outdoor photography

Saltmarsh Sparorw This past Saturday I decided to visit Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. I haven't been here in forever. I've spent most of my time in Orange and Seminole Counties, so it was very nice to return to MINWR. I was hoping to add some birds to my year list and collect some better photographs of birds that are around here this time of year. Shiloh Marsh I began at sunrise at Shiloh Marsh, hoping for Clapper Rails and Sharp-tailed Sparrows; they're very common here this time of year, and you're pretty sure to see them if you get out on the marsh as the sun is rising.  I saw all three species, but I was only able to photograph Saltmarsh Sparrows; I only saw one Nelson's Sparrow, and it was being too uncooperative. Saltmarsh Sparrow Saltmarsh Sparorw Saltmarsh Sparrow I couldn't believe how many Saltmarsh Sparrows there were, though.  My conservative estimate is 8 (they move under cover so well, it's possible that I saw th...

Saltmarsh Sparrow Ammodramus Sparrows are beautiful sparrows.  It's my favorite genus of sparrows, and perhaps my favorite of any group of birds.  I think they're absolutely gorgeous birds, and many of them are tough to find.  Saltmarsh Sparrows are the last Ammodramus sparrow that occurs in Florida that I've photographed. Such beautiful birds! Saltmarsh Sparrow The easiest place I know of to find this species is at Shiloh Marsh, which is the northern part of Merritt Island NWR in Volusia County.  They occur here along with Nelson's Sparrows. Two of the most beautiful sparrows I've ever seen in the same spot. Saltmarsh Sparrow Saltmarsh Sparrow

Sedge Wren This past Saturday I went to the Shiloh area of Merritt Island looking for a  Scissor-tailed Flycatcher . I arrived just as the sun was rising, and there were many sparrows and wrens active by the gravel road just before and at the parking lot.  I was able to photograph a couple Sedge Wrens.  All my photographs of these two birds were taken at around ISO 2000, and thankfully some of them were sharp.  These are my first sharp photos of this rather secretive bird. Sedge Wrens can look similar to Marsh Wrens, but Sedge Wrens have a relatively indistinct eye-stripe and a streaked crown, plus an overall lighter appearance. Sedge Wren

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher I finally found one of my all-time favorite birds in Florida.  I've seen these in Texas before, but never here.  But one was seen yesterday in the Shiloh area of Merritt Island, so I went out there. Sure enough, it was right where others had seen it the day before.  The above picture is my favorite, and the one below is my first look at the bird.  Thankfully he came out from hiding to get his picture taken. If you've never seen one before, take a gander at that tail--it's ridiculous! I'm sure you can see why it's one of my all-time favorite birds. Scissor-tailed Flycatcher