outdoor photography

Northern Harrier This morning I got up early and went to Marl Bed Flats, hoping to see some new shorebirds. I had a great time.  I was hoping for a Pectoral Sandpiper, but instead I found my first of the year Solitary Sandpiper.  But my best photos were of a Northern Harrier that flew by pretty close to me and a Lesser Yellowlegs. Lesser Yellowlegs The biggest surprise was finding over 40 Black-necked Stilts, including some that were paired off. I'm very hopeful that some will stick around to breed here. Black-necked Stilts There were also many Barn Swallows and Tree Swallows here, and one Northern Rough-winged Swallow. As I'm sure you know (or can imagine), it's very hard to get nice sharp photos of swallows in flight.  The bottom photo, though, shows the swallow about to capture a bug of some sort. I would have liked to have it a little sharper with a clear view of its eye, and I'd love to have whatever but that is in focus, but I'm still happy with t...

Lake Jesup CA - East Tract This morning I went for a little while to the East Tract of the Lake Jesup Conservation Area. It was my first time visiting the area. It was a little difficult to find the trail head.  I walked to the observation tower and back.  It's a very pretty area.  I took a couple scenic shots along the trail as well as a shot from the observation tower. I didn't see anything too exciting, but it was fun to photograph an Eastern Phoebe, an American Robin, a Tree Swallow, and some White Ibises. Lake Jesup CA - East Tract Eastern Phoebe White Ibis Tree Swallow American Robin