Cedar Waxwing: York County Maine, USA, August 2024 — Cedar Waxwings are, in my opinion, one of our most beautiful birds here in Maine. I don’t see them often. They come in quickly as a small flock to cherry pick (and I do realize that might be taken as a pun) the ripe fruit from any tree or bush, and then, just as quickly they are gone…off to another tree or bush with fruit ready…maybe a mile away. I was in the right place at the right time yesterday when half a dozen Cedar Waxwings raided a couple of bushes either side of the trail I was standing on. They are super active and fast, and their ultra-fine plumage and crayon bright wax wing and tail tips, as well as the large black eye in the black mask, make them beautiful, but also difficult to photograph well. They make an excellent test for any camera and lens combo. The Sony a6700 and Tamron 50-400 Di iii VC VXD zoom pass with flying colors. The camera rarely missed focus even when the birds would not sit still, and I am really pleased with the way the feather detail and colors are rendered. Sharp, but still realistic. Program mode with my bird and wildlife modifications. Processed in Photomator.

Wild Turkeys: York County, Maine, USA, July 2024 — before I forget. Walking down a trail through the marsh along the river I looked up to see this small flock of hens and poults ahead of me, confined by the brush on either side, but in no hurry. They eventually reached an opening at the end of a small footbridge and wandered off into the marsh. Still taking their time. Sony a6700 with the Tamron 50-400 Di iii VC VXD zoom at 600mm equivalent. Program mode with my bird and wildlife modifications. Animal/bird recognition auto focus. Processed in Photomator.