As Winter Lingers On

Hunting Northern Harrier

 

While officially it is spring winter conditions with cold nights and occasionally snow continue.  A pair of Norther Harriers have been hunting the meadows surrounding my home the last few days.  This shot was taken from our home's rear deck.

Starlings

 

Large flocks of starlings are frequently seen now flying in unison from one feeding spot to another.  Here you can see the remnants of yesterday's snow storm lying on the distant mountain side.

Red Fox exhibiting symptoms of Sarcoptic Mange

 

Recently I have observed a red fox hunting in the meadow behind my home.  The fox seems to prefer hunting in the warm sunshine.  From the poor condition of the fox's coat I would expect that it is having problems staying warm. 

Wildlife Photography: A Thrilling and Satisfying Endeavor

Male Pintail

For me wildlife photography is filled with thrills and the sense of accomplishment.  The pintail is a species that I have never photographed in my home area.  So to find a few of them scattered among the thousands of Canada Geese and Mallards at Blackwater NWR was a thrill in and of itself.  Adding a few good photographs of the stately birds to my portfolio gave me a considerable feeling of satisfaction of a job well done.

Mallard Flushing

While Mallards are common throughout our area, capturing the fast paced action as they spring almost vertically into flight is great fun.  In this instance the Mallards were flushing singly and in pairs as they flew from the marsh to the nearby fields to feed.

Female Northern Harrier

And it's always a thrill aiming the camera at a fast flying raptor.  Northern Harriers hunt by flying low over swamps and grassy meadows.  With their owl shaped face to concentrate sound, they use their acute hearing to assist in locating prey. 

Great Blue Heron

And as common as they are, photographing a Great Blue Heron as it stands as still as a statute is always a pleasure.  This heron waiting for its next meal to swim by may be using the pilings as a way to concentrate prey.

All creatures from tiny insects to the largest of beast can provide the wildlife photographer with thrills; capturing the creatures in beautiful photographs, that's where the satisfaction comes in.