On the Reservoir today were all kinds of cool birds seeking shelter from the gale. Highlights were these Pied-Billed Grebes,
Hooded Mergansers,
Ruddy Ducks,
Buffleheads,
and last but not least, Lesser Scaup!
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Winter Waterbirds
Getting some great looks at waterbirds around the City. Normally there are Canvasback around Harlem Piers, but instead I found this Common Golden-eye.
On the Reservoir today were all kinds of cool birds seeking shelter from the gale. Highlights were these Pied-Billed Grebes,
Hooded Mergansers,
Ruddy Ducks,
Buffleheads,
and last but not least, Lesser Scaup!
On the Reservoir today were all kinds of cool birds seeking shelter from the gale. Highlights were these Pied-Billed Grebes,
Hooded Mergansers,
Ruddy Ducks,
Buffleheads,
and last but not least, Lesser Scaup!
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Croton Point Park
A brisk day up at Croton. The birds were plentiful but mostly at a distance although there were some flyovers. The most important sighting was a Golden Eagle being harassed by a redtailed hawk.
Plenty of Common Mergansers.
I had a total of 5 bald eagles, including one landing in a tree above me.
Didnt see or hear any owls, but I did find these two huge pellets.
I did speak to a woman who had seen the GHO's recently as well as a barred owl.
Plenty of Common Mergansers.
I had a total of 5 bald eagles, including one landing in a tree above me.
Didnt see or hear any owls, but I did find these two huge pellets.
I did speak to a woman who had seen the GHO's recently as well as a barred owl.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
If You Love It Let It Go: 2013
Releasing 2 Saw-whets up in Inwood Hill Park.
Much thanks to WINORR for their tireless dedication in helping our feathered and furry friends. If you would like to contribute to their efforts, check out their Facebook page to get in contact.
Much thanks to WINORR for their tireless dedication in helping our feathered and furry friends. If you would like to contribute to their efforts, check out their Facebook page to get in contact.
Friday, January 18, 2013
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Inwood Hill
Great weather for getting out and about. I started in the Meer and was able to relocate the NSWO although spotting him is now almost an impossible task.
I think its because this guy is constantly on the prowl in the same area.
We then tried our luck up at Inwood Hill Park. On a day like today, with winds out of the NW, I expected to see a Bald Eagle perhaps. No such luck. After combing the many stands of pines, I did happen to find another NSWO!
No direct shots of him, but just seeing that beautiful tear-drop shape nestled in the pine needles made the trip. On the way out we spotted two adult RTH's in a tree having a meal.
Oddly enough, there was a guy there with a hexacopter drone, apparently taking pictures of the hawks.
Luckily the hawks didnt seem to be bothered by this device although I didnt watch long enough to see if that had changed.
On the way back to the train there was a huge murmuration of starlings at the Broadway Bridge and this guy looking to pluck one from the flock.
I think its because this guy is constantly on the prowl in the same area.
We then tried our luck up at Inwood Hill Park. On a day like today, with winds out of the NW, I expected to see a Bald Eagle perhaps. No such luck. After combing the many stands of pines, I did happen to find another NSWO!
No direct shots of him, but just seeing that beautiful tear-drop shape nestled in the pine needles made the trip. On the way out we spotted two adult RTH's in a tree having a meal.
Oddly enough, there was a guy there with a hexacopter drone, apparently taking pictures of the hawks.
Luckily the hawks didnt seem to be bothered by this device although I didnt watch long enough to see if that had changed.
On the way back to the train there was a huge murmuration of starlings at the Broadway Bridge and this guy looking to pluck one from the flock.
Sunday, January 06, 2013
North Wood Saw Whet
There has been owls sign all throughout the North Woods in recent weeks. Following a hunch, I combed the Park until I came upon a familiar scene.
Looking closer I realized there were several pellets amongst the droppings. I scooped a couple up.
Using the Rob Jett reverse doo-doo triangulation method, I eventually came upon a lump in the tree.
Yes! A beautiful saw-whet was dozing overhead.
I ran home and got my camera can made it back for flyout. Here it is after nightfall in the streetlights glow.
Accidental flash pic here. For the record, I do not condone the use of flash when taking pictures of owls. Also if you look at the pic, while clearer than the ambient light shot, it has absolutely no character.
In fact if you really look, it seems as if the owl was pissed at me. Sorry Bro!
Here's him preening. See how much more natural without the obstrusive flash?
But so much more technically challenging to shoot at .5 sec exposure while hand holding, especially if you are cold!
Fly out was very interesting. Basically a large raccoon scaled up the tree and went towards the owl. I could barely discern it flying off into the dark.
Looking closer I realized there were several pellets amongst the droppings. I scooped a couple up.
Using the Rob Jett reverse doo-doo triangulation method, I eventually came upon a lump in the tree.
Yes! A beautiful saw-whet was dozing overhead.
I ran home and got my camera can made it back for flyout. Here it is after nightfall in the streetlights glow.
Accidental flash pic here. For the record, I do not condone the use of flash when taking pictures of owls. Also if you look at the pic, while clearer than the ambient light shot, it has absolutely no character.
In fact if you really look, it seems as if the owl was pissed at me. Sorry Bro!
Here's him preening. See how much more natural without the obstrusive flash?
But so much more technically challenging to shoot at .5 sec exposure while hand holding, especially if you are cold!
Fly out was very interesting. Basically a large raccoon scaled up the tree and went towards the owl. I could barely discern it flying off into the dark.
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