Black-headed Trogon: Caño Negro Wetlands Reserve, Costa Rica, December 2023 — I saw more different species of Trogons on this trip than I have ever seen in Costa Rica on any other trip…which is particularly special because I saw no lowland Trogons on my December 23 trip at all. This is two different birds…I think, or at least two different bird encounters along the same stretch of water at Caño Negro as we motored along. Front and back view. I have to admire the subtle shades and tones of the back view. Sony a6700. Tamron 50-400 at 600mm equivalent. Program mode with my birds and wildlife modifications. Processed in Photomator.
Sandhill Crane: Orlando Wetlands Park. Christmas, Florida, USA, January 2025 — Florida Sandhill Cranes, as I have observed in the past, seem like a totally different bird than western Sandhills. Florida Sandhills have no fear of man. If you stand still, they will walk right up to you, paying you not the least attention. Western Sandhills are off and away at any close approach, and by close I mean 30 yards. These two Florida specimens wandered into the parking lot at Orlando Wetlands and calmly fed along the back edge with cars in the lot and people milling about. Sony a6700. Tamron 50-400 at 600mm equivalent. Program mode with my bird and wildlife modifications. Processed in Photomator.