next hour or so, getting a couple of shots of this, my highlight of the day.
Tip of the Day: Lighting is the key to great photograph so it’s important to choose the right time of day for your shoot. For example, light in the late afternoon or early morning will add rich, warm colours and depth to your subject.
March 23rd - 25th 2021
| LOCATION: At home in Kitchener | WEATHER: Getting warmer - bright and sunny |
Things are pretty quiet right now, but I expect not for long - the warmer temperatures, with the accompanying south winds, will no doubt have lots of migrating new birds arriving at the local hot spots. In the meantime and because I had some stuff do around home, I set up a perch and did some shooting out of my dining room window, Of course, nothing too exciting showed up, but sometimes it's just as much fun shooting the common birds - I'm always fond of saying that I would much rather have a great image of a Chickadee than a crappy pic of a much rarer bird. Anyways no great shots of any Chickadees (although they were hanging around) but I was very happy with the visitors I did get.
Tip of the Day: When out shooting, try to remember to take both horizontal and vertical images. That way you can make a decision about the best shape when you are back at your computer.
March 21st 2021
| LOCATION: Grass Lake towards Paris | WEATHER: Continuing sunny, but cold 1st thing |
Today was a day that I only had an hour or so to spare, so I kept to one of my local areas, which today was the Grass Lake area. Quite a few birds around, and I could see the numbers of certain species were increasing - especially Robins & Killdeer.
Tip of the Day: The most important thing when photographing any living creature, including birds, is to focus on the eye that’s nearest to you. The eyes are the thing we first connect with, so the bird always seems generally sharper (even if some other parts of the body are out of focus). When we look at a bird photograph - it's very natural to look into their eyes.
March 20th 2021
| LOCATION: Flamborough to Burlington | WEATHER: Pure Sun |
It was an early start, but because the light was likely to get very harsh, very quickly, it seemed likely the best strategy. Get as much of the bird photographs in the can, before the light became too harsh. First stop was around Flamborough where the Bluebirds had been so cooperative the day before, but today they weren't too interested. I noticed that there was now an extra pair of birds at this location, so I tend to believe that because of the natural conflict between these two pairs, they were less interested in my vehicle parked near their nesting box.
Moving on we found a significant flock of Cedar Waxwings that were foraging along the side of the road.. feeding on some berries that they obviously found tasty. We found that they were very tolerant of us as we paced up and down this back road in and around where they were feeding, getting in shots when we could.
Moving on we found a significant flock of Cedar Waxwings that were foraging along the side of the road.. feeding on some berries that they obviously found tasty. We found that they were very tolerant of us as we paced up and down this back road in and around where they were feeding, getting in shots when we could.
Tip of the Day: You spot a bird and now you need to closer - Do it in small stages. All birds have a comfort zone. and beyond that they will tend to fly away, if they deem you to be a threat, so it’s a good idea to take a few ‘safety shots’ when you first start approaching your target. That way you’ll at least have something in the bag if the bird gets flushed. You can always crop the image later if this happens. From there, gradually edge closer, moving quietly and slowly, taking a few frames every few steps. With luck and patience, you’ll get some great shots much closer!
March 19th 2021
| LOCATION: Flamborough - Valens Road area | WEATHER: Clear Blue Sky |
The target this morning was Eastern Bluebirds, and so we headed to a spot that always seems to have a few at this time of year ie along Valens Road in the Flamborough area. A pair of these beauties were hanging around one of the nesting boxes so with very little encouragement from us, had them flying in and out. The main plan was to try and get some take-offs or possibly some coming to land shots, Capturing that perfect moment was extremely tricky, as they don't give any warning before launching off their perch - I initially tried with my finger hovering over the shutter button, then at the very first sign of movement, hitting the shutter at what I hoped was light speed, but they were always, always too fast for me. Plan B was to wait until they were on the perch then after several seconds of inactivity, starting rapid clicked the shutter button, and then eventually it would take off, during the rapid fire sequence - every now and then I would time it reasonably close and get a decent shot, but It was tricky I can tell you, and I ended with hundreds of shots that I ended up deleting.
Tip of the Day: Using your vehicle as a blind can be very effective. Birds and other wildlife have become accustomed to the many vehicles on the roads today. As a result, they tend to be more passive around vehicles than seeing a person on foot. I tend to chose quiet roads (I prefer gravel roads as they are less travelled). So Driving along very slowly will often allow you to get closer to birds and other wildlife near the roads.
March 17th 2021
| LOCATION: Toronto - Sam Smith then Humber East | WEATHER: Cloudy then opened up with some sun |
Driving into Toronto is one of my least favorite places to go - not because the birding isn't good, but because the traffic is insane and I'm sure my blood pressure goes wild during these visits. However, todays visit was really good with lots of water birds around and some of them quite close., so it certainly made up for the discomfort I endured getting there and getting back.
First stop was Col Sam Smith Park where we found and photographed a few Red-breasted Mergansers, Common Goldeneyes, Long-tailed Ducks & Buffleheads. Most of the birds were located at the west beach area.
Next stop was Humber Bay East, which is only 10 mins from Colonel Sams, so not too much of a drive, and as I found out, well worth the visit. Sightings and photographed Lesser Scaup, more Buffleheads, Redheads and the star of the show were a few pairs of Red-necked Grebes, that were in a romantic mood, so I was able to witness and record some of their antics ... awesome !!
Tip of the Day: Just as humans have daily schedules, birds also have daily patterns for feeding, roosting, and other activities. Learning those patterns of behavior can help birders and photographers learn when best to see birds.
As always ... click on any image to show full size. Also by hovering your cursor over any image will provide a title
First stop was Col Sam Smith Park where we found and photographed a few Red-breasted Mergansers, Common Goldeneyes, Long-tailed Ducks & Buffleheads. Most of the birds were located at the west beach area.
Next stop was Humber Bay East, which is only 10 mins from Colonel Sams, so not too much of a drive, and as I found out, well worth the visit. Sightings and photographed Lesser Scaup, more Buffleheads, Redheads and the star of the show were a few pairs of Red-necked Grebes, that were in a romantic mood, so I was able to witness and record some of their antics ... awesome !!
Tip of the Day: Just as humans have daily schedules, birds also have daily patterns for feeding, roosting, and other activities. Learning those patterns of behavior can help birders and photographers learn when best to see birds.
As always ... click on any image to show full size. Also by hovering your cursor over any image will provide a title
March 16th 2021
| LOCATION: Burlington | WEATHER: Cloudy & dull, and chilly :( |
Original plan was to stay at home, but when I saw that it was dull and going to stay that way for the rest of the day, I headed out, not wanting to waste the type of days I love for photography. See Tip below ..
The other day when I was at La Salle the sun was so fierce, and the direction it was coming from (out in the lake at 90deg towards shore) so photography was pretty much impossible along the shore, so we didn't even try that day. This morning though it was much better, so amongst other things I headed along the boardwalk to see if I could find a Winter Wren, and/or maybe a Carolina Wren. Almost immediately one of the Winter Wrens popped up and gave me quite a show - hopping around on logs and fallen branches, making getting a few keeper shots quite easy. Winter Wrens have been at this same spot for many years, and I can't remember a time when there wasn't one. I suppose being that he hangs out next to the boardwalk, has given him less fear of humans.
I dropped by Valley Inn and was quite pleased to see that as well as lots of Gadwall there was also a few Northern Shovelers - the males are so dynamic looking, and so I popped off a few shots, but as you can see from the frame below, based on the unfortunate shooting distance, not razer sharp. These guys have an oversized and uniquely shaped beak, that they use to strain the water for crustaceans when feeding.
TIP of the Day: With sunnier weather upon us, lots of you are out there photographing birds in the bright sun. To be honest the bright sun is my LEAST favorite light for avian photography - I much prefer cloudy days or if I really have to - shoot in the shade. The problem is the harsh shadows & the intense highlights. However if you are out in the sun shooting then point your shadow at the bird. That means that the sun should be coming right over the top of your head. Working no more than 15 degrees off sun angle can be effective if you are careful about how the sunlight hits the bird’s face. And that has everything to do with opening your eyes with regards to head angle.
The other day when I was at La Salle the sun was so fierce, and the direction it was coming from (out in the lake at 90deg towards shore) so photography was pretty much impossible along the shore, so we didn't even try that day. This morning though it was much better, so amongst other things I headed along the boardwalk to see if I could find a Winter Wren, and/or maybe a Carolina Wren. Almost immediately one of the Winter Wrens popped up and gave me quite a show - hopping around on logs and fallen branches, making getting a few keeper shots quite easy. Winter Wrens have been at this same spot for many years, and I can't remember a time when there wasn't one. I suppose being that he hangs out next to the boardwalk, has given him less fear of humans.
I dropped by Valley Inn and was quite pleased to see that as well as lots of Gadwall there was also a few Northern Shovelers - the males are so dynamic looking, and so I popped off a few shots, but as you can see from the frame below, based on the unfortunate shooting distance, not razer sharp. These guys have an oversized and uniquely shaped beak, that they use to strain the water for crustaceans when feeding.
TIP of the Day: With sunnier weather upon us, lots of you are out there photographing birds in the bright sun. To be honest the bright sun is my LEAST favorite light for avian photography - I much prefer cloudy days or if I really have to - shoot in the shade. The problem is the harsh shadows & the intense highlights. However if you are out in the sun shooting then point your shadow at the bird. That means that the sun should be coming right over the top of your head. Working no more than 15 degrees off sun angle can be effective if you are careful about how the sunlight hits the bird’s face. And that has everything to do with opening your eyes with regards to head angle.
March 14th 2021
| LOCATION: Flamborough area, then North Dumfries | WEATHER: Sun and cloud, but still cool (around 0c) |
Based on yesterdays file transfer calamity, I was pretty anxious to to get some images, so that I could test the process and verify things were back to normal. The good news is that the shots that I took seem to be OK, so I'm a happy camper.
My outing was twofold - a) I wanted to get back to where the Red-shouldered Hawk was yesterday and see if I could get another chance, but sadly I never saw it. ... and b) see what I could find in Flambourough and and in North Dumfries. One of the highlight was that a Pileated Woodpecker flew over me while I was stopped, so I watched where it seemed to land, and then followed it to that same general area, then ... waited & hoped. Eventually it drifted close, so I was able to get a few clicks, but they were at quite a distance, but if the R5 has one large advantage is it's ability to handle distant shots and the subsequent large crops.
Another highlight was the sighting of a small flock of Brown-headed Cowbirds, which were a "first of year" for me, so a step closer to spring ...
Sightings between Flamborough and North Dumfries were ... Brown-headed Cowbirds, Eastern Bluebirds, Eastern Meadowlarks, Pileated Woodpecker, Brown Creeper, Horned Larks, Tundra Swans, Trumpeter Swans, Hooded Mergansers, and a few of the more common ones in there too :)
My outing was twofold - a) I wanted to get back to where the Red-shouldered Hawk was yesterday and see if I could get another chance, but sadly I never saw it. ... and b) see what I could find in Flambourough and and in North Dumfries. One of the highlight was that a Pileated Woodpecker flew over me while I was stopped, so I watched where it seemed to land, and then followed it to that same general area, then ... waited & hoped. Eventually it drifted close, so I was able to get a few clicks, but they were at quite a distance, but if the R5 has one large advantage is it's ability to handle distant shots and the subsequent large crops.
Another highlight was the sighting of a small flock of Brown-headed Cowbirds, which were a "first of year" for me, so a step closer to spring ...
Sightings between Flamborough and North Dumfries were ... Brown-headed Cowbirds, Eastern Bluebirds, Eastern Meadowlarks, Pileated Woodpecker, Brown Creeper, Horned Larks, Tundra Swans, Trumpeter Swans, Hooded Mergansers, and a few of the more common ones in there too :)
March 13th 2021
| LOCATION: Flamborough | WEATHER: Sunny, but cold (-10C at one point) |
OK today my entry is going to be without any images, even though I snapped off over 200. We did a short run around some of the back roads south and west of Highway6 close to the 401, and managed to find a few cooperative birds including a few Eastern Meadowlarks, Horned larks and several Bluebirds, at different spots. Prize sighting was a Red-shouldered Hawk that, although it was a tad distant, a pretty exciting moment just the same. We fired of half a dozen frames before it took off and left us standing there with our jaws hanging open.
I mentioned no images, and I know some of them would be very much in the keeper pile, but after transferring the files from my memory card to an external hard drive, that I use to store this years images, and finally importing the same images into Lightroom. I found at this point that the images, although I could see them on LR, they were blurry and unclear, as if they were still loading. Somewhere in the transference process my files were cornuted - either because my memory card was somehow faulty/corrupt (although the images looked great on the camera), or I transferred to a bad sector on the external hard drive, or LR itself was somehow at fault (I have had trouble with LR locking up occasionally) . Either way the files, even after a few futile attempts at trying to fix the images, I was left with 200+ images that were useless.
Here is where I learned a valuable lesson ..... I have always transferred files from my memory card, using the Cut and Paste technique and having done that the files were committed, and gone from the memory card. What I should have done, and will definitely be doing going forward, is to Copy and Paste .. at least that way, should something go amiss during transfer, than at least I still have the originals, and be able to try again or read from the card instead.
As a precaution I also re-formatted the card and did a few test shots and all seems to be OK. But I'm really annoyed about that Red-shouldered .... valuable lesson indeed, so my my advice to anybody reading this, is to be aware. Happy Shooting :)
I mentioned no images, and I know some of them would be very much in the keeper pile, but after transferring the files from my memory card to an external hard drive, that I use to store this years images, and finally importing the same images into Lightroom. I found at this point that the images, although I could see them on LR, they were blurry and unclear, as if they were still loading. Somewhere in the transference process my files were cornuted - either because my memory card was somehow faulty/corrupt (although the images looked great on the camera), or I transferred to a bad sector on the external hard drive, or LR itself was somehow at fault (I have had trouble with LR locking up occasionally) . Either way the files, even after a few futile attempts at trying to fix the images, I was left with 200+ images that were useless.
Here is where I learned a valuable lesson ..... I have always transferred files from my memory card, using the Cut and Paste technique and having done that the files were committed, and gone from the memory card. What I should have done, and will definitely be doing going forward, is to Copy and Paste .. at least that way, should something go amiss during transfer, than at least I still have the originals, and be able to try again or read from the card instead.
As a precaution I also re-formatted the card and did a few test shots and all seems to be OK. But I'm really annoyed about that Red-shouldered .... valuable lesson indeed, so my my advice to anybody reading this, is to be aware. Happy Shooting :)
March 12th 2021
| LOCATION: Burlington, and at home | WEATHER: Bright and sunny, but a tad cooler |
With migration getting underway, and with the bay at La Salle Marina in Burlington, generally ice free, we headed down with a few fingers crossed, hoping for some decent shots. La Salle did have a few interesting species around, but they were either too far out, or tight to the facing sun, making shots impractical. The American Coot (one of 4) we were able to get with our backs to the sun (almost) so the the shots we locked on to were OK, but in this kind of light they weren't perfect.
While in the area we dropped by the ponds at Valley Inn, but anything that was around was a bit far out, so I personally never fired off one shot. I could see a few Buffleheads, Mergansers, Widgeon, Gadwall, Scaup, Mallards, and a few others that is not coming to me. While there we a had a flight of Tundra Swans fly over, and most interestingly, the V-formation also included 8 or 9 Canada Geese, so something I hadn't seen before.
From here we dropped the Gates of Heaven Cemetery where we almost immediately saw a Northern Shrike, but it stayed too far off for a shot, but a Killdeer stopped by and was bold enough to allow me to get quite close, so for me this was the shot of the day.
While in the area we dropped by the ponds at Valley Inn, but anything that was around was a bit far out, so I personally never fired off one shot. I could see a few Buffleheads, Mergansers, Widgeon, Gadwall, Scaup, Mallards, and a few others that is not coming to me. While there we a had a flight of Tundra Swans fly over, and most interestingly, the V-formation also included 8 or 9 Canada Geese, so something I hadn't seen before.
From here we dropped the Gates of Heaven Cemetery where we almost immediately saw a Northern Shrike, but it stayed too far off for a shot, but a Killdeer stopped by and was bold enough to allow me to get quite close, so for me this was the shot of the day.
March 9th 2021
| LOCATION: Port Rowan | WEATHER: Hazy sun and mild |
Another trip to the Long Point area was hard to resist after the trip we had over the weekend. It looked like there were fewer birds around, but still pretty impressive numbers in the fields next to Highway 59. Highlights were some great opportunities with the incoming flights of Sandhill Cranes, and also the passing through flights of Tundra Swans.
On the way back I stopped at a woodlot just off the highway, and was delighted to see and photograph a couple of Brown Creepers, which were a "first of year" for me.
On the way back I stopped at a woodlot just off the highway, and was delighted to see and photograph a couple of Brown Creepers, which were a "first of year" for me.
March 8th 2021
| LOCATION: Kitchener (home) | WEATHER: Mix of sun and cloud, and mild |
Today I decided to stock up the feeders and do a little back yard shooting. Nothing very exciting came by to have a snack, but it was entertaining nonetheless.
Species: Starling, Grackle, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, House Finch, Chickadees, Mourning Doves, Dark-eyed Juncos, House Sparrows, Red-breasted Nuthatch
Species: Starling, Grackle, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, House Finch, Chickadees, Mourning Doves, Dark-eyed Juncos, House Sparrows, Red-breasted Nuthatch
March 6th 2021
| LOCATION: Long Point | WEATHER: Cold start (-8C) but warmed up + sunny |
When it comes to seeing & photographing Sandhill Cranes, it doesn't come better than this. We arrived at Port Rowan around 6:45 am after an eventful drive down down from KW. The sunrise was spectacular - The location just at the bridge of the Big Creek inlet never fails to inspire me - The view from the bridge at sunrise is amazing, and it was worth the visit down for that view alone. However the main reason for our trip down was to see and photograph the over-wintering Sandhill Cranes that number in their countless thousands in and around the area.
We found one spot along the river that had a few thousand birds -it was amazing, and certainly the largest group of individuals I have ever seen in one spot. The image below is but a fraction of the total view. It seemed that every field in around 59, and the adjacent side roads had a flock of a few hundred birds - truly awesome !!!
I mentioned that the trip down was eventful, and it certainly put a dampener on the whole outing. About 20mins from Port Rowan on Highway 59 a deer ran out from what seemed to be nowhere, and even although I braked and swerved, we made contact (heavily) and sad to say that the poor creature was killed. The car suffered some front fender damage, and will need a bit of $$$ to put right. The whole episode put a huge dampener on the day.
We found one spot along the river that had a few thousand birds -it was amazing, and certainly the largest group of individuals I have ever seen in one spot. The image below is but a fraction of the total view. It seemed that every field in around 59, and the adjacent side roads had a flock of a few hundred birds - truly awesome !!!
I mentioned that the trip down was eventful, and it certainly put a dampener on the whole outing. About 20mins from Port Rowan on Highway 59 a deer ran out from what seemed to be nowhere, and even although I braked and swerved, we made contact (heavily) and sad to say that the poor creature was killed. The car suffered some front fender damage, and will need a bit of $$$ to put right. The whole episode put a huge dampener on the day.
