David McDonald Photography
Friendswood Texas
February 29, 2008
Bulletin #28 – winter birds Houston area #4
Hello friends,
Each winter, I seem to have an unusual bird or two in my yard. Last year it was a Hermit Thrush that stayed all winter. This was the first time I had seen this bird in Texas! This year so far, the most unusual sighting was a male Purple Finch (Carpodacus purpureus). Again, this is a first for my yard and I think the first time I have seen this bird in Texas. He was on the feeder outside my kitchen window one morning as I was leaving for work. I grabbed my camera with 300mm lens and got several photos through the kitchen window. Then I got my big lens and tripod and went outside to get clearer photos, but he was gone and never seen again.
Peterson describes this bird as a ‘sparrow dipped in raspberry juice’. It is purplish all over with an unstreaked breast.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/92940498 click ‘next’ once
Another common yard bird in winter is the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius). As well as eating sap and insects, they also take fruit. I had a female in my yard last winter that I managed to photograph on numerous occasions. Most photographs of woodpeckers show the bird vertically on a tree trunk, so I was delighted to get this bird in various other locations. One of the most comical was watching her eat berries from a hackberry tree. She would land at the end of a branch and then flip upside down to reach a berry.
These 3 photos are consecutive, about 1/3 second interval. The first is upright, the second going over backwards, and the last with a berry in her beak while completely upside down.
http://www.pbase.com/image/92940674/original click ‘next’ twice
One of the ducks that has eluded me until this winter is the common Green-winged Teal (Anas carolinensis). This is its split name on the IOC world bird list. It was split from Eurasian (Common) Teal (Anas crecca) by IOC but it hasn’t been recognized yet here in the USA.
The sleeping male in photo #1 has bright brown head with green racing stripe. The female in the second photo is brown with green wing patch.
http://www.pbase.com/image/93551909/large press ‘next’ once
Greater White-fronted Geese (Anser albifrons) also winter in Texas. They are beige and white, but have a white line around the bill. In addition, the black markings on the belly are visible in the photo. Hunters call this bird ‘speckle belly’.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/93551959
I found this Vesper Sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus) on an organized field trip in January. It is a typical brown sparrow with streaked breast. However, the identifying markings are the distinct white eye-ring and white edges on the tail.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/93551982
Lastly, the huge White Pelican winters along the Texas coast. They are very tame and will come right up to you for fish scraps etc The Texas City dike is a great place to see these beautiful birds as fisherman are cleaning their catch and feeding them the entrails.
The first shows a bird preening and the second shows a close-up of a bird with a corneal scar on its right eye. I saw that this bird had an abnormal eye color and was able to get a photo. Fortunately, it appears that he still has some clear cornea left so it isn’t likely to be totally blind in that eye. As a physician, I’m interested in these medical problems or injuries in wildlife when I find them.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/93552455 click ‘next’ once
I birded on New years Day and the weather was warm (60s) but windy. I found a new butterfly at High Island to start 2008. I have since had this butterfly in my backyard.
This is the Cloudless Sulphur (Phoebes sennae). This butterfly is yellow with open wings and more greenish with wings folded. He has reddish or rusty spots. He landed on this wild grape vine that was an identical color to him.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/93552623 click ‘next’ once
All comments and suggestions are welcomed and appreciated.
Happy birding and photography,
David McDonald
davidkmcd@comcast.net
photos copyright 2006 - 2008 David McDonald
Friday, February 29, 2008
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Bulletin #27 - Houston winter birds #3
David McDonald Photography
Friendswood Texas
February 13, 2008
Bulletin #27 – winter birds Houston area #3
Hello friends,
There are a few more waterfowl to complete the photos I have taken the last 2 winters.
These 2 ducks were also photographed in Hermann Park in downtown Houston, but last tear.
This male Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) is a stunning bird. The dark brown head with vertical white stripe in distinctive.
http://www.pbase.com/image/92928311 click ‘next’ once
The male Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris) has a purple head, mostly white body, yellow eye and blue and white beak. The ring on the neck is seldom seen! It is brown and the second photo with his neck extended shows this. The female in the 3rd photo is mostly brown with grayish head, white eye ring and yellow eye.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/92928564 click ‘next’ twice
The Long-billed Curlew (Numenius americanus) at 23” length is one of the larger members of the sandpiper family. Curlews all have downcurved bills. This bird has warm brown plumage and 2 toned bill.
http://www.pbase.com/image/92928758 click ‘next’ once
The Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis)is a stately bird at almost 4 feet tall. They breed in northern USA and Canada and winter in the south. This bird was photographed at Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge, southeast of Houston. The bird is gray with a red crown and wash of rusty color on body.
The second photo shows a crane in flight. Cranes always fly wit their necks extended.
http://www.pbase.com/image/92929019 click ‘next’ once
An unusual Houston visitor this winter was a male Calliope Hummingbird (Stellula calliope). At 3.25 inches in length, it is the smallest bird in North America. It normally lives in the western USA, but this one showed up in someone’s yard in northwest Houston and I was able to visit and photograph the bird. This was a lifer for me. It has a distinctive striped throat. The red throat feathers look black without any light on them.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/92929368 click ‘next’ once
On a visit to Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife refuge 50 miles west of Houston, I saw my first Bison (Buffalo) outside of a zoo. They have established a small herd on this refuge. It was an exciting discovery for me.
http://www.pbase.com/image/92929563/large click ’next’ once
All comments and suggestions are welcomed and appreciated.
Happy birding and photography,
David McDonald
davidkmcd@comcast.net
photos copyright 2007 - 2008 David McDonald
Friendswood Texas
February 13, 2008
Bulletin #27 – winter birds Houston area #3
Hello friends,
There are a few more waterfowl to complete the photos I have taken the last 2 winters.
These 2 ducks were also photographed in Hermann Park in downtown Houston, but last tear.
This male Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) is a stunning bird. The dark brown head with vertical white stripe in distinctive.
http://www.pbase.com/image/92928311 click ‘next’ once
The male Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris) has a purple head, mostly white body, yellow eye and blue and white beak. The ring on the neck is seldom seen! It is brown and the second photo with his neck extended shows this. The female in the 3rd photo is mostly brown with grayish head, white eye ring and yellow eye.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/92928564 click ‘next’ twice
The Long-billed Curlew (Numenius americanus) at 23” length is one of the larger members of the sandpiper family. Curlews all have downcurved bills. This bird has warm brown plumage and 2 toned bill.
http://www.pbase.com/image/92928758 click ‘next’ once
The Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis)is a stately bird at almost 4 feet tall. They breed in northern USA and Canada and winter in the south. This bird was photographed at Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge, southeast of Houston. The bird is gray with a red crown and wash of rusty color on body.
The second photo shows a crane in flight. Cranes always fly wit their necks extended.
http://www.pbase.com/image/92929019 click ‘next’ once
An unusual Houston visitor this winter was a male Calliope Hummingbird (Stellula calliope). At 3.25 inches in length, it is the smallest bird in North America. It normally lives in the western USA, but this one showed up in someone’s yard in northwest Houston and I was able to visit and photograph the bird. This was a lifer for me. It has a distinctive striped throat. The red throat feathers look black without any light on them.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/92929368 click ‘next’ once
On a visit to Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife refuge 50 miles west of Houston, I saw my first Bison (Buffalo) outside of a zoo. They have established a small herd on this refuge. It was an exciting discovery for me.
http://www.pbase.com/image/92929563/large click ’next’ once
All comments and suggestions are welcomed and appreciated.
Happy birding and photography,
David McDonald
davidkmcd@comcast.net
photos copyright 2007 - 2008 David McDonald
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Bulletin #26 - Houston winter birds #2 - ducks
David McDonald Photography
Friendswood Texas
February 5, 2008
Bulletin #26 – winter birds Houston area #2 - ducks
Hello friends,
As expected some people preferred the original format, so I will include the pictures and also post them to my Pbase web site with the links. Hopefully everyone will be happy!
Hermann Park in downtown Houston has a large pond and thus is a great location for waterfowl. Many species winter here along with some year round residents and of course the domesticated varieties.
The following photos were taken in this park Jan. 26, 2008.
The first is the Wood Duck (Aix sponsa). The drake with his long crest and vibrant colors is the most beautiful waterfowl in North America. The female is drab gray and brown, but has a large white eye-ring.
http://www.pbase.com/image/92627965 click next once
The Cinnamon Teal (Anas cyanoptera)is a small bright brown duck. There was a pair of males in the pond, but no females.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/92627998
The male American Widgeon (Anas americana) has a white central head stripe and is called ‘baldpate’ by hunters. There is a green stripe behind the
eye.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/92628057
The male Gadwall (Anas strepera) is drab brown, but has a black tail, and white wing patches.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/92628001
The male Redhead (Aythya americana) is appropriately named. The female is dull brown with warmer brown head.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/92628017 click next once
The Fulvous Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna bicolor) is a long-necked duck with brown plumage and large white wing patches and a white tail that is seen in the second photo. This is a resident duck in Houston.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/92628020 click next once
The Black-bellied Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna autumnalis) is a permanent resident and breeder in Hermann Park. It is beautiful with black belly, dark brown body and pink beak and legs. I took these photos last winter.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/92628028 click next once
All comments and suggestions are welcomed and appreciated.
Happy birding and photography,
David McDonald
davidkmcd@comcast.net
photos copyright 2007 - 2008 David McDonald
Friendswood Texas
February 5, 2008
Bulletin #26 – winter birds Houston area #2 - ducks
Hello friends,
As expected some people preferred the original format, so I will include the pictures and also post them to my Pbase web site with the links. Hopefully everyone will be happy!
Hermann Park in downtown Houston has a large pond and thus is a great location for waterfowl. Many species winter here along with some year round residents and of course the domesticated varieties.
The following photos were taken in this park Jan. 26, 2008.
The first is the Wood Duck (Aix sponsa). The drake with his long crest and vibrant colors is the most beautiful waterfowl in North America. The female is drab gray and brown, but has a large white eye-ring.
http://www.pbase.com/image/92627965 click next once
The Cinnamon Teal (Anas cyanoptera)is a small bright brown duck. There was a pair of males in the pond, but no females.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/92627998
The male American Widgeon (Anas americana) has a white central head stripe and is called ‘baldpate’ by hunters. There is a green stripe behind the
eye.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/92628057
The male Gadwall (Anas strepera) is drab brown, but has a black tail, and white wing patches.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/92628001
The male Redhead (Aythya americana) is appropriately named. The female is dull brown with warmer brown head.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/92628017 click next once
The Fulvous Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna bicolor) is a long-necked duck with brown plumage and large white wing patches and a white tail that is seen in the second photo. This is a resident duck in Houston.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/92628020 click next once
The Black-bellied Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna autumnalis) is a permanent resident and breeder in Hermann Park. It is beautiful with black belly, dark brown body and pink beak and legs. I took these photos last winter.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/92628028 click next once
All comments and suggestions are welcomed and appreciated.
Happy birding and photography,
David McDonald
davidkmcd@comcast.net
photos copyright 2007 - 2008 David McDonald
Friday, January 18, 2008
Bulletin #25 - Houston winter birds #1
David McDonald Photography
Friendswood Texas
January 18, 2008
Bulletin #25 – winter birds Houston area #1
Hello friends,
Because of the problems of dropped images in the previous bulletins, I decided to get a Pbase web site to store the photos, and just put the links in with the text.
You can read the text and click on the images or just scroll through the images by using the previous/next buttons on the right upper side of the photo page.
Please let me know if you like this format.
I have made a few birding outings since Christmas and managed to find several good birds as well as get better photos of others.
On the Katy prairie west of Houston, there was reported a female Pyrrhuloxia (Cardinalis sinuatis). I saw this bird for the first time in the Rio Grande valley in October, but was unable get any photographs. This bird stays in the exact same spot and I found her readily and got a number of good pictures. It is a close cousin of the common Northern Cardinal, but differs in being basic gray, with a red crest and red periorbital area. The beak is yellow rather than orange in the N. Cardinal.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/91825044
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/91825046
Also in the same location, I got photos of 2 sparrows.
The first is Harris’s Sparrow (Zonotrichia querula). This was only my second sighting ever of this bird. This is a large sparrow with white breast, black bib and head, and pink bill making ID very easy for a sparrow. The first photo is on the Houston Audubon Society(HAS) web site.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/91825076
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/91825078
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/91825081
The other sparrow is the White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys), a close relative of the Harris’ Sparrow. The breeding plumage consisiting of black & white striped head with a gray throat in is distinctive. This photo is also on the HAS web site. The similar White-crowned Sparrow has a white throat as well as the B&W striped head.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/91825090
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/91825092
The Texas City dike area has become one of my favorite birding spots because it is the closest location to my house (20 minutes) that I can get to the coast. Also, the birds seem pretty tame as there are a lot of people around. I have shown several photos from there on previous bulletins.
This Common Loon (Gavia immer) is known as Great Northern Diver in Europe. He was on shore when I first saw him. I haven’t seen a loon on land previously.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/91825098
When I approached, he entered the water, but I was able to get some extreme close-ups form 20 feet away. The first photo was shown previously on the 2007 year in review. The second shows the clean white throat of the Common Loon. The Pacific Loon in comparison has a black ‘chin strap’.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/91825106
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/91825107
The Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) is an uncommon but regular winter visitor to the upper Texas Coast. There is a group of about 4-5 at the dike and I have photographed them several times recently. Several of these pictures are on the HAS web site in the bird gallery.
The male is distinctive with his iridescent green head with round white check spot. His body appears mostly white and of course a golden eye. However, out of the sun, the head appears black as in the third picture.
http://www.pbase.com/image/91825773
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/91825775
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/91825802
The female is has a brown head with the golden eye and grayish body. Her beak is black with a yellow tip, but a few have more extensively yellow. She also has white wing patches that are visible at rest on the water.
http://www.pbase.com/image/91826984
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/91826995
The juvenile plumage is similar to the female, but doesn’t have the white wing bars. This bird has a lot of yellow on the bill.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/91827004
Here are a male and female flying.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/91827007
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/91827009
The Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola) is North America’s smallest duck at 13” in length. The male has a mostly white body and large white patch at the back of his head. The female is brown with a horizontal white head stripe. I was lucky to catch this female within 50 feet from shore. She is a cute little duck that reminds me of the rubber ducks our children play with in the bathtub..
http://www.pbase.com/image/91827146
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/91827149
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/91827150
All comments and suggestions are welcomed and appreciated.
Happy birding and photography,
David McDonald
davidkmcd@comcast.net
photos copyright 2006-2008 David McDonald
Friendswood Texas
January 18, 2008
Bulletin #25 – winter birds Houston area #1
Hello friends,
Because of the problems of dropped images in the previous bulletins, I decided to get a Pbase web site to store the photos, and just put the links in with the text.
You can read the text and click on the images or just scroll through the images by using the previous/next buttons on the right upper side of the photo page.
Please let me know if you like this format.
I have made a few birding outings since Christmas and managed to find several good birds as well as get better photos of others.
On the Katy prairie west of Houston, there was reported a female Pyrrhuloxia (Cardinalis sinuatis). I saw this bird for the first time in the Rio Grande valley in October, but was unable get any photographs. This bird stays in the exact same spot and I found her readily and got a number of good pictures. It is a close cousin of the common Northern Cardinal, but differs in being basic gray, with a red crest and red periorbital area. The beak is yellow rather than orange in the N. Cardinal.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/91825044
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/91825046
Also in the same location, I got photos of 2 sparrows.
The first is Harris’s Sparrow (Zonotrichia querula). This was only my second sighting ever of this bird. This is a large sparrow with white breast, black bib and head, and pink bill making ID very easy for a sparrow. The first photo is on the Houston Audubon Society(HAS) web site.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/91825076
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/91825078
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/91825081
The other sparrow is the White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys), a close relative of the Harris’ Sparrow. The breeding plumage consisiting of black & white striped head with a gray throat in is distinctive. This photo is also on the HAS web site. The similar White-crowned Sparrow has a white throat as well as the B&W striped head.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/91825090
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/91825092
The Texas City dike area has become one of my favorite birding spots because it is the closest location to my house (20 minutes) that I can get to the coast. Also, the birds seem pretty tame as there are a lot of people around. I have shown several photos from there on previous bulletins.
This Common Loon (Gavia immer) is known as Great Northern Diver in Europe. He was on shore when I first saw him. I haven’t seen a loon on land previously.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/91825098
When I approached, he entered the water, but I was able to get some extreme close-ups form 20 feet away. The first photo was shown previously on the 2007 year in review. The second shows the clean white throat of the Common Loon. The Pacific Loon in comparison has a black ‘chin strap’.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/91825106
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/91825107
The Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) is an uncommon but regular winter visitor to the upper Texas Coast. There is a group of about 4-5 at the dike and I have photographed them several times recently. Several of these pictures are on the HAS web site in the bird gallery.
The male is distinctive with his iridescent green head with round white check spot. His body appears mostly white and of course a golden eye. However, out of the sun, the head appears black as in the third picture.
http://www.pbase.com/image/91825773
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/91825775
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/91825802
The female is has a brown head with the golden eye and grayish body. Her beak is black with a yellow tip, but a few have more extensively yellow. She also has white wing patches that are visible at rest on the water.
http://www.pbase.com/image/91826984
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/91826995
The juvenile plumage is similar to the female, but doesn’t have the white wing bars. This bird has a lot of yellow on the bill.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/91827004
Here are a male and female flying.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/91827007
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/91827009
The Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola) is North America’s smallest duck at 13” in length. The male has a mostly white body and large white patch at the back of his head. The female is brown with a horizontal white head stripe. I was lucky to catch this female within 50 feet from shore. She is a cute little duck that reminds me of the rubber ducks our children play with in the bathtub..
http://www.pbase.com/image/91827146
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/91827149
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/91827150
All comments and suggestions are welcomed and appreciated.
Happy birding and photography,
David McDonald
davidkmcd@comcast.net
photos copyright 2006-2008 David McDonald
Monday, December 31, 2007
Bulletin #24 - 2007 review of the year
David McDonald Photography
Friendswood Texas
December 31, 2007
Bulletin #24 – 2007 in review
Hello friends,
As 2007 winds down, I look back on the progress I have made in my photography this year. I am still a novice, having taken up this hobby only 2 years ago. However, with the internet resources available, I have learned a lot about nature photography, much faster than I could have ever learned on my own. Also, like any other endeavor – practice makes you better. I have taken thousands of pictures in 2 years and spent lots of time in the field.
I also want to express my thanks to all of you who choose to receive these bulletins. I try to capture the beauty in the natural world. I hope that you get some pleasure from the pictures and I also will try to educate by pointing out the features of the bird that allow for field identification.
There are several people who deserve special thanks.
First, the Alexanders and Amunys, whom I met at LaFitte’s Cove in Galveston, during spring migration. They asked if I would send them some of the bird photos I was taking that day. This was the beginning of the Bulletins idea. It has grown, so that now I have about 40 people across the USA, Canada and Ireland receiving them.
Jay and Bill are 2 other photographers. We met at Anahuac NWR one Saturday in the summer and spent the day shooting together and have swapped photos since. We have only managed to get together once since as we are all too busy with our day jobs. Thanks for your encouragement and critiques.
Special thanks to the superb guides I used this year who found lots of birds for me and were very patient, as I tried to get the right picture. I highly recommend them all.
· Rick Fournier in Monterey California. His email is RimBirding@aol.com
· Paul Bithorn in Miami, Florida. His email is pblifeisgood@hotmail.com
· Roy Rodriguez in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas. His email is rjrodz@aol.com
The person who has helped me the most is Susan Billetdeaux. Susan is the webmaster of the Houston Audubon Society web site. She has critiqued my photos for almost 2 years, since I began submitting them for possible inclusion in the HAS bird gallery. It is an honor to have more than 30 photos in the gallery and to be included in the company of excellent photographers such as Alan Murphy, Wayne Nicholas and Joe Kennedy.
For anyone who might be interested in what equipment I use, web sites for information etc, I have put together a 2 page sheet in MS Word that I would be happy to send along. Please email me if you would like it.
I have now seen 1293 world species of birds with 28 lifers in 2007, the best year since I went outside the USA in 1997. Of these, 11 I found myself and the other 17 were with the guides listed above. I have photos of 350+ species, almost double the number I had at the beginning of 2007.
So for a summary of 2007, I’ll present my 10 favorite bird photos, my best butterfly and dragonfly photos and a non-wildlife photo. Some of these have been in previous bulletins, and some are shown for the first time. But, they all are special to me.
There are 3 reasons a photo might be special for me. The first is that rare time when a photo may transcend the snapshot and become a work of art. As these are all shot in the field and not staged, it doesn’t happen often. Usually I only appreciate it when I see it on the replay in camera or on the computer. Here are 3 that come close to ‘birds as art’ as Arthur Morris describes.
The Wandering Tattler in non-breeding plumage is a handsome gray bird with yellow legs. But what makes the photo special for me, is dark blue Pacific Ocean background.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/109477898
The Vermilion Flycatcher is the most beautiful flycatcher in the ABA area. I photographed this male in the Rio Grande valley of Texas in October. This is a simple uncluttered photo with only 3 colors.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/109480376
The third is this Burrowing Owl who spent last winter near Galveston. He became quite tame and approachable as many birders went to see him. I caught him here after an all day rain. He was sitting up in the sun to try and dry out. The background complements his big yellow eyes.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/109487303
The second reason a photo is special for me is just a beautiful bird or a rare bird that I discovered and was just excited to find the bird. The next 5 photos are in this category.
This juvenile Buff-breasted Sandpiper was a life bird for me. I found him poking around the washed up kelp on Carmel River beach in California. What was unusual was that this bird is a rarity in California, but common in Texas. Yet I had never seen it in 17 years in Texas.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/109477217
Spring brings millions of songbirds through Texas on their way north to their breeding grounds. Many are very colorful – warblers, tanagers, orioles and finches. My favorite photo from this spring was this Indigo Bunting in a mulberry tree. He is as blue on the underside as on top!
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/109499850
Hummingbirds are a family of birds that I love. This fledgling Allen’s Hummingbird in California was still showing some downy feathers.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/109464298
This Buff-bellied Hummingbird is famous, as he is on the Houston Audubon Society web site.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/109483001
I was photographing some swallows perched on a low wire in Carmel, when the pair on Tree Swallows mated. This mating lasted only about 10 seconds, but because I was already on target, I captured the moment. I have never seen any other passerines mating before or since.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/109499851
The third reason a photograph is special is when the bird has allowed me to approach very closely. It is wonderful to gain the trust of a wild animal like this and to be allowed within its comfort zone.
I photographed this Common Loon (aka Great Northern Diver in Europe) 2 weeks ago at the Texas City dike. This large 32” bird was always a childhood favorite of mine growing up in Canada. Its haunting call at night can never be forgotten. Anyway, this bird was close to shore and allowed me to approach to within 20 feet. Thus the eye color and pupil was seen, as well as individual water droplets on his back. Normally, loons are seen at great distances of 40 – 50 yards or more.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/109499852
This Hermit Thrush was a winter resident of my yard last year. It was the first time I had seen this bird in Texas. He came to the bird bath every morning between 7:30 and 8:00 am. Then he would join the cardinals and doves on the ground under the feeders. I took many photos of him over several months, but this one had him right outside the kitchen window at eye level. I went outside and gradually moved to within 15 feet which is the closest I can use with the 500mm lens. He is also a famous HAS gallery bird.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/109499853
I started taking photos of butterflies and dragonflies when the birding slowed down during the summer months. This was a whole new challenge to capture these tiny creatures ‘on film’.
This is a Gulf Fritillary on a passion vine flower. Thanks to Chris LaChance for IDing the flower for me.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/109499855
The best dragonfly photo was the female Four-spotted Pennant. It was the only photo I got that showed all 3 pairs of legs holding onto the perch. It was a very windy day in Galveston when I took the photo.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/109476121
However, the photograph this year that I liked the best, and received the most comments from observers was my Carmel Cross. It is sunrise at Carmel River beach. When people exclaim ‘You took this?’ or ‘It sends chills up my spine!’, I know that I have created something special. It is also the photograph that I get asked the most for prints.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/109477909
I wish everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.
All comments and suggestions are welcomed and appreciated.
Happy Birding,
David McDonald
davidkmcd@comcast.net
photos copyright 2007 David McDonald
Friendswood Texas
December 31, 2007
Bulletin #24 – 2007 in review
Hello friends,
As 2007 winds down, I look back on the progress I have made in my photography this year. I am still a novice, having taken up this hobby only 2 years ago. However, with the internet resources available, I have learned a lot about nature photography, much faster than I could have ever learned on my own. Also, like any other endeavor – practice makes you better. I have taken thousands of pictures in 2 years and spent lots of time in the field.
I also want to express my thanks to all of you who choose to receive these bulletins. I try to capture the beauty in the natural world. I hope that you get some pleasure from the pictures and I also will try to educate by pointing out the features of the bird that allow for field identification.
There are several people who deserve special thanks.
First, the Alexanders and Amunys, whom I met at LaFitte’s Cove in Galveston, during spring migration. They asked if I would send them some of the bird photos I was taking that day. This was the beginning of the Bulletins idea. It has grown, so that now I have about 40 people across the USA, Canada and Ireland receiving them.
Jay and Bill are 2 other photographers. We met at Anahuac NWR one Saturday in the summer and spent the day shooting together and have swapped photos since. We have only managed to get together once since as we are all too busy with our day jobs. Thanks for your encouragement and critiques.
Special thanks to the superb guides I used this year who found lots of birds for me and were very patient, as I tried to get the right picture. I highly recommend them all.
· Rick Fournier in Monterey California. His email is RimBirding@aol.com
· Paul Bithorn in Miami, Florida. His email is pblifeisgood@hotmail.com
· Roy Rodriguez in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas. His email is rjrodz@aol.com
The person who has helped me the most is Susan Billetdeaux. Susan is the webmaster of the Houston Audubon Society web site. She has critiqued my photos for almost 2 years, since I began submitting them for possible inclusion in the HAS bird gallery. It is an honor to have more than 30 photos in the gallery and to be included in the company of excellent photographers such as Alan Murphy, Wayne Nicholas and Joe Kennedy.
For anyone who might be interested in what equipment I use, web sites for information etc, I have put together a 2 page sheet in MS Word that I would be happy to send along. Please email me if you would like it.
I have now seen 1293 world species of birds with 28 lifers in 2007, the best year since I went outside the USA in 1997. Of these, 11 I found myself and the other 17 were with the guides listed above. I have photos of 350+ species, almost double the number I had at the beginning of 2007.
So for a summary of 2007, I’ll present my 10 favorite bird photos, my best butterfly and dragonfly photos and a non-wildlife photo. Some of these have been in previous bulletins, and some are shown for the first time. But, they all are special to me.
There are 3 reasons a photo might be special for me. The first is that rare time when a photo may transcend the snapshot and become a work of art. As these are all shot in the field and not staged, it doesn’t happen often. Usually I only appreciate it when I see it on the replay in camera or on the computer. Here are 3 that come close to ‘birds as art’ as Arthur Morris describes.
The Wandering Tattler in non-breeding plumage is a handsome gray bird with yellow legs. But what makes the photo special for me, is dark blue Pacific Ocean background.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/109477898
The Vermilion Flycatcher is the most beautiful flycatcher in the ABA area. I photographed this male in the Rio Grande valley of Texas in October. This is a simple uncluttered photo with only 3 colors.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/109480376
The third is this Burrowing Owl who spent last winter near Galveston. He became quite tame and approachable as many birders went to see him. I caught him here after an all day rain. He was sitting up in the sun to try and dry out. The background complements his big yellow eyes.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/109487303
The second reason a photo is special for me is just a beautiful bird or a rare bird that I discovered and was just excited to find the bird. The next 5 photos are in this category.
This juvenile Buff-breasted Sandpiper was a life bird for me. I found him poking around the washed up kelp on Carmel River beach in California. What was unusual was that this bird is a rarity in California, but common in Texas. Yet I had never seen it in 17 years in Texas.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/109477217
Spring brings millions of songbirds through Texas on their way north to their breeding grounds. Many are very colorful – warblers, tanagers, orioles and finches. My favorite photo from this spring was this Indigo Bunting in a mulberry tree. He is as blue on the underside as on top!
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/109499850
Hummingbirds are a family of birds that I love. This fledgling Allen’s Hummingbird in California was still showing some downy feathers.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/109464298
This Buff-bellied Hummingbird is famous, as he is on the Houston Audubon Society web site.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/109483001
I was photographing some swallows perched on a low wire in Carmel, when the pair on Tree Swallows mated. This mating lasted only about 10 seconds, but because I was already on target, I captured the moment. I have never seen any other passerines mating before or since.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/109499851
The third reason a photograph is special is when the bird has allowed me to approach very closely. It is wonderful to gain the trust of a wild animal like this and to be allowed within its comfort zone.
I photographed this Common Loon (aka Great Northern Diver in Europe) 2 weeks ago at the Texas City dike. This large 32” bird was always a childhood favorite of mine growing up in Canada. Its haunting call at night can never be forgotten. Anyway, this bird was close to shore and allowed me to approach to within 20 feet. Thus the eye color and pupil was seen, as well as individual water droplets on his back. Normally, loons are seen at great distances of 40 – 50 yards or more.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/109499852
This Hermit Thrush was a winter resident of my yard last year. It was the first time I had seen this bird in Texas. He came to the bird bath every morning between 7:30 and 8:00 am. Then he would join the cardinals and doves on the ground under the feeders. I took many photos of him over several months, but this one had him right outside the kitchen window at eye level. I went outside and gradually moved to within 15 feet which is the closest I can use with the 500mm lens. He is also a famous HAS gallery bird.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/109499853
I started taking photos of butterflies and dragonflies when the birding slowed down during the summer months. This was a whole new challenge to capture these tiny creatures ‘on film’.
This is a Gulf Fritillary on a passion vine flower. Thanks to Chris LaChance for IDing the flower for me.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/109499855
The best dragonfly photo was the female Four-spotted Pennant. It was the only photo I got that showed all 3 pairs of legs holding onto the perch. It was a very windy day in Galveston when I took the photo.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/109476121
However, the photograph this year that I liked the best, and received the most comments from observers was my Carmel Cross. It is sunrise at Carmel River beach. When people exclaim ‘You took this?’ or ‘It sends chills up my spine!’, I know that I have created something special. It is also the photograph that I get asked the most for prints.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/109477909
I wish everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.
All comments and suggestions are welcomed and appreciated.
Happy Birding,
David McDonald
davidkmcd@comcast.net
photos copyright 2007 David McDonald
Monday, December 17, 2007
Bulletin #23 - Texas Hill Country #2
David McDonald Photography
Friendswood Texas
December 17, 2007
Bulletin #23 – Texas Hill Country - part 2
Hello friends,
I was in the Hill Country, west of Austin for a weekend in early November. I visited Pedernales Falls State Park on a Friday morning. They have a very nice bird blind. They put out multiple feeders of all types as well as food on logs etc to attract as wide an assortment of birds as possible. They also have a bird bath and water drip. In addition there was a very nice couple of volunteers who live in the park over the winter and restock the feeders twice a day. The volunteers know all the birds and are happy to help the visitors with ID problems, as well as anecdotes etc.
The sun was directly behind the feeders in the morning when I was there, so it was difficult to get photos except when the birds got into the shadows of trees etc. Otherwise the birds were all backlit. Next time, I would go in the afternoon and hopefully the light would be better.
Here is the Ladder-backed Woodpecker (Picoides scalaris).The male has the red crown, horizontal striped back and 2 narrow facial stripes.
http://www.pbase.com/image/10949976
The female is similar but without the red crown.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/10949977
The beautiful Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculates) was very shy. He would dart out from a brush pile to get some seed and then quickly return to the brush and out of sight. However, I eventually got a photo of him. This is the first time I have seen this bird outside California.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/109499772
Another member of the New World Sparrow family was the Lincoln’s Sparrow (Melanospiza lincolnii). He has a striped chest with caramel colored band across the chest. Here are 2 photos – on the ground and in the bird bath.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/109499773 click ‘next’ once
The only warbler that day was an Orange-crowned Warbler (Vermivora celata). This drab bird has almost no markings. There is a hint of an eyestripe, but no wing bars. It is gray to olive to a little yellow depending on subspecies. The most distinguishing feature is the slight streaking on the breast. It is another bird named for its field mark that is seldom seen. The volunteers stated that the orange crown is only visible when the bird is wet and the feathers on the head stand up a little. I have seen pictures in magazines that have demonstrated that feature, but I had never seen the orange crown. Fortunately with the bird bath, he eventually went in and played around in the water. In this case, the backlit sunlight actually was helpful, as the orange crown lit up from behind. The first photo shows the streaked breast and the second shows his orange crown.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/109499775 click ‘next’ once
Other birds seen that morning that I didn’t get good photos due to the lighting were Northern Cardinal, Common Ground Dove, Black-crested Titmouse, House Finch, Western Scrub-Jay and White-crowned Sparrow.
On the way out, I saw this butterfly. It is a Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta).
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/109499777
I spent about 2 hours at the blind and it was birdy and most enjoyable. Another time, I would try and go in the afternoon when hopefully the sun would be in a better location. So if any of you are photographers and plan on visiting this site, you might keep that advice in mind.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all.
All comments and suggestions are welcomed and appreciated.
Happy Birding,
David McDonald
davidkmcd@comcast.net
photos copyright 2007 David McDonald
Friendswood Texas
December 17, 2007
Bulletin #23 – Texas Hill Country - part 2
Hello friends,
I was in the Hill Country, west of Austin for a weekend in early November. I visited Pedernales Falls State Park on a Friday morning. They have a very nice bird blind. They put out multiple feeders of all types as well as food on logs etc to attract as wide an assortment of birds as possible. They also have a bird bath and water drip. In addition there was a very nice couple of volunteers who live in the park over the winter and restock the feeders twice a day. The volunteers know all the birds and are happy to help the visitors with ID problems, as well as anecdotes etc.
The sun was directly behind the feeders in the morning when I was there, so it was difficult to get photos except when the birds got into the shadows of trees etc. Otherwise the birds were all backlit. Next time, I would go in the afternoon and hopefully the light would be better.
Here is the Ladder-backed Woodpecker (Picoides scalaris).The male has the red crown, horizontal striped back and 2 narrow facial stripes.
http://www.pbase.com/image/10949976
The female is similar but without the red crown.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/10949977
The beautiful Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculates) was very shy. He would dart out from a brush pile to get some seed and then quickly return to the brush and out of sight. However, I eventually got a photo of him. This is the first time I have seen this bird outside California.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/109499772
Another member of the New World Sparrow family was the Lincoln’s Sparrow (Melanospiza lincolnii). He has a striped chest with caramel colored band across the chest. Here are 2 photos – on the ground and in the bird bath.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/109499773 click ‘next’ once
The only warbler that day was an Orange-crowned Warbler (Vermivora celata). This drab bird has almost no markings. There is a hint of an eyestripe, but no wing bars. It is gray to olive to a little yellow depending on subspecies. The most distinguishing feature is the slight streaking on the breast. It is another bird named for its field mark that is seldom seen. The volunteers stated that the orange crown is only visible when the bird is wet and the feathers on the head stand up a little. I have seen pictures in magazines that have demonstrated that feature, but I had never seen the orange crown. Fortunately with the bird bath, he eventually went in and played around in the water. In this case, the backlit sunlight actually was helpful, as the orange crown lit up from behind. The first photo shows the streaked breast and the second shows his orange crown.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/109499775 click ‘next’ once
Other birds seen that morning that I didn’t get good photos due to the lighting were Northern Cardinal, Common Ground Dove, Black-crested Titmouse, House Finch, Western Scrub-Jay and White-crowned Sparrow.
On the way out, I saw this butterfly. It is a Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta).
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/109499777
I spent about 2 hours at the blind and it was birdy and most enjoyable. Another time, I would try and go in the afternoon when hopefully the sun would be in a better location. So if any of you are photographers and plan on visiting this site, you might keep that advice in mind.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all.
All comments and suggestions are welcomed and appreciated.
Happy Birding,
David McDonald
davidkmcd@comcast.net
photos copyright 2007 David McDonald
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Bulletin #22 - Texas Hill Country #1
David McDonald Photography
Friendswood Texas
December 9, 2007
Bulletin #22 – Texas Hill Country - part 1
Hello friends,
I was in the Hill Country, west of Austin for a weekend in early November. I have birded there numerous times in the last 5 years and I never expect to see a new life bird, but this trip I did.
The only wren in the ABA area that I had not seen is the Canyon Wren (Catherpes mexicanus). I found the bird sitting on a low rock wall along a creek that I had birded at least 10 times previously. As these birds are non-migratory, I guess I just missed him all those other trips. The bird is 5.75” long with long bill, white throat and breast, chestnut belly, and spotted back. The sexes are similar coloration. To me, it is the prettiest of the wrens and so distinctive that when I saw him, I knew exactly what he was and started snapping photos.
http://www.pbase.com/image/109499406 click ‘next’ once
There are 9 species of wrens in the ABA area. The same morning I found the Canyon Wren, I saw 3 other wren species along the same 50 yard stretch of the creek. These photos were taken previously.
The next is Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludivicianus). This is the common wren in the southeastern USA. The bright eye stripe and rufous breast and belly are diagnostic.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/109499408
The Bewick’s Wren (Thryomanes bewickii) is more common in central USA. This photo was also taken in the Texas Hill Country. It also has a bright eye stripe, but gray underside.
http://www.pbase.com/image/109499410
And the 4th wren I saw there was the House Wren (Troglodytes aedon). This bird breeds in northern USA and Canada, but winters in Texas. It is drab brown with some barring on belly.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/109499411 click ‘next’ once
The day was hot for November (low 80’s). There were a number of birds bathing in pools along the creek. I captured this male Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) trying to cool off.
http://www.pbase.com/image/109499413
Driving along the back roads, you always come across some roadkill. And where there are dead animals, there are vultures. A pair of Black Vultures (Coragyps atratus) were sitting on power poles and stayed still while I unpacked my camera and set up to get these close-ups.
http://www.pbase.com/image/109499414 click ‘next’ once
Lastly, I saw this beautiful white and orange butterfly along the same creek as the wrens. I took the photo, and after buying a butterfly field guide, I was able to ID it as a Common Mestra (Mestra amymone). This Mexican species extends its range into south Texas.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/109499416
All comments and suggestions are welcomed and appreciated.
Happy Birding,
David McDonald
davidkmcd@comcast.net
photos copyright 2007 David McDonald
Notice – photos with name preceded with an asterisk (*) were updated for this blog and the text was edited accordingly
Friendswood Texas
December 9, 2007
Bulletin #22 – Texas Hill Country - part 1
Hello friends,
I was in the Hill Country, west of Austin for a weekend in early November. I have birded there numerous times in the last 5 years and I never expect to see a new life bird, but this trip I did.
The only wren in the ABA area that I had not seen is the Canyon Wren (Catherpes mexicanus). I found the bird sitting on a low rock wall along a creek that I had birded at least 10 times previously. As these birds are non-migratory, I guess I just missed him all those other trips. The bird is 5.75” long with long bill, white throat and breast, chestnut belly, and spotted back. The sexes are similar coloration. To me, it is the prettiest of the wrens and so distinctive that when I saw him, I knew exactly what he was and started snapping photos.
http://www.pbase.com/image/109499406 click ‘next’ once
There are 9 species of wrens in the ABA area. The same morning I found the Canyon Wren, I saw 3 other wren species along the same 50 yard stretch of the creek. These photos were taken previously.
The next is Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludivicianus). This is the common wren in the southeastern USA. The bright eye stripe and rufous breast and belly are diagnostic.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/109499408
The Bewick’s Wren (Thryomanes bewickii) is more common in central USA. This photo was also taken in the Texas Hill Country. It also has a bright eye stripe, but gray underside.
http://www.pbase.com/image/109499410
And the 4th wren I saw there was the House Wren (Troglodytes aedon). This bird breeds in northern USA and Canada, but winters in Texas. It is drab brown with some barring on belly.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/109499411 click ‘next’ once
The day was hot for November (low 80’s). There were a number of birds bathing in pools along the creek. I captured this male Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) trying to cool off.
http://www.pbase.com/image/109499413
Driving along the back roads, you always come across some roadkill. And where there are dead animals, there are vultures. A pair of Black Vultures (Coragyps atratus) were sitting on power poles and stayed still while I unpacked my camera and set up to get these close-ups.
http://www.pbase.com/image/109499414 click ‘next’ once
Lastly, I saw this beautiful white and orange butterfly along the same creek as the wrens. I took the photo, and after buying a butterfly field guide, I was able to ID it as a Common Mestra (Mestra amymone). This Mexican species extends its range into south Texas.
http://www.pbase.com/davidmcd/image/109499416
All comments and suggestions are welcomed and appreciated.
Happy Birding,
David McDonald
davidkmcd@comcast.net
photos copyright 2007 David McDonald
Notice – photos with name preceded with an asterisk (*) were updated for this blog and the text was edited accordingly
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