Chipper
Chipmunk: Kennebunk Bridle Path, Kennebunk, Maine, USA, July 7/25 — While out looking for forest fungi, this little chipper ran along a log straight toward me. I thought he was coming over to say hi, but once he actually saw me he scurried down a hole at the base of a tree between the root. He did not stay down for long. Love his fat cheeks. Sony a6700. Tamron 50-400 at 600mm equivalent. Program with my birds and wildlife modifications. Processed in Photomator and TouchRetouch (to remove the obtrusive stalk that crossed his face).
Fishing the hard way
Great Egret: Kennebunk Bridle Path, Kennebunk, Maine, USA, July 2025 — The Snowy and Great Egrets are finally arriving at the mouths of our rivers, in the marshes, and on the beaches. I thought they might not come this year, strange after the unusually high numbers the past two years. But I see hope now. 🙂 Sony a6700. Tamron 50-400 at 600mm equivalent. Program mode with my bird and wildlife modifications. Processed in Photomator and assembled in FrameMagic.
Maine Cedar
Cedar Waxwing: Kennebunk, Maine, USA, July 2025 — I posted a Cedar Waxwing from Maryland recently and was delighted to find this one as I rode my trike along a local road here in Southern Maine yesterday. I am pretty sure this is also a young bird, from this summer’s brood, just coming into full adult plumage. Note the limited red on the wing tips, and the general roughness of the plumage. It was also a solitary bird, and you generally see Cedar Waxwings it small flocks. Sony a6700. Tamron 50-400 @ 600mm (from the seat of my trike). Program with my birds and wildlife modifications. Processed in Photomator.
Great Blue
Great Blue Heron: St. Anthony’s Monastery, Kennebunk, Maine, USA, July 2025: The friars at St. Anthony’s Franciscan Monastery maintain a pond between two arms of the river, which is frequented by herons, ducks, geese, kingfishers and dragonflies…not to mention deer coming for a drink. This hunting heron was very intent on its next meal. Sony a6700. Tamron 50-400 at 600mm equivalent. Program mode with my birds and wildlife modifications. Processed in Photomator.
Sika
Sika Deer, Dorchester County, Maryland, July 2025 — The eastern shore in Maryland is now home to a large population of the marsh-dwelling Sika deer. They are originally from Japan but were introduced in Maryland in the early 1900s, and have thrived. Though there was some concern about competition for resources with the native White-tail, it turns out that they prefer different habitats and can coexist just fine. This is a female. Sony a6700. Tamron 50-400 at 600mm equivalent. Program mode with my bird and wildlife modifications. Processed in Photomator.
Down the hatch
Cedar Waxwing: Woolford, Maryland, July 2025 — My brother has a black cherry tree outside his trailer that attracts all kinds of birds. This appears to be a young Cedar Waxwing…it is a Cedar Waxwing for sure…I am guessing that it is young because of the roughness of the normally very smooth feathering, and maybe a hint of remaining gape. My nephew spotted first and then we had to wait for a clear shot. Sony a6700. Tamron 50-400 at 600mm equivalent. Program mode with my birds and wildlife modifications. Processed in Photomator.
Pretty boy!
Red-winged Blackbird: Blackwater NWR, Maryland, USA, July 2025 — I took another swing through the refuge on my way from my AirBnB to my brother Rick’s. Not much happening on a hot July morning, but the Red-wings were showing off. Sony a6700. Tamron 50-400 at 600mm equivalent. Program mode with my birds and wildlife modifications. Processed in Photomator.
Red Head
Red-headed Woodpecker: Blackwater NWR, Maryland, USA, July 2025 — Living in Maine, I do not get to see this bird much, but they are common here in Maryland. This one was with a flock of Red-winged Blackbirds working the edge of the wildlife drive or insects and seeds. Sony a6700. Tamron 50-400 at 600mm equivalent. Program with my birds and wildlife modifications. Processed in Photomator.
Needham’s Skimmer
Needham’s Skimmer: I am not sure I have seen a full adult Needham’s Skimmer before…or at least the ones they have here on the Chesapeake Shore in Maryland are much redder than any I have seen it the past. Sony a6700. Tamron 50-400 at 600mm equivalent. Program mode with my insect modifications. Processed in Photomator.
Great Blue
Great Blue Heron: Steven’s Gift, Cambridge, Maryland, USA — Coming back to my AirBnB in the early evening, I found this patient heron waiting in the pond by the long drive in from the road. Great light and a very healthy bird make this one of my most satisfying heron shots to date. Sony a6700. Tamron 50-400 at 292mm equivalent. Program with my birds and wildlife modifications. Processed in Photomator.