Common Yellowthroat: Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve at Laudholm Farms, Wells, Maine, USA, June 2026 — I found this Common Yellowthroat at the edge of the forest at Laudholm Farms, keeping company with a much more scarce Chestnut-sided Warbler. Since both were in the same area a week ago, it is likely that both are nesting there. The Yellowthroat was much more cooperative and gave me a couple of good views. Sony a6700. Sigma 16-300 Contemporary at about 600mm equivalent field of view. Program with bird and wildlife modifications. Processed in Photomator.

Sub-adult Bonaparte’s Gull: Kennebunk, Maine, USA, June 2026 — While photographing our nesting Least Terns in light, this bird passed over relatively low. I knew it was not a Tern when I photographed it, but I had to look it up while processing the photos. It appears to be a sub-adult, perhaps first summer, Bonaparte’s Gull. A portion of the sub-adults are known to linger behind the adults the first year—and not make it to the Arctic breeding grounds—hanging out along the Atlantic coast and in the Gulf of Maine all summer. Sony a6700. Sigma 16-300 Contemporary at about 600mm equivalent field of view (cropped). Program with flight and action modifications. Processed in Photomator.

Least Tern: Kennebunk, Maine, USA, June 2026 — There must be at least 25 pairs of Maine Endangered Least Terns actively nesting or preparing to nest on our local beach right now. They are actively feeding along the water line for Sand Lance and flying them back to prospective mates. I caught this one low against the backdrop of forest on the far side of the river. They are elegant (and fast) flyers and it is always fun to relearn to catch them in the air—and I do have to relearn it every year. I really like to catch them with the Sand Lance. Sony a6700. Sigma 16-300 Contemporary at 450mm equivalent field of view (cropped to maybe 800mm). Program with my flight and action modifications. Processed in Photomator.

Least Terns: Kennebunk, Maine, USA, May 2026 — It is the season when male Least Terns dangle Sand Lances in front of prospective mates to increase their chances. Mostly I see frustrated males—with females scuttling away from them and their smelly fish. It must work at least occasionally since there are birds on eggs already. 🙂 Sony a6700. Sigma 16-300 Contemporary at about 1000mm equivalent field of view (cropped and super-sized). Program with birds and wildlife modifications. Processed in Photomator.