Harlequin ducks inhabit Prince William sound in large numbers, often in flocks exceeding a hundred birds. Since the Exxon Oil spill of 1989, studies have sought to determine the long term damage of oil contaminants to this species. They are know to return to the same feeding grounds each year, thus increasing their risk should…
If you are a bird, the condition of your feathers means everything. And so the process of preening is a continual one. It is also at this stage that a bird can ingest oil and other contaminants that may adhere to their feathers in polluted waters. This Surfbird (Aphriza virgata), was one of thousands along…
I’ve spent the last two weeks photographing in the Prince William Sound region with a primary focus on the birds migrating through the area at this time of year. Eight days were spent on the MV Discovery, owned by Dean Rand of Discovery Voyages. I met Dean while working on the Exxon Valdez Oil spill…
Raven in the mist, Denali National Park, Alaska. Canon 1Ds Mark III, 500mm f4L IS, 1/640 sec @ f/4, ISO 400 While waiting on a hilltop in Denali Park, I watched and waited as fog moved through the boreal forest shortly after sunrise. The angle of light was still low enough for good shadows. After…
Sandhill Cranes take flight on a thunderstorm weather front, Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge, Fairbanks, Alaska. Canon 1Ds Mark III, 500mm f4L IS, 1/640 sec @ f/5.0, ISO 400 Saturday night in Fairbanks (8PM) a dark and ominous cloud formed in the skies behind Creamer’s field. I was watching the Sandhill cranes gathered in groups…
Horned Lark, Denali National Park, Alaska.Canon 1Ds Mark III, 500mm f4L w/2x converter, 1/200 sec. @ f/8, ISO 400 Horned larks are ground nesting birds that move quickly about the tundra collecting insects for their young. While hopefully waiting for the clouds to clear over Denali, I entertained myself photographing a pair of Horned larks…
Male Harlequin duck resting on rocks, headwaters of the Gulkana river, interior, Alaska.Canon 1Ds Mark III, 500mm f4L w/1.4x, 1/2 sec @f45, ISO 100 Harlequin duck males are colorful birds with distinct markings. They favor fast moving water for feeding and can often be found resting on rocks along stream shores. They are attentive birds…
American Dipper fishing underwater – not quite sharp This is a story of attempt, not of success; of progress but not achievement–as I would prefer. On a previous blog I showed a few pictures of an aquatic passerine called the American Dipper, a very fascinating bird that hunts for bugs, grubs and fish underwater. I…
American Dipper hunts for small insects in fast moving water. Canon 1Ds Mark III, 500mm f4L IS w/1.4x (700mm) 1/400 sec @ f8, ISO 400 Closeup crop almost reveals the eye of the bird. The American Dipper is an aquatic passerine. What is that? For those who don’t know, the order of Passeriformes are more…
Today while taking a break from processing photos taken months ago, I glanced out the office window and saw this Willow Ptarmigan feeding on the grasses sticking through the snow. The office is situated on a south facing slope surrounded by a boreal forest, with plenty of habitat protection for birds and animals. I decided…