Northern Parula: York County, Maine, USA, May 2024 — I went out to fill the feeders one last time before my trip to Ohio and the Biggest Week in American Birding, just as it started to rain, as it turns out. Not well planned that. But as I was out under the pines at the edge of yard, what should pop in but a Northern Parula. It took me a moment to work out what it was. I think it is maybe only the 2nd Northern Parula I have seen in Maine, certainly the first I have seen in many years, though I know they come through here and nest further north, and, of course, I see lots of them in Ohio, and will probably see lots next week. It worked its way up the berry brambles, picking leaf buds, probably for the insects inside, until it was only 3 feet from me. Of course I did not have a camera with me, not even my phone. I finished up what I was doing and went inside to get my camera, knowing full well that it would not be there when I got back…but I was gifted with the same bird in the same bushes, or, more likely a second bird following the same migration path as the other, and making use of the same resources. Such a treat! And good practice for next week. OM System OM-1Mkii with M.Zuiko 100-400IS zoom at 800mm equivalent. Program mode with my custom bird modifications. Processed in Photomator. (I am posting this tonight as I will be in the air tomorrow when I would normally post. 🙂
Piping Plover: York County, Maine, USA, May 2024 — It is Piping Plover season again on southern Maine beaches, and I remind you (and myself) again to give them their space. Usual disclaimers here. I was further away than it looks from the photo and well outside the roped off nesting area. I do not approach the birds. Sometime they approach me, but when they do I do not move. Just another stump on the beach, me (although a stump with a camera). Occasionally they stretch. 🙂 OM System OM-1Mkii with M.Zuiko 100-400IS zoom at 800mm equivalent. Program mode with my custom bird modifications. Processed in Photomator.
Limpkin and Glossy Ibis: Orlando Wetlands Park, Christmas, Florida, USA, January 2024 — The Limpkin one of the birds folks go to Orlando Wetlands to see. A strange bird with a very specialized diet of snails (primarily the Apple Snail where it has not been forced out by invasive species…but fortunately the Limpkin does not turn its nose up at the invasive snails either). They are solitary birds. Its chance companion here is a Glossy Ibis, busy preening. OM System OM-1 with M.Zuiko 100-400IS zoom at 454mm equivalent. Program mode with my custom bird modifications. Processed in Photomator.