You'd think that dogs are a detriment to photographing wildlife, and that is often the case, indeed. This time around, however, they found me this male grouse (presumably) doing a mating dance. I've managed to capture several worthwhile images: this one is his portrait.
He proceeded to hop into thick brush where he scared and began chasing a rather reluctant female. How the story ended I don't know: a massive thunderstorm forced me to return home.
I've had an unanticipated opportunity to observe a group of pelicans (alas, from afar) while I was visiting central Canada. They actively fished near a dam-turned-miniature-waterfall that, evidently, provided a decent haul. Below is one of the series which I'm currently processing.
During the rain season (which has come back with full force a month late here in the mountains), there are entire miniature ecosystems where water collects into small temporary ponds. Mallards are their most obvious inhabitants, but so are ringed plovers, countless black birds, snakes.
Having built a nest over the door, this robin brought good luck to this house. Now I just need to ensure that I don't miss the arrival of her babies. After all, who doesn't like photographing tiny thing?
Unlike all those regal corvids like crows, small birds are quite difficult to photograph. They move rapidly and sporadically. This means that the second I adjust the manual focus on my telephoto lens in hopes of getting an image, they are nowhere to be found. I'm not even thinking about composition! Of course, actually capturing a few shots of one of the reasons for my frustration turns into a small triumph.
This little character, I suspect, is a dark-eyed junco. I'm no expert on identifying birds, so I learn as I go along.
This mallard seemed to be enjoying the sunset as much as the humans on the shore.
Does anyone know what time it is?
That's right: it's time to post another beautiful corvid—this one being from Ueno park—made all the more striking in black-and-white silhouette form.
If this specimen were featured in Aesop's fable, it would outsmart the fox!
Here is one tiny, but striking reason not to listen to loud music out on a walk (sorry, Japanese rock!).
I wouldn't have noticed this red-winged black bird amidst all the tall grass had it not been for its loud call of the mating variety, I think. The bird spread its wings to reveal the bright red "shoulder pads" every time it did so.
Here are some of the images I've captured.
Sure, they're no ravens or eagles (wink!), but waterbirds—and their colorful reflections—could look quite aesthetically pleasing, too.
This one is from the Ueno Park:
